Disneyland Maine: Reborn

[DisneyManOne]

I have been recently been inspired by the work @MANEATINGWREATH has done with his "Mirror Disneyland", so much so that it's inspired me to go back and revisit my own dream resort, Disneyland Maine. Now, the last time I did this was back in summer of 2018, and I kinda fell off whilst I was getting through Disney's Hollywoodland. As I said in one of my recent replies to the Mirror Disneyland thread, I mainly wanted to use that park as an excuse to maintain his Halloween Town and Pixar Place ideas, both of which I greatly admired. But then, I thought that the idea of a studio park is really getting old, so my enthusiasm just kinda fizzled out. But, as stated before, Mirror Disneyland has provided me with that jolt of inspiration to return and update my biggest dream among all my Armchair Imagineering projects. So, if you're ready, let us begin!

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There is a place where where amazing things happen just to put a smile on the face of a child...

Where skies sparkle in moments of wonder that get to live forever as your memories...

A place where brothers and sisters actually get along, and families get to experience that rare delight of simply being family...

There is a place where magic lives...

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Introduction​

If you’ve ever had a dream, and had that dream come true, then you probably know a little something about the magic of Walt Disney World. Walter Elias Disney was many things: an animator, an entertainer, a family man, a pioneer in movies, television and in the modern-day theme park. But above all else, Walt was the very definition of inspiration. Time after time, this man has inspired people to follow their dreams and shoot for the stars, no matter what the circumstances. To this day, thousands of people continue to be inspired by the legacy of Walt, particularly the legacy he left that is Disneyland.

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Perhaps the most audacious experiment in a career filled with audacious experiments, Walt Disney built this "happy place" in the hopes that it would create a whole new form of family entertainment. "Disneyland really began," Walt said, "when my two daughters were very young. Saturday was always 'Daddy's Day', and I would take them to the merry-go-round and sit on a bench eating peanuts while they rode. And sitting there, alone, I felt that there should be something built, some kind of a family park where parents and children could have fun together."

And on July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates to the world, and welcomed its people into a place like any other amusement park. Disneyland was never meant to be just another "county fair" or traditional amusement park. Instead, guests found themselves immersed into a land of three-dimensional fantasy. It was - and remains - a place where the world of today was left in favor of yesterday and tomorrow, fantasy and adventure. Since then, Walt’s Disneyland has grown into an entire family of parks and resorts worldwide. Following in Disneyland's footsteps were Walt Disney World in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and now the newest addition to the Disney Parks family: Disneyland Maine. What was once an 180 acre orange grove in Anaheim, California has become the "Happiest Legacy on Earth".

Inspired by the WestCOT concept that was touted for a Disneyland Resort expansion in the early 1990s, Disneyland Maine is the ultimate Disney experience. Everything is well within walking distance of each other, and every last inch of the place is crawling with magic. I invite you to come along with me as we explore every inch and every detail of this wonderful realm of my imagination--not just the theme parks, but the surrounding areas and resorts. Four distinct areas set about one mighty lagoon. So sit back, relax, and let your imagination run wild.

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Imagine, my friends... We have been driving for what seems like an eternity, on a quest to reach the newest member of the Disney Parks family. Our field of vision is filled with nothing but trees and the road ahead. But then, as if by some great miracle, we see it before us, gradually getting closer and closer...the main entrance! A glorious entrance gate, painted gold. Atop the gate is a glorious depiction of Maine's mountains, painted in deep shades of blue and white. Before these mountains is a golden castle and the words "Disneyland Maine". This entrance gate also doubles as the toll booth for the immense parking lot. There are four different lanes you can go through to pay the toll, and each lane is marked on the gate by a different group photo. Lane 1 has Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto; Lane 2 has Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore; Lane 3 has Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Ariel; and Lane 4 has Woody, Buzz and Jessie.

Once past the entrance gate/toll booth, you find yourself in the immense parking lot, which makes up the bulk of the eastern quadrant of the Disneyland Maine Resort, the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC). The parking lot is about the same size as that of the Magic Kingdom's parking lot in Florida, and is divided into two distinct lots: the Mickey & Friends Lot and the Seven Dwarfs Lot. Each lot has its seven sections to it. The Mickey & Friends Lot has sections named after Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and Chip 'n' Dale; and the Seven Dwarfs Lot has, of course, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey. Both lots also contain parking garages for peak seasons, thus adding more room in a relatively small space. Now, there are two methods of getting to the main meat of the resort. We can either walk from the parking lot, or you could take an Electric Tram, the latest in green transportation methods.

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Opting to walk, we head towards the Main Gate, a beautiful brick building that serves as our portal into Disneyland Maine. It's a beautiful design of brick and marble, and a stained-glass window sits atop its tallest tower. Flanking the Main Gate on either side are the Ticket Centers, a place where you can purchase tickets and Annual Passes. Also, this Main Gate is reminiscent of the purpose of the Disneyland Railroad station; a curtain that shields guests' eyes from the wonder just waiting behind it. Indeed, you can't see a single point of Disneyland Maine Resort until you step through that gate. Honoring Maine's grand natural tradition, the gate is flanked by massive pine trees, blocking out any tell-tale trace of what lies within.

And what, exactly, lies within? I'm glad you asked...

Disney Square

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Once on the other side of the Main Gate, we find ourselves in Disney Square, the heart of the Disneyland Maine Resort. Here in Disney Square, we are able to get to any place without any hassle. Sweeping, orchestral renditions of classic Disney songs fill the air, most of them coming from the excellent Disney's Orchestra Collection series. Lush gardens, fountains and trees set an inspired threshold to this magic land. Beyond it, a living showplace of beauty and magic filled with the accomplishments, joys and hopes of the world.

Though hills, trees and flowers line the entrance way towards the center of Disney Square, our excitement builds because poking through that foliage, we can see the icons of the two parks of the resort. On the right, we can see the soaring gold-topped spires of Snow White Castle, emblem of Disneyland Park. And on the left, the silver geodesic sphere that is Spaceship Earth, emblem of EPCOT II. Once past those hills, we emerge in the center of Disney Square. Before us is Seven Seas Lagoon, a 100-acre lake in the dead center of the resort. Standing before this mighty lagoon, a bronze statue of Sorcerer Mickey conducts the colored waters of the Fantasia Fountain, an ornate “compass” of sorts. With its marching broomsticks and jumping fountains, the four cardinal points of the Fantasia Fountain direct us toward the resort’s varied points of interest. To the north, Disneyland Park. To the south, EPCOT II. To the west, the Buena Vista Marketplace and the Disneyland Hotel District, which consists of three different resorts: the "deluxe" Disneyland Hotel, the "moderate" Disney's Grand Northern Hotel & Spa and the "value" Disney's Art of Animation Hotel. And to the east, the Transportation and Ticket Center.

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Above our heads, we can see the Disneyland Monorail criss-cross. The Disneyland Monorail provides a simple, sophisticated method for transportation throughout the resort. This elevated highway, once thought to be that of science-fiction, can accommodate all guests, sans the few who wish to explore by foot. It makes stops at all the major locations in the resort. The Monorail passes right along the edges of Fantasy Lagoon, and like its Floridian counterpart, does a loop around the center of EPCOT II and makes its Disneyland stop outside the park entrance. However, this particular stop also serves the Disneyland Hotel, as it is built right within the resort. Surrounding Seven Seas Lagoon are a vast myriad of walking trails and man-made forests. The waters of Seven Seas Lagoon turn into two distinct rivers. The River of Time flows towards EPCOT II and becomes part of the waterways there, whilst the River of Imagination swims towards Buena Vista Marketplace, where it emerges as a small lake in the middle of the place.

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Where better to begin our adventures inside this incredible new resort than with its "crown jewel"...

Disneyland Park


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If there's one thing that Disneyland prides itself over, it's the fact that everything is a form of storytelling. We, the audience, will physically experience one adventure after another, seldom as spectators, but almost always as "participants" in the drama. In contrast to the county fair or carnival known the world over, Disneyland is a seamless, thematic epic. The harmonic blend of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy act in compliment of the wild animals, alien creatures, and storybook castles beyond the front gate.

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Once through the ornate turnstiles, we glimpse the sight of a a turn-of-the-century train station, fronted by a beautiful flower bed, complete with a floral depiction of Mickey Mouse's smiling face right in the middle. Suddenly, we hear the familiar call of a steam whistle. A beautiful steam engine chuffs its way along the track, halting with a hiss. The beauty and grandeur of steam travel is captured in the romance and excitement of the Disneyland Railroad, a grand-circle tour of this new Magic Kingdom.

From aboard the Disneyland Railroad, we view the many sights and sounds along the rails, giving us a sneak peek at the eight cardinal realms of Disneyland:

Main Street, U.S.A.
"Here is America at the turn-of-the-century, looking towards the promise of a future full of promise, discovery and liberty. For those of us who remember the carefree time it recreates, Main Street will bring back happy memories. For younger visitors, it is an adventure in turning back the calendar to the days of grandfather's youth."

Adventureland
"Here is adventure. Here is romance. Here is mystery. Tropical rivers - silently flowing into the unknown. Windswept tales of danger on the Seven Seas… Temples containing both treasure and curse... The unbelievable splendor of exotic flowers… The eerie sound of the jungle - with eyes that are always watching… This is Adventureland."

Frontierland
"Here is the story of our country's past. The Wild West is reborn in this cinematic portrayal of the American Frontier. The mythos of Pecos Bill and Davy Crockett establish the colorful drama and adventure of the Old West in the exciting days of the covered wagon and the stage coach. Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America."

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
"Here is the planet of Batuu, located in a galaxy far, far away. In a land torn asunder by an intergalactic war between the heroic Resistance and the loathsome First Order, imagination and adventure are waiting in every corner. Among the unique buildings and peculiar characters of this long-forgotten spaceport, the potential of the future of the Jedi rests within the hands of those who wish to learn of the Force's great power."

Fantasyland
"Here is the world of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment the age of chivalry, magic and make-believe are reborn and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, to those who believe that when you wish upon a star your dreams do come true."

Hollywoodland
"Here is a rose-colored look back at Hollywood in its Golden Age. Hollywoodland celebrates the epicenter of movie-making not as a place, but as a state of mind. Here, in a world where illusion and reality are fused together by technological magic, anyone can be the next big thing. Above all else, Hollywoodland well and truly is 'the Hollywood that never was...and always will be.'"

Discoveryland
"Here is a seamless combination of fantasy, history, magic, and science fiction, a lasting tribute and testament to the age of inventors, dreamers, and philosophers. This is a land where reaching for the stars isn't just encouraged, but required. This is a realm that the likes of Jules Verne or H.G. Wells would like to call home; where time travel and journeys to the center of the Earth happen every day. This is purely and wholly a realm of discovery."

Tomorrowland
"Here is the future that ‘never was’ - or could be. The past, present and future coexist among the kinetic towers, soaring spacecraft, and alien creatures of this galactic starport. Tomorrowland celebrates man’s quest through time to realize his fondest hopes and dreams for the future. Here, imagination gives birth to innovation. Here, 'what man can conceive, man can achieve.'"​

All the things we see are pointed out to us by a heard-but-not-seen old-timer, who fully embodies the traveling vagabond "everywhere-I-hang-my-hat-is-home" spirit. With station stops in Frontierland and Discoveryland, we catch the many sights and sounds along the rails - an ancient jungle, a metropolis of the future, a burning settler's cabin on the American Frontier. Although the train takes us past wonders we'll see once we get inside the park, there are two places we can only visit by taking the train. Once we pull out of Discoveryland, the unkempt underside of Tomorrowland transitions into the dangerous rim of the Grand Canyon.

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A glimpse at one of the world’s longest dioramas, the Grand Canyon provides a panoramic recreation of the flora and fauna of Arizona’s Great Abyss. To the sweeping strains of Ferde Grofé's "Grand Canyon Suite," curious wildlife examine our train in hesitant caution. A freak thunderstorm illuminates the promise of a vibrant rainbow, while a proud flock of mountain goats look on. But of course, it wasn’t always this way…

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This is the world that once was; a world that trembles beneath giant feet. Strange and hulking creatures, that we have since come to know as the dinosaurs, thrive among the dense jungles and deserts. The Brontosaurus graze amidst the stagnant waters. A pair of Triceratops watch as their young hatch. Amid a volcanic background, a Tyrannosaurus rex corners a Stegosaurus, poised to close-in on its smaller foe. This is the dramatic stage that sets the fantastic Primeval World, a kingdom lost to time itself.

Excitement mounting, we pass underneath the train station through one of two tunnels located on either side of the flower bed. A plaque above each tunnel bears the inspired phrase “Here You Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy.” An iconic attribute to any Magic Kingdom, posters line the tunnel walls, offering a taste of the coming attractions and adventures.

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Well, that was exciting, wasn't it? Stay tuned, because in the next post, we'll step foot onto Main Street, U.S.A., and our Disneyland adventure will truly begin!

Once again, I'd like to point out that the reason why I included Discoveryland is because I've always found it a bit weird that Fantasyland gets two entrances from the Hub (one through the castle and one to the side), so I figured I'd include Discoveryland to make sure each land gets its own entrance from the Hub (with the exceptions of Galaxy's Edge and Hollywoodland, which are located outside the park's berm).

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Since Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened last week would the attraction be at Hollywoodland or in a different park?

 

[Suchomimus]

I don't if I've ever asked this, but why do you always start all over again from scratch instead of continuing where you left off?

 

[DisneyManOne]

Since Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened last week would the attraction be at Hollywoodland or in a different park?

In my ideas, Runaway Railway and The Great Movie Ride will be able to coexist in perfect harmony. How? I shall explain when the time is right.

I don't if I've ever asked this, but why do you always start all over again from scratch instead of continuing where you left off?

As I said earlier, I kind of got tired with the whole Disney's Hollywoodland thing, so I wanted to start anew. Besides, over the course of time, some of my ideas have shifted a bit, so I feel that by starting over, I'll be able to keep all my new ideas in line without having to constantly go back to the old posts and edit them to include the new ideas. Plus, to me, it really shows the evolution of how my ideas have shifted over the years. I've been on the forums for five years now, and you won't believe how many threads I've done detailing what I'd do to improve Walt Disney World.

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Main Street, U.S.A.

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What was America like at the turn-of-the-century? Perhaps it was something like this recreation of everyone’s hometown. The sights and sounds of fun nostalgia are everywhere...and I do mean everywhere. There’s a friendly greeting at the old City Hall. The measured pace of the horse-drawn streetcar as it trots up and down the street. And then there’s the hiss of live steam as a vintage locomotive pulls into Main Street Station. Dozens of happy guests walk up and down the street, chatting happily, or not-so-happily, amongst themselves as they pop in-and-out of the various shops and restaurants nestled along the sides of the pavement. Main Street is the essence of hometown America at the dawn of the twentieth-century. The scent of freshly baked cakes and candies and the twinkling pin lights outlining the gingerbread trim of the colorful buildings evoke a small-town atmosphere. Rows of specialty shops carry a colorful variety of old-time merchandise. At night, the thoroughfare glows in the flickering light of gas-lit streetlamps and seemingly thousands of miniature electric lightbulbs strung amongst the sides of the buildings. Main Street, U.S.A., is engaging proof that the best of yesterday can still be found today.

Time seems to soften amid the orchestral rhythm of ragtime and the clopping of horse hooves. As the stress of contemporary life gives way to the quaint charms of yesteryear, we find ourselves in a little town at the turn-of-the-century. Main Street, U.S.A. is a sparkling thoroughfare presented in the style and architecture of a street not unlike what you'd find in the history books of the early 1900s, taking inspiration from not only Walt's boyhood home of Marceline, Missouri, but also taking influences from around the country, such as New England and the Midwest. All around us is the color and excitement of a town at the start of a bold new century, at a time when electricity, transport and communication are about to change everything we know about the way we live our lives.

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Our time on Main Street, U.S.A. begins in Town Square, the civic hub of transportation and gathering. In the center of Town Square is Elias Park. Well-kept lawns and vibrant planters surround a tall flagpole, from which the Stars and Stripes proudly wave. At the base of this flagpole, a bronze plaque reads Disneyland's dedication, delivered on July 17th, 2030, 75 years to the day when the original Disneyland first opened:

“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. This is your land. Today, the spirit of Walt Disney's dream of a place where parents and children can have fun together continue into the hope and aspiration for Disneyland Maine. In this enchanted realm of yesterday and tomorrow, fantasy and adventure, we relive the nostalgia and innocence of a childhood dream. Disneyland Maine is dedicated in honor of the young and the young-at-heart, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
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In Town Square, we can board an old-fashioned Fire Engine, Horseless Carriage, Omnibus, or Horse-Drawn Trolley, all of which are collectively known as the Main Street Vehicles, for a one-way trip to the center of Disneyland via Main Street, U.S.A. To choose a mode of transportation, each vehicle has a designated stopping zone marked by a decorative sign. City Hall is the home of Guest Relations. Friendly cast members are always on hand to answer questions, provide touring tips, make reservations and assist visitors with special needs. To the left of City Hall, you'll find the Town Square Lockers, neighbored closely by the Baby Care Center (marked by a wooden sign featuring Mr. Stork carrying baby Dumbo) and First Aid Station. To further set the Disney standard of excellence in customer service, self-service, coin-operated storage lockers are available for rent, complete with built-in electrical outlets, although portable, reusable chargers are available for purchase at an adjacent kiosk. And to the right of City Hall, the Disneyland Fire Station provides a glimpse at a period facility of the sort, housing a real fire engine.

Sat beneath the cool shade of tall pines, aptly placed benches provide ample seating for the ongoing entertainment throughout the day. The world-famous Dapper Dans often perform in Town Square to welcome us as we enter the park. Their four-part harmonic repertoire includes barbershop ballads as well as many memorable tunes from the world of Disney. A band concert in the park was a common civic diversion of small town American life at the turn-of-the-century. The Disneyland Philharmonic hearkens back to that time with their daily concerts in Town Square. The iconic program includes energetic musicians, synchronized marches, popular songs of the early twentieth century, and beloved songs of the Disney canon. Of course, no Town Square would be complete without an appearance or two from the world famous Disney Characters. Throughout the day, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m., Mickey & Pals are there, eager to welcome guests to a day of fun and excitement here at Disneyland Park! Like the various Main Streets of the real world, Main Street, U.S.A. is populated with "real", believable people. The so called Citizens of Main Street walk the street in stride, a living snapshot of the optimism, humor and pride of the American Dream. Among the many Citizens, the ever-friendly Mayor is always ready with a smile and a joke; the local Fire Chief and Police Chief are always looking out for danger (although in Disneyland, the only dangerous thing is someone not having fun); and a Suffragette frequently marches the streets, rallying people to support the cause.

A Disneyland tradition is the Flag Retreat Ceremony held every evening, just before sundown, at the base of the Town Square flagpole. The moving yet understated ceremony serves as a reminder to us all that Walt Disney himself wanted Disneyland to honor, in his words, "the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America". A War Memorial stands in tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the American military, though the soldier depicted is that of a soldier in the Continental Army, the army that helped to give this nation its independence.

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The historic Main Street Opera House presides over the block located to the east of Elias Park. Inside, a number of scale models, statuettes and artwork hearken to the man behind the mouse, a prelude to the showcase of Just One Dream: The Walt Disney Story. Utilizing video clips, rare footage, archived illustrations and stirring music, Just One Dream skillfully weaves them all together in a fitting tribute to the life and accomplishments of one Walter Elias Disney. The show even ends with a powerful montage of some of the more famous movies to come from Walt's lifetime, all set to the strains of "Just One Dream", a song that used to underscore the film Golden Dreams at Disney California Adventure.

When the show is over, there are two directions you can go. You could go through the exit hallway and find yourself in Walt's Hobbies, a tribute to the childlike qualities of Walt Disney. This old-fashioned toy store sells model trains, doll house accessories, and other fine miniatures, combined with photos and memorabilia pertaining to Walt and his interests. But, within this exit hallway is a spiral staircase leading up to the second floor of the Opera House. There, a private collection of portraits, paintings, caricatures and sculptures, The Disney Gallery serves as a showcase for the artwork of Walt Disney Imagineering and Animation. Artifacts - rare, acquired, or otherwise - from decades of magic are displayed, such as the always impressive Toy Story Zoetrope. Of course, you can also access the Disney Gallery through a staircase from the Opera House's lobby/display area.

From Town Square, we head down Main Street itself, a charming collection of storefronts and restaurants leading up to the park's Hub. Just like all the other Main Streets before it, the ground floor buildings are built on a 9/10 scale, with the second and third stories progressively smaller - forced perspective at work. Amidst the patriotic bunting, swaying trees and musical stylings of Scott Joplin and George Gershwin, we embark on a nostalgic stroll down Main Street. Here we experience the simpler pleasures of small town America as it were in the turn-of-the-century.

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As with every other Main Street in the Disney pantheon, we begin with the lavish Emporium, the largest mercantile in the park. Owned and operated by Osium "Osh" Popham (the character Burl Ives played in the lesser-known Disney musical "Summer Magic"), this superstore evokes the charm and elegance of a turn-of-the-century department store, with stained-glass decor, gas chandeliers and sweeping rotundas in presentation of the goods and wares of a childhood dream. The clanging of cash registers matches the measured pace of the passing Main Street Vehicles. Countless clothing racks and near-infinite rows of display cases line the tiled floor. Per tradition, storefront windows display vignettes from Disney’s animated classics. However, in the case of Disneyland Maine's Emporium, Disney has teamed up with Thomas Kinkade Studios to bring some of the works of the late artist to life like never before. The elaborate 2D worlds Kinkade has created have been turned into 3D dioramas, with simple movement and simple effects. There are six different displays: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

Familiar-looking dolls are displayed in the storefront windows at Davis, Crump, Gibson & Blair -- Toymakers to the World, a shop named after the five people responsible for giving us the iconic look of "it's a small world": Marc and Alice Davis, Rolly Crump, Blaine Gibson and Mary Blair. Toymakers to the World, which takes up a fraction of the Emporium complex, we find an offering of turn-of-the-century toys, as well as contemporary books, music, toys and stuffed animals. Oh, and speaking of Davis, Crump, Gibson & Blair, one might notice that the ornate window advertisements above the attractions, stores and restaurants of Main Street, U.S.A. add a nice, thematic touch to the "small-town" environment. However, these windows are in fact presented in honor of Disney’s Cast Members and Imagineers who have left an indelible mark in the park’s history and the history of Disney parks as a whole. Moving on with the shops, Baby Mine carries toys and clothing for the youngest of park visitors. Disney Clothiers, Ltd. completes the sprawling complex, the largest Disney wardrobe in town. A seamstress is always on hand to make repairs and special souvenirs from scratch.

Iwerks, Inc. sits opposite the Emporium, the place to go to stock up on film, cameras, and such. Aged photographs and paintings even show Main Street, U.S.A. in its early days. House of Magic acts as Main Street's leading purveyor of fine magic, tricks, gags and novelties; and master magicians are often seen performing sleight-of-hands and other tricks for passers-by. The Curious Curio Cabinet, marked by the famous Cigar Store Indian, is a colorful selection in antique clocks, vintage cabinets, period toys and other treasures of the past. The Penny Arcade has a number of restored arcade games: two-player basketball, mechanical fortune tellers, pinball machines, photo booths and nickelodeons. Speaking of nickelodeons, why don't we pop over to the Penny Arcade's next-door neighbor, the Main Street Cinema. Beneath a vibrant, lightbulb illuminated marquee, make your way inside an elegant Victorian-inspired brick building that recalls the great motion picture houses of yesteryear. Inside the theater, you can enjoy some classic Disney shorts that play on a never-ending loop, such as Steamboat Willie, Plane Crazy and Flowers and Trees.

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The soft glow of gas-lit streetlamps mark Center Street, the dead-center of Main Street, U.S.A. Here, the streets are wide open and merchants take use of the beautiful weather to sell wares outside. Along the western side of Center Street, the good folks at Green Thumb Florists have set up shop on the streets, with their beautiful plants and flowers on full display. Market House harkens back to a turn-of-the-century restaurant, down to the finest detail. Found along the western stretch of Center Street, Market House offers fruits, vegetables, sweet treats, and some good old-fashioned comfort food. Crystal Arts, found on the eastern stretch of Center Street, sells exclusive Disney statuettes, glass miniatures, crystal castles, snow globes, dishware, music boxes, ornaments, and stylized silverware. Here, a talented glassblower creates hand blown souvenirs in full view of patrons, an attraction all its own. This side of Center Street is also home to the Harmony Barber Shop, the place to go if your hair needs a little trimming. It's also quite the popular place to go for "baby's first haircut". Founded by the Dapper Dans themselves, they'll often pop by to serenade those awaiting, or getting, a haircut of their own.

Moving on from Center Street, to the west, the colored shelves, chocolate fountains and Welte Orchestrion of the Candy Palace add another nostalgic note. Freshly baked treats, caramel apples, gargantuan candy bars, chocolate rabbits and more decadent delicacies line the shelves of this confectionery dreamworld. Front and center, a large replica of Cinderella Castle (in reference to Walt Disney World) is displayed, built entirely from gingerbread. Sherman Music Co. is unique in its display of phonographs, radios, grand pianos, and brass horns. This shop displays a surplus of music-themed wares. CDs--and even old records--can be found here, as an old phonograph plays some classic music from the turn-of-the-century, mixed in with the occasional Disney tune here and there. The music of a restored, antique player piano carries into The Chapeau, a haberdasher's paradise of hats and headgear, most notably the famous "mouse ear" hats, as designed by famous artist Roy Williams and first worn by the Mousketeers of The Mickey Mouse Club. On the edge of the northwestern side of Main Street, overlooking the Hub, is Casey's, a tribute to the golden age of baseball. In this candy-striped place, classic baseball-themed shorts play as servers serve up classic ballpark fare: hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, you name it. Casey's extends into an outdoor eating garden, where guests can enjoy their food under candy-striped umbrellas. A ragtime piano player is often on hand, playing the latest rags and ragtime arrangements of classic Americana and Disney songs.

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Heading forward from the eastern side of Center Street, our attention is pulled towards Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, a year-round store where it is quite literally Christmas… 365 days a year! The scent of pine and gingerbread fill the air as we take in the fun sights and nostalgia of a turn-of-the-century Christmas. Even so, storefront window displays depict scenes from such holiday favorites as Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Donald’s Snow Fight and Santa’s Workshop. Come December, this is the place to go if you want to meet Santa Claus himself. Tying in with this frigid theme, the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor takes up residence next door. In this old-fashioned eatery, ice cream is the name of the game. Specialty sundaes, ice cream sodas, root beer floats and triple scoop cones abound. Gibson Girl is also home to the biggest ice-cream creation in Disneyland Maine -- the "Kitchen Sink". It's so big, that I would say it's got everything but the kitchen sink...but that's what they serve the thing in! In addition, this ice cream parlor is also home to a replica of the famous "Glass Elephant" at the Disneyland Paris Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. Ticking clocks and the clanging of cash registers welcome us to the peculiar Fortuosity Shop. Designed in the Queen Anne style, this lavish boutique sells watches, clocks, jewelry, scarves, purses and accessories, all in subtle reference to The Happiest Millionaire. The Main Street Bakery overlooks the hustle and bustle of Main Street, U.S.A. from the comfort of tall barstools, rocking chairs and a shaded front porch. What's on the menu here? Well, this is the in-park home of Starbucks Coffee, and in addition to that, the bakery offers a charming selection of dining options and bakery items.

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And there we have Main Street, U.S.A., first area of Disneyland Park! Now, since the next post is a little on the short side, expect that one to drop in later today. Why is it so short? Because in the next post, we'll explore Central Plaza, the center of all the Disneyland action. See ya then!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Central Plaza

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Like every other Disneyland before it, Main Street, U.S.A. leads into the heart of the park: Central Plaza, also known as "The Hub". Shooting out from here like the cardinal points of a compass are paths leading to the other seven magical realms of Disneyland: Adventureland, Frontierland, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Fantasyland, Hollywoodland, Discoveryland and Tomorrowland*.

* Since they are located outside the park's berm, Galaxy's Edge and Hollywoodland are not accessible through Central Plaza. One has to travel through Frontierland and Fantasyland, respectively, to get to those lands.​

The popular tunes from the expansive Disney songbook provide an orchestral backdrop for the color and excitement of the Plaza. Lush fountains, a calm river, colorful gardens, spacious lawns, and shaped topiaries provide a quaint atmosphere. And with no shortage in picnic tables, benches or shaded trees, the Central Plaza is an ideal place to relax and take in the scenery. Much like Town Square, Central Plaza is reputable for its collection of snack vendors and colorful kiosks. The Plaza Popcorn Wagon is the first in several popcorn wagons found throughout Disneyland, noted for its butter-flavored popping corn. In a direct lift from Tokyo Disneyland, each popcorn wagon found throughout the park sells its own unique flavor, from honey-flavored in Fantasyland to cheddar bacon-flavored in Frontierland.

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Timeless River surrounds the Plaza in its entirety, traversed only by the elegant Plaza Swan Boats. Perhaps the most beautiful, serene and relaxed attraction in the park, these graceful, hand-carved vessels take passengers past the entrances of each land, offering a unique but spectacular view of the various spectacle and landmarks just waiting to be seen. Each boat finds its pilot in an informed skipper, educated with knowledge in regard to the resort’s past, present and future. The Main Street Vehicles make stops here, right nearby Snow White Castle.

Much like the Hub of the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Central Plaza is more of a Central Island with the inclusion of Timeless River. The Plaza is kept separate from each land by a unique bridge, each designed and themed to their land of origin. For example, the bridge from Main Street, U.S.A. is built of brick and is adorned with small gas-lit streetlamps, while the Fantasyland bridge is built entirely from medieval stone and mortar, with snarling gargoyles keeping watch.

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Standing proudly in the dead-center of Central Plaza, Partners is a storied tribute to Walt and his most treasured creation, Mickey Mouse. Walt and Mickey, hand-in-hand, look down Main Street, U.S.A., a timeless capture of a "man and his mouse". A plaque at the base of the sculpture reads: "I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place - a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it." - Walt Disney

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The lavish Crystal Palace overlooks the western half of Central Plaza, nestled quietly between Casey's and the entrance to Adventureland. Inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, the Crystal Palace brims with light, topiaries and tropical palms, not forgetting a collection of crystal-chandeliers and whirring ceiling fans. The Crystal Palace offers elegant buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's only at breakfast that you can enjoy "Minnie & Friends - A Buffet with Character". Every morning, Minnie Mouse hosts an all-you-can-eat gathering for a wide variety of Disney friends. In fact, one thing that brings guests back to this buffet time after time is the fact that you never know who's gonna show up! You may some across faces like Chip, Dale, Max, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rafiki, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Fairy Godmother, Snow White or Mary Poppins. Essentially, the only character that is guaranteed to be found no matter what is Minnie herself!

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The Crystal Palace also hosts performances at the Palace Stage. Located just across the way from the Crystal Palace, along the banks of Timeless River, the Palace Stage hosts live musical performances. By day, your ears may be entertained by the sounds of the Disneyland Philharmonic, or the Dapper Dans, or musicians from beyond the park (i.e. local high schools, volunteer organizations). But when night falls upon Disneyland, the Disneyland Swingers come out to play. The Disneyland Swingers are exactly what the name implies: a swing band. It is here where couples of any age or size can swing dance the night away under the stars, naturally held before and after the fireworks.

On the other side of Central Plaza, just in-between the Main Street Bakery and the entrance to Tomorrowland, is Walt's. Drenched in dazzling décor, this two-story Victorian manor offers the finest in upscale American fare. Within the fanciful estate, silk draperies, ornate floral carpets, crystal chandeliers, silk woven draperies, beveled mirrors, polished brass fixtures and tufted velvet furnishings compose a lavish sight for the senses, all within five rooms with decor based around one of the original five lands of Disneyland in California. Live musicians often accompany a luxuriant dinner by candlelight, often intertwined with a hint of romance. But if you were to ask me, the crown jewel of the restaurant is the Disneyland Maine location of Club 33. Here, lucky guests can mix and mingle and partake in a full bar, premium drinks, snacks and desserts, as well as a five-star-quality dinner come sundown. What's more, Club 33 is set in a majestic rotunda with large windows looking out to Central Plaza, offering amazing views of Snow White Castle and the nightly fireworks, making this club even more special.

At the farthest edge of Central Plaza, two distinct areas flank the mighty Snow White Castle, with pathways leading straight into its mighty walls. First of all, on the right-hand side of the castle, you'll find Snow White Grotto. The white, marble figurines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs replicate an anonymous gift given to Walt Disney in 1961. From within a handsome wishing well, one might hear the faint voice of Snow White wishing for the one she loves. If you toss in a coin to make a wish, you may end up helping someone else's wish come true, because every night after the park closes, all the coins tossed into the well throughout the day are collected and donated to charities all around the world. Of course, this is the place to go if you want to meet Snow White herself. She makes appearances here throughout the day, often accompanied by Prince Florian and Dopey. On the other side of the castle, you'll find Fantasy Gardens. Over 100 species of shrubs, flowers and trees fill the fantastical gardens, where vignettes depict a "Jolly Holiday" with Mary Poppins, a celebration among the Three Little Pigs, Alice falling down the Rabbit Hole, and a True-Life Adventure on the African Savanna.

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Have you ever wanted to join your favorite Disney characters in some of their most memorable moments? Well, with Disney's Dream Celebration Parade, you can finally become part of the story. In this joyous afternoon procession, you're invited to party under the sea with Ariel, join the Mad Hatter for a tea party, roam the jungle with Simba, and share a waltz with Cinderella, as their worlds and more are brought to life. Set to the tune of "Just Like We Dreamed It", which previously underscored Disneyland Paris' Once Upon a Dream Parade, you'll be able to join in the fun as the magic of dreams-coming-true is spread across the park!

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As night falls, we line up at the curb once more for the illumination, mystery and illusion of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Since the original Main Street Electrical Parade debuted in 1972, the world famous concept has since entertained audiences the world over. In this all-electric pageant of magic and imagination, over a half a million twinkling lights enthrall the senses in a "Baroque Hoedown" of vivid dreams and spectacular music. The park's Parade Route leads through Discoveryland, makes a semi-circle through the Central Plaza, heads down Main Street and exits the park in-between the Opera House and Iwerks, Inc.

Presented as an eternal tribute to the stories that made Disneyland possible, Disney Dreams: Experience the Magic celebrates the nostalgia and magic of a child’s imagination in an unforgettable street-to-sky spectacular. The heart, humor and heroism of many a timeless tale are captured amid state-of-the-art projections, brilliant lasers and awe-inspiring pyrotechnics. This fantastic celebration is the ultimate "happily ever after" to a day at Disneyland, showcased through moments from such tales as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Peter Pan, Toy Story, and The Jungle Book.

Here in Central Plaza, the stage is set before Snow White Castle, a focus for the wonder that is Disneyland Park...

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Snow White Castle is a fairy tale made real, a fanciful icon with its roots engraved in pure fantasy, an everlasting symbol of peace, friendship and the power of imagination. Snow White Castle can easily be described as having the size and scope of Shanghai Disneyland's Enchanted Storybook Castle and the awe-inspiring design of Disneyland Paris' La Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, although inspiration also comes from the immortal artwork of Gustaf Tenggren. Hues of pink, blue and gold illuminate and reflect in the sunlight, a tasteful complement to the spiraling-turrets and vertical orientation. A magnificent stained-glass window reflects upon the surrounding landscape. The lush, rolling hills and muddy shores of Fantasy Gardens and Snow White Grotto help to make Snow White Castle even more picturesque.

Staring before this majestic sight, one thing is clear: Our time at Disneyland Park has just begun, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of great adventures and stories just waiting for us to discover!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Be prepared, you guys: this is a very, very long post.

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Adventureland

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Primeval, exotic and mysterious, Adventureland is a wonderland of both fact and fantasy. In this timeless realm of exploration and discovery, we leave the everyday world far behind, for here the atmosphere is filled with the sights and sounds typical of an isolated trading post on some hidden jungle waterway. Our senses are stirred by the sights of lush jungle foliage, the harrowing sounds of not-too-distant wild animals, and the aromas of tropical blossoms.

We answer the call to adventure via a rickety-old footbridge lined with decor reminiscent of pulp adventure films of the 30's and 40's; Polynesian masks and tikis, African shields and spears, primitive arrowheads, and...human skulls impaled on spikes... The giant thatched-sign welcoming us to the land glows eerily at night as bamboo torches illuminate the surrounding darkness. In the intense foliage below, unseen creatures snarl and screech, the Plaza Swan Boats drifting by in blatant caution of their surroundings. An old fisherman sits peacefully upon the river in his well-worn fishing boat, just "dead tired." His sun-bleached bones eternally clutch a fishing rod still cast out into the water. Nearby, a partially-collapsed dock boasts the muddy footprints of some jungle cat. It is on this dock that OB-CPO, a biplane belonging to one Jock Lindsey, has landed. Our adventure is about to unfold...

Stepping into Adventureland is like stepping into the reels of Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Jungle Book. The luscious and untamed landscape of the surrounding jungle hints at exploration and adventure... Rugged, weather-worn architecture of no specific origin protrude among the treetops, their occupants being the few brave merchants and settlers who dared to explore such an untamed region... Seldom ancient ruins decay among the plantlife, nearby excavation tools scattered nearby. This is truly a romanticized vision of an exotic world that never was, seemingly forgotten by time and pop culture. This sub-area of Adventureland is known as the Forgotten Kingdom.

Long ago, the Forgotten Kingdom was nothing but thick jungles, where the only notable manmade creation was the mighty Temple of the Four Winds. Legend has it that the temple was erected as a lasting prison to contain the lethal power of the Four Winds, four brothers with unlimited control of the elements: North, over the ice and snow, South, over the fire and magma, West, over the ocean and river, East over the sand and earth. One day, the Four Winds engaged in an argument over who was the strongest. To prove his might, North froze the jungle over in a devastating blizzard. South, not wanting to be upstaged by his younger brother North, set the frosty jungle ablaze in an eternal wildfire. West, not wanting to be upstaged by his older brothers, doused the inferno with a torrential downpour, submerging the jungle in a devastating flood. East, being the youngest of the brothers, began to cry. He simply wished for the attention of his three older brothers. In doing so, his tears of sand created a devastating sandstorm that absorbed the floodwaters and created a terrible drought. The natives of the Forgotten Kingdom knew that these unstable spirits needed to be stopped, so, in an act of fear, they constructed a large temple to imprison and hold the Winds. Legends remain that, upon their release, the world would fall into a catastrophic apocalypse at their hands...

It seems that the temple would have been lost to time, but then, in 1930, notable archaeologist Dr. Henry Jones, better known as Indiana Jones, stopped at the island for supplies and discovered the fabled temple deep within the jungle. Unfortunately, Indy had also brought along his good friend Sallah, who decided to capitalize upon the popular mythology of the temple to fund the excavation. Much to Indy's dismay, Sallah opened the temple to tours from random visitors, such as you and I, with promises of potentially catching a glimpse of the Four Winds themselves. Soon enough tourists began flooding into the place, turning the desolate jungle into a luxurious tropical resort--the "Paradise Kingdom", as it came to be called. Tourists spent millions upon millions foolishly exploring the temple in search of treasures the likes of which no man had never known. With this success came a whole slew of hopeful entrepreneurs and shysters, ready to make quick money off the tourists. From all corners of the world they came, setting up their own restaurants, tacky gift shops and tourist traps, each one branding the style of their home turf. One notable visitor to the Paradise Kingdom was the wealthy sea captain Ambrose Gracey, who was so enthralled by the legend of the Four Winds and the spirit of adventure that he decided to permanently set down roots in the jungle, creating an elaborate mansion in the style of the grand manors of the American South from whence he hailed just south of town. Another hopeful entrepreneur was Dr. Albert Falls, the man who famously discovered Schweitzer Falls. He opened up the Jungle Navigation Co. to transport visitors into the jungles where they'd pay witness to a wonderland of nature's own design for just a small fee. All was well until 1934 when Indy mysteriously disappeared into the depths of the temple and perhaps even worse, Captain Gracey suddenly died. Locals believed the misfortune to be the work of ancient spirits and fearing the worse, tourists and residents alike fled from the jungle, slowly turning the town into the "Forgotten Kingdom", as it came to be called.

Now, a hazy mist rains down from the trees as we enter the rundown colony, where tangled wires and excavation lamps illuminate the muddy streets and steamy swamps, flickering and fading in sync with a churning power generator in the heart of town. Crackling phonographs and old radios churn out big band rhythms of the ‘30s and ‘40s. Tattered canvas awnings, collapsed ruins and rusted excavation equipment establish a theme among the symphonic chatter of exotic birds, mischievous monkeys and the rhythmic pulse of distant tribal drums. Lush waterfalls, gurgling streams and lazy bayous flow into cattail-laced bogs, where giant leeches and hungry crocodiles undoubtedly lie in wait... Above the towering treetops, a crumbling, age-old temple looms before the haunting sunset, flamingos silently soaring past. Welcome to the Forgotten Kingdom, circa 1935.

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Amidst architecture reminiscent of the colonies of French-Polynesia, British-Colonial India and the Caribbean, we first come across the entrance to Tropical Imports, a vibrant merchant’s stall of fresh fruits, refreshing beverages and the elusive Dole Whip. It seems only fitting that Tropical Imports serve as a neighbor to the vibrant gardens of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. In these lush gardens, statues of the Tiki gods--Maui, Koro, Tangaroa-Ru, Hina, Pele, Ngendi, Rongo, and the big tree, Tangaroa--stand out among the palms and vibrant flowers. At certain intervals, these statues come to life accompanied by special effects. Inside the Tiki Room itself, you'll be treated to a "tropical serenade" featuring the singing of some 225 tropical birds, flowers and tiki gods. The macaw hosts of our show--José, Michael, Fritz, and Pierre--have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests into their special "world of joyous songs and wondrous miracles." But beware--the Tiki gods are angered by the sounds of celebration. If you're not careful, you may find that out the hard way! The Paradise Aviary serves as a companion piece to the Enchanted Tiki Room, a luscious trip through tropical woods with encounters with real-life tropical birds and flowers. Typhoon Saloon, found across the way from the Enchanted Tiki Room, recalls the storm responsible for the foundation of Paradise Springs just five years prior. The decorative jaws of a great white shark prelude an entire collection of barracuda, piranha, and hammerhead shark fossils amid rusted anchors, barnacle clusters, and nautical artifacts. "Piranha Pete," the gristly shopkeep, finds it fitting to display his still-breathing catches in the front window, a motley school of electric eels and bloodthirsty piranha. Fortunately, the delectable sushi selections more than make up for the grotesque decor. Pulsing drums and a mysterious mist invite us to stand in a gathering of towering totems, the weathered, wooden faces of a primeval culture. As the drumming of the Ancients echoes amid an ethereal fog, look out - the mischievous Tiki gods are poised to burst in a torrential "flood." Located near the heart of town, the Liki Tikis is a Polynesian-inspired water playground for explorers looking to relax, refresh and enjoy a break from the dreadful weather of the mighty jungle. Nearby is the Grotto of Motunui, a space evoking the ambience of a South Seas paradise, with lush foliage, cascading waterfalls and exotic blossoms. This is the place to go if you want to meet Moana.

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Nearby, we come across the Adventureland Bazaar, an Arabian marketplace straight out of the pages of A Thousand and One Nights, complete with Oriental carpets, brass fixtures, and colorful canopies. Adding to the ambiance, the atmosphere is filled with haunting musical sounds, chief among them the elusive, ethereal call of the flute. This is a fascinating maze of winding lanes, little squares and exotic gardens, where merchants beckon and barter, craftsmen sit cross-legged plying their trades, and musicians play to the seductive trickle of a quiet fountain. This indoor shopping arcade features a central alley and a number of distinct boutiques under one roof. Oriental rugs and fringed shawls hang from the rough adobe walls, while below sit dresses of the finest Egyptian cotton, Indian tablecloths, bags of scented Moroccan leather, and costume jewelry gathered from across Persia. A king's ransom of exotic jewelry spills out into the streets from the Bazaar. East African tribal artifacts, handcrafted baskets, gaily painted pottery and strange wooden figures line the stone shelves. Mosaics and murals portray the icons and legends of A Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales compiled in Arabic in the Islamic Golden Age.

Tucked into a corner of the marketplace, Aladdin's Enchanted Passage is a modest but beautiful attraction. Here, we discover a maze of narrow streets and corridors, lined with elaborate murals, stained glass and glass-walled window dioramas. These tableaux combine limited animation and simple effects to help reenact key moments from the 1992 classic, Aladdin. Of course, one can expect to find Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Abu and Jafar here in the Marketplace, often wandering about or staying put near the plaza's beautiful fountain.

Speaking of characters, a near-decimated packing house, still laden with goods to be shipped overseas, hosts our favorite jungle friends, in particular, a famous orangutan, a groovy sloth bear, a sly meerkat, a militant elephant, a comical gorilla, and a wise mandrill, not forgetting Tarzan, Jane and Mowgli. The Adventureland Swingers, a Dixieland band in the vein of ol’ King Louie himself provide jazz and swing from an old storefront, aptly costumed in tattered uniforms, withered moss and sticky cobwebs. (By the way, if having two swing bands in the park is confusing, let me put it like this. By day, they're the Adventureland Swingers. By night, they're the Disneyland Swingers.) The Curious Giraffe, an outpost laden with the goods and acquisitions of an adventurous lifetime, finds its namesake in a very curious giraffe peeking thru a hole in the ceiling. The items for trade include pith helmets, rubber snakes, shrunken heads, Hawaiian shirts and more, though Shrunken Ned is the real reason to visit this shop. The obvious victim of a foul headhunting incident, the “jungle witch doctor” is the island’s only self-service practitioner, offering useless medical advice at the drop of a coin. "Oh no," Ned proclaims from his rusted meat hook as you display your tongue for examination. "It is worse than I ever imagined - we’ll have to remove the entire head! Luckily in your case, you won’t miss it! Ha ha! Yes, a bit of jungle humor there, eh, what?"

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Past the ramshackled bazaars and small cafes, we make our way toward the near-reclaimed stronghold of an old boathouse, worn from years of monsoon damage, now rotted and entangled in rich foliage and exotic fungi. What lies ahead is anyone’s guess… Tribal masks, hanging cargo nets, storied photographs, timber canoes, and preserved specimens stand out among the interior decor of this ominous explorer’s launch. This is what else but the world-famous Jungle Cruise. As we leave the last outpost of civilization, we venture out into the exotic heart of darkness, where beautiful plants, fearsome beasts and other remnants of a pulp fictitious yesteryear reside… Aboard one of sixteen 30-passenger riverboats, we travel down twisted, "danger-filled" rivers through impenetrable jungles and mysterious waterways, where dancing natives and charging hippos roam. A band of exuberant gorillas invade a deserted safari camp, while a frenzied rhinoceros attempts to teach a misguided film crew the point of "location, location, location." Per tradition, waiting around the final bend is Trader Sam, the jungle's head salesman, offering his collection of shrunken heads in a climactic "Two for One" sale.

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In an alcove to the left of the boathouse, right about where Tahitian Terrace/Tropical Hideaway would be found at Disneyland in California, we find a beaten old path leading towards the entrance to an old cave, a cave where, as legend has it, shamans of jungle civilizations past gathered to weave the tales of the jungle. Some say these tales are still told, especially the tale known as the Legend of the Lion King. In this cave, the story of Disney's 32nd animated feature is brought to life like never before. A band of storytellers, led by the shaman Mwongozo (that's Swahili for "guide"), gather in the deep recesses of the cave to re-tell the legend of Simba, and his struggle to find his place in the "circle of life". The show utilizes elaborate jungle sets, authentic African costumes, a live band using African instruments, and a unique series of projections to help breath new life into an oft-told tale. With all this in mind, Legend of the Lion King is a show that is not to be missed.

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Heading back to the center of the Forgotten Kingdom, you'll find a tree-lined path leading towards Frontierland, sitting in-between The Curious Giraffe and our next spot. Before us, a a nineteen-foot Balinese Temple marks the entrance to the now-legendary Adventurer’s Club in its triumphant "world re-premiere." In this kooky, topsy-turvy mish-mash of a theater, restaurant, pub and museum, we find the decorative likes of old photographs, trophy heads, tiki totems, acquired artifacts, lavish portraits, awards and trophies, tribal masks, ancient sarcophagi, bizarre fossils, accursed idols, and received - stolen or otherwise - "gifts" from countless adventures across the globe. Managed by S.E.A. -- the Society of Explorers and Adventurers -- the Adventurer's Club opened in light of the recent discoveries at the Temple of the Four Winds. Acting as a bit of refuge for intrepid explorers, weary archaeologists and raging drunks alike, we are first greeted by Colonel Critchlow Sunchbench, Club Glee-Meister and retired British colonel. After a series of "rousing" anthems, courtesy of Sunchbench, we meander thru a multi-tiered complex of rooms and displays, each named for the various realms of adventure: the Main Salon, the Relic Room, the Arctic Room, the Orient Room, the Dinosaur Room, the Library, and the Zebra Mezzanine. Ancient relics and artifacts allude to past discoveries, some successful, others, such as an expedition detailing a trip to Everest, anything but. The old-fashioned elevator, adorned with magnificent paintings capturing the long-since past adventures of Harrison Hightower III and Smelding, is apparently haunted by the wayward ghost of Hightower himself. Apparently, old Hightower is doomed to wander the earth for all-time, seemingly attached to the eerie Shiriki Utundu idol kept within a birdcage of the Relic Room.

Throughout the Adventurers' Club, we are able to talk with some of the more permanent residents of the club: club president Pamelia Perkins, aviator Hathaway Browne, club treasurer Otis T. Wren, absent-minded curator Fletcher Hodges, explorer/cabaret singer Samantha Sterling, Balderdash Cup winner Emil Bleehall, as well as his Boy Scout son, Emil Jr., faithful butler Graves, the maid (whose name is unknown) as well as a gypsy fortune-teller called Madame Zarkov. Other familiar friends include the Yakoose, a mounted animal head with unbeatable wit, Babylonia, a talking stone head, Arnie and Claude, a pair of talking masks, Fingers Zambezi, a haunted organ that plays itself, Jules Arronax, a giant squid that lives above the bar - able to pour shots with his tentacles - and Marcel, an unknown prancing about in an ape suit. By day, the Adventurers' Club serves as an eccentric, interactive restaurant. But by night, it becomes one of the most popular spots in the resort, as all pandemonium breaks loose, becoming a happening club, just like back in the old days of Downtown Disney. But no matter, what way you slice it, the Adventurers' Club remains one of the most beloved parts of Disneyland, inviting one and all to "come in a stranger....and leave a little stranger." Kungaloosh!

From the weathered statues of panthers and elephants scattered thru the underbrush, to the faux storefronts helmed by some adventurer off on some fool’s quest, Adventureland is perhaps one of the most detailed lands ever conceived for a Disney Park. One such detail is that of an old phone booth, crawling in moss, still in operation. Picking up the receiver will barrage one’s ears with chatter and transmissions from various outposts in the surrounding region. Back in town, Crocodile Mercantile, South Seas Traders, and Safari Trading Co. compose a trio of neighboring shops. Crocodile Mercantile, with its crocodile-shaped sign, fishing net-decorated interior, and general Cajun-theme sells the likeliness of inventory related to Disney's animal-themed characters. South Seas Traders, a Hawaiian outpost of sorts sells a collection of Hawaiian-inspired clothing and jewelry, the shop itself themed to a beachside shack of post-World War II Polynesia. Safari Trading Co., an African-inspired shop with the distinct theme of "adventure," sells the likes of pith helmets, pop-guns, stuffed animals, rubber snakes and spiders, "shrunken heads," and so on so forth. On the other side of town, Bamboo Alley provides a selection of goods and services from the Far East: China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Ornaments of jade, oriental carvings, rugs and other fine products grace the lavishly-appointed shelves and displays. The sweet aroma of pineapple drifts from Trader Sam’s Outpost, a one-of-a-kind smoothie bar in the midst of tacky decor reminiscent of American Tiki Culture. Though out on business in the jungle, Trader Sam runs his juice bar with utmost pride, his proud collection of shrunken heads and skulls hanging from his favorite chandelier.

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Venturing past the last outpost of civilization and journeying deeper and deeper into the jungle, we stop by Crazy Eddy's Safari Supplies, the real "last outpost of civilization." Good ol’ Eddie has been thru heck and back to park his old caravan in these parts - if the flattened tires and poison darts mean anything - and boy, oh boy is he happy to sell his wares: sunblock, sunglasses, pith helmets, fedoras, canteens, and sun hats. Eddie’s still-functioning phonograph starts a consistent musical theme with the remainder of Adventureland, leading us toward the queue of our most enthralling adventure yet...

The Raiders March (Original Version) - John Williams

The original version of "The Raiders March", not the newer version from the Indy 4 soundtrack.

www.youtube.com

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As discussed at the beginning of our tour of the Forgotten Kingdom, world renowned archaeologist, Dr. Indiana Jones, accompanied by Sallah, washed ashore after an artifact trade with René Belloq on a passing airship went awry. Soon taken in by the friendly folks of the Paradise Kingdom, Indy recognized the island as the location from the legends the Kingdom became famous for, believing that the mythical Temple of the Four Winds could indeed reside deep within the jungle. Sure enough, it did, and by 1934, word had spread across the globe, turning Paradise Springs into an overnight tourist destination. But, as stated before, soon thereafter, something terrible happened...

"Dateline: Forgotten Kingdom, 1935. Visitors to the Temple of the Four Winds continue to arrive by the hundreds. They’ve all heard the tantalizing tales of fantastic gifts from the gods… However, darker tales have emerged. Visitors are claiming their loved ones to be disappearing inside… Could this be the work of faulty mechanics? Or the dirty work of supernatural forces? Reports have returned to world famous archaeologist, Dr. Indiana Jones, the man responsible for this great discovery. Jones returns to the site of the temple, assuring he will crack the case of the missing tourists. Our newsreel cameras follow Dr. Jones as he enters the temple. Two weeks later, and still, no Indiana Jones. His faithful friend Sallah stands vigil. Will Jones solve the case of the missing tourists? Or will he join in on an eternity of peril? When, and if he does, we will be there… Waiting." - Newsreel Bulletin, 1935

Nestled along the banks of a misty, forgotten river engulfed by a symphony of waterfalls, an overgrown bamboo forest gives way to the Garden of the Four Winds, a lasting tribute to the Forgotten Kingdom's patron deities: North, South, East, and West. Crumbling statues and cracked columns point a path toward the most daring attraction in all Adventureland: Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Four Winds. We follow Indy's footsteps into the dig site, where deadly booby traps, ancient relics and mysterious tales await. Study carvings and frescos unveil the story of the Four Winds. As previously stated, a struggle for power between the supernatural siblings led to their concealment within the hulking temple, just centuries ago. Legends remain that, upon their release, the world would fall into a catastrophic apocalypse at their hands... Undeterred by these warning signs and eager to make a profit, Sallah organized tours and set up shop deep within the temple, assuring would-be adventurers that treasures beyond their wildest dreams would await them inside... Despite Indy's initial reluctance, tourists began to disappear without a trace. Even so, Indy went into the temple to investigate, and hasn't been seen since...

Unearthed artifacts and the remnants of an archaeological dig lead us toward a rusty motor pool, where well-worn troop transports await us for an unforgettable journey through a fantastic subterranean world. An off-road trip across a rickety suspension bridge leads us through ancient jungles and into the heart of the age-old Temple of the Four Winds. Inside, our most incredible expedition begins... With Indy's help, we escape the supernatural wrath of the Four Winds, whose powers lead to eternal torment. We careen along precarious precipices that plummet into molten lava, avoid the screaming undead mummies of the temple's past victims, evade the waters of a torrential flood, swarms of insects and evil wraiths, a deadly sandstorm, the awe-inspiring, elemental power of the Four Winds. Only one man is brave enough--or crazy enough--to save us... Indiana Jones! Naturally, we exit through a gift shop; Sallah's Souvenirs to be precise; the ultimate Indiana Jones gift shop.

Hungry from our adventures with Indy, we march our herd down to the curious, yet strangely nostalgic Adventureland Veranda. Inside, a collage of tropical patterns, intricate tiles, weather-worn latticework, and French-colonial lighting fixtures bring us to discover the music of Hawaii with all the culinary flavors of China and the Middle East. This melting pot of exotic influence rests on a pier built above a patch of swampland. Flavorful offerings and quaint refrains of the South Seas complete the immersive dining experience. Overhead compartments overflow with suitcases and excavation gear, while kitschy license plates, international flags and military memorabilia adorn the walls. From the outside veranda, interspersed scenery hints at an ongoing excavation in the swampland below. Ancient statues, picks, shovels, lanterns, and a fedora-clad skeleton all set an intriguing tone, as do a tower of rickety crates addressed to several notable figures: Lord Henry Mystic (Mystic Point, Papua New Guinea), Club Obi Wan (Shanghai, China), and Ambrose Gracey (New Orleans, Louisiana). The latter address is a bit mysterious as - if the tabloids are true - Ambrose Gracey has recently perished in an apparent suicide...

Now, there's still one more stop we need to make in the Forgotten Kingdom. Most people don't even realize that it's here. But, if you take a path in-bertween the Enchanted Tiki Room and the rivers of the Jungle Cruise, you'll discover a world not meant to be seen by mortal eyes; a world showcasing the dark side of adventure. The jungle streets have grown tired, cracked and disheveled. The swinging big band music has silenced here. An ethereal wind blows, broken only by the howls of unknown creatures. In honor of the dearly departed Ambrose Gracey, this corner of Adventureland has been left to rot, as if it itself were a corpse. A peculiar chill fills the air as we shyly step across the path...

The Haunted Mansion: Foyer Organ

The original soundtrack from the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. Extended.

www.youtube.com

​

In an alcove nearby Gracey's ancestral home, shielded by the dense jungle foliage, we find the Memento Mori Graveyard, final resting place of the Gracey family. No matter where they were when they died, their bodies were sent to be buried next to the family's beloved patriarch. In addition, gravestones are also set up for those who have died in the Forgotten Kingdom, including those who never returned from the Temple of the Four Winds. The decayed monuments and crumbled crypts portray an aura of foreboding… A quick look at the epitaphs proves that no one in the Kingdom seems to take death too seriously...

As I said, Memento Mori Graveyard is located just steps away from Gracey Manor, Ambrose's final resting place, barely noticeable by day, but carefully avoided by night. Strangely, the mansion's grounds and courtyards are painstakingly groomed and well-kempt, as is the graveyard that was set up nearby the mansion, but as night falls, eerie lights pass from window to window, while the unnatural silhouette of an otherworldly wraith peers out from the attic window. As it seems, the old manor is apparently abandoned, as it has been ever since Ambrose kicked the bucket. The well-worn wooden architecture, draped in all sorts of jungle foliage, as well as the clock-tower standing steadfast nearby, eternally stuck at XIII (the Roman numeral for 13), have given residents and tourists alike a similar viewpoint. That is no longer Gracey Manor. They've given it a new title: The Haunted Mansion.

Disney Villains 'Grim Grinning Ghosts'

Join Maleficent along with a few other villainous friends at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, for a Grim Grinning Ghosts Sing-along. It's a frightfully fun time!

www.youtube.com

​

In keeping with the tradition of having this Disneyland classic be in a different land, Adventureland has been chosen to play host to this foreboding abode. But, fear not--Adventureland's Haunted Mansion is just as foreboding as the other four Haunted Mansions worldwide. A peculiar chill shivers through us... The hairs on our neck stand straight up... And we feel as if someone is watching as we hasten past the gardens and graveyards... A high, cast iron-fence stands around the property... Is it there to keep somebody out? Or something inside... The massive doors creak open, as our "Ghost Host" urges us to step "lively," others are just dying to get in... Disneyland's most spirited attraction, The Haunted Mansion features not only its 999 floating, jumping, dancing residents, but also possessed galleries, breathing doors, and other little surprises guaranteed to send shivers up the spine of even the bravest visitor. But we are not left to shiver on our own - a Ghost Host holds our company throughout the journey.

Our first stop: the once private gallery of Gracey Manor. The images seem to stretch, revealing the true nature of their seemingly innocuous happenings, bringing us into the boundless realm of the supernatural; a warped, dark dimension of floating objects, wispy spirits and frightful memories. We’re next ushered into a long hallway that’s lined with eerie paintings and photographs, and flooded with the sound of a violent thunderstorm. From here we board our black-hooded "Doom Buggy," our transport through a world of unearthly delights never before imagined… a supernatural journey through a labyrinth of frightful chambers. We glide past a casket-filled funeral parlor, a possessed trophy room, a chilling séance circle, a haunting party in the grand ballroom, a "swinging" wake in the graveyard out back, and an unforgettable encounter in the attic, all guided by the ominous voice of our Ghost Host... But beware, although there are 999 happy haunts inhabiting this mansion, there’s always room for a thousand. Any volunteers?

It might be possible that Madame Leota, resident gypsy of Gracey Manor, once lived in the shop that now plays host to Swinging Wake Supplies. Resident gift shop of the Haunted Mansion - though located off the Gracey Estate - Swinging Wake Supplies is a reminder to "live life to the fullest as everyone is mortal." The skull on the marquee seems to hint at a grim fate for Leota, who disappeared decades prior. Perhaps the rumors of her disembodiment are true… The lost art of Spirit Photography has been reinvented here; a way for us to get in touch with the dearly departed.

===========================================================================

Wow, that was quite the adventure, wasn't it? As I said in the previous thread, my biggest inspiration for the Forgotten Kingdom and the concept of the Temple of the Four Winds comes from @MANEATINGWREATH, from both his original Dream Disney Resort thread and his Mirror Disneyland thread, so all credit goes out to him on those counts.

Also, for those of you long-time readers, you'll surely notice the biggest change regarding Legend of the Lion King. I decided to shake things up this go-round. I'm considering doing a script for this new show as part of the usual post-walkthrough attraction highlights. However, this time around, you'll have to wait until we've covered everything in the whole resort for me to highlight individual attractions.

Remember how I said this was a long post? Well, it was so long, that it went over the 40,000 character limit. Therefore, I shall save the next half of Adventureland for the next post, which will be coming by later today. So until then, if you have any feedback at all, please feel free to share it with me!

 

[DisneyManOne]

And now, let us explore the second half of Adventureland.

===========================================================================

http://www./wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160601120652570.jpg​

Returning back to the center of town, our voyages through Adventureland takes us deeper into the jungles of the Forgotten Kingdom, so deep in fact that we travel further back in time; though this time, we stumble into the quiet years following the Golden Age of Piracy. In this 18th Century harbor of crumbling shipwrecks, winding waterways, and mysterious islands, many buccaneers once set sail for an adventure on the high seas, undoubtedly involving buried treasure, naval battles, and vile sea monsters along the way. Now, all that remains are relics of these adventurous tales, mere mementos of a bygone era when Blackbeard terrorized the British Empire and Long John Silver may have very well existed… This is Uncharted Lagoon, the second and last sub-area of Adventureland, a lasting tribute to the adventure and lore of the High Seas. All around us, the remnants of former pirates begin to appear amidst the overgrown moss and swaying palms, many having fallen just short of their earthly duties. A captain, by the look of his decayed uniform, stands impaled against a tree, a sword run through his chest. In his tri-cornered hat, a seagull sits, having made its nest inside. Nearby, a displaced crow's nest hosts a fossilized sentry, still gazing at passers by through his rusted, elongated telescope.

​

Ocean bluffs and crooked palms cast their shadow upon the ruddy wreckage of many an unfortunate vessel, their tattered flags and sails still swaying in the coolness of an ocean breeze. Amid the tropics, shipwrecks, waterfalls, palms and jagged rocks of this foreboding oceanfront, the structural remnants of a former colony preside along the edge of a storied lagoon...the Uncharted Lagoon itself; ancient, well-worn, forgotten by time. The battle-scarred La Fortaleza (that's Spanish for "The Fortress") towers above the shoreline, a once-empowered stronghold meant to protect the once-thriving seaport from unwanted visitors. Tragically, their efforts were proven futile; the iconic skull and crossbones of the Jolly Roger fly proudly from the highest tower. Entering thru a secret entrance in the fort’s armory, we find ourselves meandering thru the gloom and mystery of La Fortaleza’s dark dungeons and arsenals, frozen in time, left as they were in the fort’s prime. A crumbling passage leads our path into a Blue Lagoon at twilight, where we hop aboard a cargo ship for an unforgettable voyage…

​

In Pirates of the Caribbean, we set sail with "the wildest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main!" An ominous skull warns us of danger ahead as we explore the catacombs of the sea, past dioramas displaying pirates in their last moments, now reduced to bare bone, before emerging in a great storm at sea. At the height of the storm, we plunge down a waterfall and into the sacked seaport of Port Royal. As the pirates of the Wicked Wench auction off whatever booty they've found, engage in sword combat, deplete the village rum supply, and battle with a moldering fortress, we clap along to the iconic tune of "Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me." A foul captain and his flutist first mate interrogate the googly-eyed magistrate by dunking him in the well. Drunken ne'er-do-wells set the seaport ablaze in a rum-induced stupor, culminating in a fiery finale. Upon disembarking from our own battle for sunken treasure, we take a detour thru Pieces of Eight, where storefront windows display glittering jewels, treasure chests, gold doubloons and grinning skulls. Inside: a plethora of pirate loot - toy rifles, fool’s coins and gems, plastic swords, hook-for-hand replacements, miniature telescopes, eye patches and more.

​

The Blue Lagoon Restaurant lays cast beneath the stars, adjacent to the calm waters of a twilit lagoon; perhaps the most elegant eatery in all of Adventureland. Seafood and steak is what’s for dinner at this quaint veranda tucked along the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Here, we dine at candlelit tables under colorful strings of lanterns and tattered flags, soothing waves crashing against the sandy shore. Keen-eyed diners may notice passengers aboard Pirates of the Caribbean peacefully gliding by, just before entering a rock in the shape of a skull. The soothing rustle of the wind, the symphonic murmur of exotic birds, and the light of a pale moon set our stage for a luxurious meal fit for the finest captain, inspired by the Blue Bayou of Disneyland's own Pirates of the Caribbean.

As we depart from the hallowed halls and remains of La Fortaleza, our travels bring us to what remains of this former seaport, past a collapsed structure or two, and into a dockside collection of shops, merchant stalls, and converted storehouses, filled to overflowing with imported goods - stolen or otherwise - from around the world, starting with the glistening House of Treasure. A true one-of-a-kind shop, the aptly named House of Treasure is the fine purveyor of nautical gifts, artifacts, knickknacks and treasures. La Fuente de la Fortuna ("The Fountain of Fortune") is found within what once belonged to Carlos, the plump, mustachioed magistrate (the man immortalized in the classic lines: "Don’t tell him, Carlos! Don’t be chicken!" "I am not chicken! I will not tell!"). Now a storehouse for pirate clothing and a cracked wishing well, the shifty-eyed proprietor swears that his pirate attire will bring nothing but fortune to those who wear it. This is false, however, given the various means of public execution found throughout the town, some still in use, though the victims are long deceased… Tortuga Tavern recalls the drama and excitement of an authentic pirate's tavern, complete with crooked card games, mountains of rum, and the orange light of flickering lanterns. Tortuga Tavern is our one-stop shop for hot dogs, short ribs and the almighty turkey leg of Disney lore. The friendly folks at Honest Marooned Pete’s welcome us to a remote soft serve yogurt, ice cream, juice and smoothie stand owned and operated by Honest Marooned Pete, a bearded fellow long-since trapped on the island after a seabound gambling crusade went horribly wrong. The stand is even set up in the hull of his overturned rowboat! Honest Marooned Pete himself never makes an appearance in the flesh, but his hand-drawn image appears on many of the crude posters advertising his "honest deals." The motley Bootstrappers bring a sense of musical “integrity” to the abandoned seaport, providing salty chanteys and horrid puns for anyone brave enough to listen…

​

The Black Pearl, Captain Jack Sparrow's famed ship, sits proudly on the dark surface of the lagoon. An appropriate bridge connects the mainland to the infamous vessel, allowing us to explore the inner and outer sanctums of Jack Sparrow's beloved ship. Guests can scout all of the hidden artifacts, treasure maps, the cursed medallions and even the Dead Man’s Chest throughout the hull of the ship, collected by Captain Barbossa, Captain Jack Sparrow and the entire crew of the Black Pearl throughout their excursions. Interactive elements are naturally in great supply, including but not limited to an animatronic Jack the Monkey and a rum cellar that has been recently emptied...sigh...why is the rum always gone? Deep in the hull of the ship, lies a watery, gloomy passage. Here, guests can experience a simulated attack by the formidable Kraken, who seemingly drags the ship underwater! In another passage of the Black Pearl, a meet-and-greet is hosted with Captain Jack Sparrow himself. On the deck, guests can witness real pirates doing their daily chores of pillaging and plundering, they can use real telescoped the scout out the secrets of Adventureland and use the interactive water features to blast away their onlookers.

Back on the mainland, we head to the left of the lagoon, away from all the pirates and plunder. At the farthest edge of the Uncharted Lagoon, we find ourselves standing before a stone arch, serving as an entrance point to the next area of Disneyland. Our adventures in Adventureland come to a close as we head towards the rugged desert terrain of Frontierland.

===========================================================================

And with that, we can consider our time in Adventureland done. Next post will likely be coming along within the next few days. And given that Frontierland is similarly massive, you'll be getting another two postings in one day. Once again, if you have feedback, feel free to post it, and I shall see you all in the next post!

 

[Brer Panther]

Everything looks great so far. Can't wait to see Frontierland!

 

[MANEATINGWREATH]

The Haunted Mansion: Foyer Organ

The original soundtrack from the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. Extended.

www.youtube.com

​

In an alcove nearby Gracey's ancestral home, shielded by the dense jungle foliage, we find the Memento Mori Graveyard, final resting place of the Gracey family. No matter where they were when they died, their bodies were sent to be buried next to the family's beloved patriarch. In addition, gravestones are also set up for those who have died in the Forgotten Kingdom, including those who never returned from the Temple of the Four Winds. The decayed monuments and crumbled crypts portray an aura of foreboding… A quick look at the epitaphs proves that no one in the Kingdom seems to take death too seriously...

As I said, Memento Mori Graveyard is located just steps away from Gracey Manor, Ambrose's final resting place, barely noticeable by day, but carefully avoided by night. Strangely, the mansion's grounds and courtyards are painstakingly groomed and well-kempt, as is the graveyard that was set up nearby the mansion, but as night falls, eerie lights pass from window to window, while the unnatural silhouette of an otherworldly wraith peers out from the attic window. As it seems, the old manor is apparently abandoned, as it has been ever since Ambrose kicked the bucket. The well-worn wooden architecture, draped in all sorts of jungle foliage, as well as the clock-tower standing steadfast nearby, eternally stuck at XIII (the Roman numeral for 13), have given residents and tourists alike a similar viewpoint. That is no longer Gracey Manor. They've given it a new title: The Haunted Mansion.

Disney Villains 'Grim Grinning Ghosts'

Join Maleficent along with a few other villainous friends at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, for a Grim Grinning Ghosts Sing-along. It's a frightfully fun time!

www.youtube.com

​

In keeping with the tradition of having this Disneyland classic be in a different land, Adventureland has been chosen to play host to this foreboding abode. But, fear not--Adventureland's Haunted Mansion is just as foreboding as the other four Haunted Mansions worldwide. A peculiar chill shivers through us... The hairs on our neck stand straight up... And we feel as if someone is watching as we hasten past the gardens and graveyards... A high, cast iron-fence stands around the property... Is it there to keep somebody out? Or something inside... The massive doors creak open, as our "Ghost Host" urges us to step "lively," others are just dying to get in... Disneyland's most spirited attraction, The Haunted Mansion features not only its 999 floating, jumping, dancing residents, but also possessed galleries, breathing doors, and other little surprises guaranteed to send shivers up the spine of even the bravest visitor. But we are not left to shiver on our own - a Ghost Host holds our company throughout the journey.

Our first stop: the once private gallery of Gracey Manor. The images seem to stretch, revealing the true nature of their seemingly innocuous happenings, bringing us into the boundless realm of the supernatural; a warped, dark dimension of floating objects, wispy spirits and frightful memories. We’re next ushered into a long hallway that’s lined with eerie paintings and photographs, and flooded with the sound of a violent thunderstorm. From here we board our black-hooded "Doom Buggy," our transport through a world of unearthly delights never before imagined… a supernatural journey through a labyrinth of frightful chambers. We glide past a casket-filled funeral parlor, a possessed trophy room, a chilling séance circle, a haunting party in the grand ballroom, a "swinging" wake in the graveyard out back, and an unforgettable encounter in the attic, all guided by the ominous voice of our Ghost Host... But beware, although there are 999 happy haunts inhabiting this mansion, there’s always room for a thousand. Any volunteers?

It might be possible that Madame Leota, resident gypsy of Gracey Manor, once lived in the shop that now plays host to Swinging Wake Supplies. Resident gift shop of the Haunted Mansion - though located off the Gracey Estate - Swinging Wake Supplies is a reminder to "live life to the fullest as everyone is mortal." The skull on the marquee seems to hint at a grim fate for Leota, who disappeared decades prior. Perhaps the rumors of her disembodiment are true… The lost art of Spirit Photography has been reinvented here; a way for us to get in touch with the dearly departed.

Whenever you're ready, I'd love to collaborate on an Adventureland Haunted Mansion. I have soooooo many ideas for one.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Everything looks great so far. Can't wait to see Frontierland!

Thank you kindly!

Whenever you're ready, I'd love to collaborate on an Adventureland Haunted Mansion. I have soooooo many ideas for one.

Delightful, absolutely delightful! I guarantee, once I begin work on individual attractions, I'll set up a PM with you and we can start collaborating! Apart from Legend of the Lion King, most of the walk-throughs I have planned are for rides I've covered in the past, so I'll be able to devote most of my time to Haunted Mansion.

Now, what say we begin our trek westward?

===========================================================================

Frontierland

​

In Frontierland, the United States during the era when it was still a floundering young nation has been recreated and preserved for all generations to explore and appreciate. In this land of historical fact and fiction, wooded natural surroundings give way to a rustic frontier town, but not before we come upon the log-walled stockade of Fort Lincoln, gateway to Frontierland. A small, uninhabited encampment of Plains Indians can be seen in the shadow of Fort Lincoln, their docked canoes once readied for adventure on Timeless River.

In tribute to the beloved president and childhood hero of Walt Disney, Fort Lincoln stands as a remnant of the 19th Century U.S. Cavalry, as often found throughout the American Southwest in the days of Manifest Destiny. The open-air promenade of Fort Lincoln leads us past a collection of rusted cannons, stored rifles, and ammunition crates, all remnants of the recent Civil War. Just beyond the towering gates flies an American flag with its original field of 13 stars, an homage to our nation’s first period of independence. We have been whisked from the modern day and transported back to the dust-swept, horseshoe-scarred streets of a western settlement, circa 1870. The triumphant orchestral theme of a classic western film fills the air as we explore the little boomtown of Thunder Mesa.

​

In all the myths and legends passed down the trail, Thunder Mesa was once the cutest little boomtown this side of the Mississippi. This was of course on account of the gold vein running thru "that thar" mountain: Big Thunder Mountain. The biggest and most fanciful mountain range in the entire West - second to Bryce Canyon, Utah - Big Thunder brought Thunder Mesa from a little-known pioneer encampment to a bustling mining town overnight, bringing with it the advent of the railroad and riverboat, not to mention hundreds of would-be tycoons in the form of curious cowpoke and friendly foreigners. The once quiet town had more river and rail traffic than it could ever have hoped to handle.

Alas, there was something about the mountain that the settlers didn't know... You see, long before the pioneers came, Big Thunder Mountain was a sacred spot to the Native Americans, and it carried a powerful curse -- a curse that offered a powerful vendetta against the greedy and the selfish. Before long, the settlers' desecration of the mountain caused the curse to be fulfilled; and the town was caught in the midst of a great earthquake. Though most townsfolk perished in the quake, some did survive, others fleeing for parts unknown. The mining operation went bust, and before long, Thunder Mesa was a ghost town. Thunder Mesa was deemed "cursed" by miners across the frontier, an ominous reminder of the strange happenings and devastating quake of that fateful day.

Today we visit Thunder Mesa just a few years past the great quake, warned and inspired by the various wood-carvings and relics of the Native Americans and the mountain's curse found throughout town. We are greeted by the town's official welcome sign...

"Welcome to Thunder Mesa!
The Biggest Boom Town in the West!
Population: 1,110 - 888 - 303 -119 - 24?
Elevation: Not Sure"​

Yikes! Judging by the amount of times the town’s population count has been crossed out and replaced by a significantly smaller number, Thunder Mesa truly lives up to its "ghost town" status. Past the promenade and down the main thoroughfare, we feel as if we have stepped into the reels of a classic western, where cacti and tumbleweeds are the local flora. A cigar store Indian Chief stands guard from a shaded porch… Horseshoe-prints and wagon wheel-tracks appear embedded in the pavement... Weary travelers find shelter upon quaint rocking chairs and a creaking hammock… Wanted posters and aged advertisements line the sand-kissed facades and posts, oftentimes offering bits of humor here and there (i.e. Pain For Less Dentistry)... All these things pull us further into this romanticized vision of the pioneer age.

Marked by a rooftop laden with antlers - an old merchant’s trick to attract business - the General Store is our go-to for any and all souvenirs of the Old West, from hard candies and knick-knacks to coonskin hats and sarsaparilla. Unique to our General Store? Exotic jerky. Next door, the Yensid Hotel and bathhouse labeled "Baths 5 Cents" serve as a clever disguise for the public bathrooms, a subtle nod to Disneyland's long-gone Bear Country. The Blacksmith Shoppe, as established in 1860, was once an important asset to Thunder Mesa, supplying much of the materials needed for the Thunder Mesa mining operation. Now, the shop has resorted to making souvenirs: personalized horseshoes, antique hinges, lamps, and other such items. The shop goes so far as to have an actual blacksmith on duty, constantly hard at work on his latest product. Woodrow Woodcutters features a legitimate woodcutter on duty who creates and sells handmade wooden goods, whether they be everyday home items or simple statuettes of Disney characters. Other faux-storefronts appear, allowing us glimpses into typical western life. A peek inside the Assayer's Office shows a desk covered in gold nuggets, but a closer look at the abandoned assayer's chair shows a fresh supply of bulletholes in the back of the chair, hinting at something gone awry in the past. The Sheriff's Office and Jailhouse next door do allow us to enter, giving us a chance to attempt to breakout of an "authentic" frontier prison or place our face within the frame of our own wanted poster.

On the right-hand side of the entry-path we find Westward Ho! Clothing Co., a western-inspired clothing store, neighbored by T. Ravenscroft, Undertaker who is offering a two-for-one sale at this time. Although the shop itself is inaccessible (it's really just faux storefront connecting Westward Ho to the next shop), an upright coffin outside allows us to test our final resting place before making a purchase. Suspiciously, the local Gallows (a bit dark, don't you think?) are located just a few feet from the Undertaker's shop... Noah Count Insurance Broker has his office just above the Undertaker and, as expected, country-accented arguing often emits from its open-window, followed with the appropriate fight sound effects. Next door to Ravenscroft is Prairie Supply. This is a rather unique store as it sells authentic western wares such as Native American-made blankets, figurines, and artwork.

As we continue forward into Frontierland, we catch our first glimpse of a Disneyland-staple: The Rivers of America. Marked by the majestic sternwheeler, the Mark Twain Riverboat, as well as the Sailing Ship Columbia, a full-size replica of Columbia Redivivia, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe, the Rivers of America represent the many great rivers of the North American continent: the Missouri, the Mississippi, the Rio Grande, etc., as they appeared in the time of American expansion. This eight-shaped river serves as the centerpiece of Frontierland, a beacon for the land's varying sub-areas. But we shall explore that great frontier wilderness further down the trail. For now, let's continue our tour of Thunder Mesa. Before us, we are in the center of Thunder Mesa. It's a lovely spot, with benches and Western trees. It's also quite expansive, rather fitting considering what happens here every two hours. It's somethin' to see when Thunder Mesa comes alive with the sound of the Frontierland Hoedown! Accompanied by a live band of country musicians, some of our favorite frontier friends -- the likes of Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear, the Country Bears, Pecos Goofy, Pocahontas and Meeko, among many others -- join a troupe of four dancing couples in a rowdy barn dance that really puts the "kick in country"! After a few rehearsed pieces from the musicians and dancers, we're invited to come and join them on the dance floor, learning how to box step, pivot, and so on.

​

Once past the main thoroughfare, we find that Thunder Mesa splits into two directions at the riverbend, north and south (from our viewpoint, north is right, south is left). Deciding to head left, we find the world-famous Silver Horseshoe Saloon, home to the equally famous Silver Horseshoe Revue. To an ice cream sundae and a bottle of sarsaparilla, we enjoy an Old West musical of can-can dancers, vaudeville routines, melodramatic punchlines, and the world’s only dancing buffalo. Other treats on the menu here include fried chicken, chili, sandwiches and fish and chips, with a wide variety of fixin's and sides; as well as a wide variety of other ice cream treats and cookies. The stage is often shared with the Bluegrass Boys, a wandering troupe of backwood musicians often heard around and about Thunder Mesa. The old saloon shares a kitchen with the Last Chance Cafe. If you want a place to lay low and chow down on some grub in a secluded part of the Old West (which are quite hard to come by), this is it. Wanted signs, saddles and discarded holsters make this a typical Old West outpost. And with some quick-draw service and hearty grub, it's the perfect place for the lawless to grab a hasty bite before continuing their quest. Nearby, as we start to leave the outskirts of town and head towards the dense Western wilderness, we can make out a passageway that leads towards the wilds of Adventureland.

​

On the farthest outskirts of this side of Thunder Mesa, sitting under the shadow of the mighty Big Thunder Mountain, is an old barn which serves as the home of Cowboy Cookout Barbecue. At this indoor-outdoor restaurant, smoking barbecue pits and a split rail fence stir our senses with the smell of hickory smoked dishes served chuck wagon style. Chirping crickets and howling coyotes accommodate our delectable meal of grilled chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, and corn on the cob.

​

Now, of course, it wouldn't be a barn without animals. Luckily, we've got the "rootinest, tootinest" group of animals taking up residence on this old homestead, and we can find them by payin' ourselves a visit to Woody's Roundup! Based on Toy Story 2, Woody's Roundup is a literal spin on the old carnival standby: the whip ride, a fast-moving turn-table originally designed for Coney Island, New York. Woody's Roundup, with its whimsical western backdrop and multitude of prancin' ponies, is hosted by Sheriff Woody and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl. After hitching the ponies to carts, the wild duo began welcoming passers-by to take a tune-filled spin and "do-si-do" around Andy's backyard. An old-fashioned gramophone plays such finger-snapping selections as "Woody's Finest Musical Hour" and "You've Got a Friend in Me." The hoof-tappin' hoedown begins as the ponies enjoy a square dance, swinging their carts - with us inside - to the sound of the downhome, country-flavored melodies. Of course, one can naturally expect to find Woody, Jessie and Bullseye meeting guests nearby the roundup.

​

Past Thunder Mesa and further into the Great Southwest, we come upon what might be the largest and most fantastical sight in any Disney Park today: Big Thunder Mountain. Rugged peaks, soaring rock walls, towering cliff tops, and thundering waterfalls are among the scenery of this mighty mountain; this seamless amalgam of Bruce Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Monument Valley, which pierces the skies of Frontierland, offering a dramatic backdrop to Thunder Mesa. The leftover buildings and traces of the old mining company still remain on the mountain range, long-abandoned since that dreadful earthquake.

A few years after the earthquake, bold explorers came to investigate the mystery of Thunder Mesa. When they reached Big Thunder, they found a most peculiar sight: Although there was no trace of human activity on the mountain, the mine trains they used to transport ore were still racing about the track, all by themselves! Aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, we follow in the footsteps of these explorers aboard one of these possessed trains. We speed past dinosaur fossils, bubbling desert pits, stalactite-filled caves and the long-lost spirits of those miners who lost their lives to the earthquake so many years before. We plummet through the darkness along a dynamite-littered track, a huge explosion shakes the cavern. But the train doesn't slow up, hurtling you onwards amid the rumbling sounds of a falling mineshaft. Bats swoop. The tracks shake. The same earthquake that turned Thunder Mesa into a ghost town is threatening to rise again! Will we make it out alive? I don't know, but I do know this: all these things certainly add up to an experience that has been rightfully dubbed "the wildest ride in the wilderness!"

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The Disneyland Railroad makes its second stop here in Frontierland, just a few paces away from Big Thunder Mountain. Like Paris' railroad station, the railroad station is an exact replica of the original Frontierland railroad station of Disneyland; before it was converted into the New Orleans Square railroad station. Frontierland Depot also serves as a watering and refueling location for the four, hard-worked Disneyland Railroad engines, having just steamed through the perilous jungles of Adventureland. Once all board, the train sets off again, heading towards bold, new destinations.

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Now, before we head back to the other side of Thunder Mesa, why don't we take some time to explore the Rivers of America? As we shall see as we head further into Frontierland, the Rivers of America is bustling with activity, with various vessels gliding across the water. Among these vessels are old rafts that take us to the fun and adventure of Tom Sawyer Island. Here on this island, the works of Mark Twain come to life. This is an island where the likes of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huckleberry Finn might have played. Dusty dirt roads lined with sycamore and oak trees and creaky suspension bridges mark this natural haven. You may even stumble upon secret mined caves and uncover an age-old fort. Stepping foot on Tom Sawyer Island recalls the bygone days of youth in the 1800s, a vast forest, unremarkable to the adult eye, but to the eye of a child, a world where imagination can transform anything into a grand adventure.

Harper's Mill stands to the island's southern shore, a mysterious beacon of exploration and discovery. Marked by the large waterwheel to its side, the creaky wheels and cranks still turn inside this place, since long-abandoned. And Disney nerds, take good notice here: a nest of birds is lodged between the wedges of one of the wheels...not unlike a similar set of birds in the Academy-Award winning short The Old Mill. However, it should be noted that we can't step inside the mill itself--the door is locked tight. From Harper's Mill, we follow the path into a lush forest of Western blossoms and rushing streams. Fanciful trees, fallen redwoods and rock formations immerse us into the mystery and excitement of the American frontier. Explorer's Trail takes us along a natural walk-through. Slippin' Falls takes us through a lush riverbed of cool falls, whitewater rapids and spinning rocks to play on, including the world-famous Castle Rock, a large rock structure which features stationary telescopes, giving guests views of specific scenery and points of interest back on the Frontierland mainland. Tall redwoods and pines mark the entrance to Hibernation Wood, where distant native drums and chanting set the scene of adventure just ahead. As Hibernation Wood marks the end of Explorer's Trail, we find a grizzly bear reclined on a large rock, fast asleep, snoring loudly. Of course, some displaced logs here and there provide ample "playground equipment" in this natural wonderland.

Smuggler's Cove is home to two beloved components of the original Tom Sawyer Island in California: the Suspension Bridge and the Pontoon Bridge. Most travelers tend to go along the Suspension Bridge, but more daring adventurers prefer the Pontoon Bridge. Deep in the cavernous depths of Tom Sawyer Island, we come upon the foreboding Injun Joe's Cave. Despite the warning signs, we enter this mysterious network of tunnels and caves, where the eerie, eternal howl of an unseen hurricane echoes from wall to wall. Lush waterfalls cascade into underground pools through jagged fissures in the rocks. Glistening crystals, stalagmites and stalactites reflect in the sheen of the rushing waters. Warning signs insist that we "follow the river" for our only hope of survival... An expansive labyrinth of subterranean paths harken to the ghastly catacombs of Paris. Once through an archway built from skulls and ribcages, a dark path takes us into an expansive, underground lake lined with glistening crystals and mysterious colors. The howl of a ghostly wind, rolling thunder and a frightening scream (perhaps one and the same with the Wicked Witch of Snow White) welcomes us to the Chamber of the Bottomless Pit, where, as expected, one could fall for an eternity...

Tom 'n' Huck's Treehouse offers a walking tour of the famous anti-hero's hideaway, a six-story treehouse and interactive playground. Hands-on activities and plenty o' climbing mean spectacular 360-degree views of Tom Sawyer Island and the entirety of Frontierland. You can also see the likenesses of other Disneyland landmarks, like Snow White Castle, the Temple of the Four Winds and even the notable outline of Space Mountain over yonder in Tomorrowland. A few feet away from Tom 'n' Huck's Treehouse, practically hidden away from the rest of the island, is Fort Wilderness. When you’re inside the fort, you can pretend to be back in the early 19th century. There was always danger on the frontier—wild animals, and an occasional war. Military outposts such as this one provided some security from those dangers. Like Fort Lincoln, this fort is fully explorable. We can climb up and around the fort, exploring the roosts, parapets and offices, but it's only at Fort Wilderness that we can "fire" cannons and rifles at anyone who tries to invade the innocent fort.

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When night falls on Frontierland, the Rivers of America are magically transformed into an amazing celebration of imagination, hopes and dreams. The incredible world of Mickey’s imagination comes to life in Fantasmic!, a spectacular nighttime pageant as presented from the streets of Frontierland. Tom Sawyer Island becomes the stage for a timeless clash between good and evil, with lasers, projection mapping, cascading waters, extraordinary digital projections, and breathtaking pyrotechnics. In Mickey’s dream, we witness the forces of good and evil engaged in conflict, where mischievous monkeys, pink elephants, wild cowpoke, magical genies, swashbuckling pirates, and waltzing princesses appear on and around the Rivers of America. When Mickey is pulled into the Magic Mirror, the forces of evil are awakened as the Evil Queen of Snow White summons some of Disney’s most dastardly villains - including Ursula, Scar, Dr. Facilier, Chernabog, and Maleficent, the latter having transformed into a 45-foot, fire-breathing dragon! Will Mickey triumph over the evil forces inside his imagination?

Returning to Thunder Mesa, we find that it continues northward, starting with the legendary Mile Long Bar. Named for its opposing mirrors that create the illusion of an infinitely long counter, the Mile Long Bar is a full-service bar of the Wild West, complete with rugged cocktails, western wines, brash beers, and tantalizing treats for the taste buds. An outdoor patio looks down the road to the Rivers of America. Among the lively patrons of the bar are a talkative trio of trophy heads: Max the stag, Buff the buffalo and Melvin the moose. They're located above the entrance to the bar, and they're known for welcoming all diners with a hearty rendition of "Come on In." But of course, that's not the only place you can find these three...

Country Bear Jamboree - Pianjo - Don Robertson

Pianjo! Don Robertson - Monument MN45-964 1966 http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/search/label/Country%20Bear%20Jamboree

www.youtube.com

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Grizzly Hall, established long before our time, hosts the wildest show in the wilderness: Country Bear Jamboree. Henry, our ursine host takes us on a musical journey thru the music and lore of the Wild West. Starring in this frontier musical is a pack of bears unlike any we’ve ever heard. Henry’s job (like his mindedness) is simple: keep the audience in stitches, and introduce the stars of the show. The first group to suffer thru a Henry introduction are the Five Bear Rugs, the finest assortment of instrument-playing bears the Magic Kingdom has to offer. After the boys in the band, we are introduced to Wendell, Liver Lips McGrowl, Trixie, Shaker, the Sun Bonnet Trio, Ernest, Swingin' Teddi Barra, and the one and only Big Al, whom you’ll recognize immediately from the lousiest guitar-playing you’ve ever heard in your life. In addition to these bears, the aforementioned Max, Buff and Melvin serve as a "peanut gallery" for the show, trading barbs with Henry. All these critters and more await an audience in the finest celebration of music and song this side of the great outdoors. Some of these bears -- namely Big Al, Liverlips, Wendell and Shaker -- can often be found prowling about outside Grizzly Hall, ready for autographs, pictures and, forgive the pun, bear hugs with their adoring fans.

Built from a converted Conestoga wagon, Big Al's is the ultimate store for fans of the Country Bear Jamboree, with toy instruments, plush critters, specialized t-shirts, and a dramatic portrait of a much younger (and skinnier) Al on a journey down the Missouri. The sleepy moans, snores and growls of a hibernating Al can be heard coming from within a cave a few feet away. Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade is yet another one-of-a-kind arcade, where mechanical arcade cabinets and "retro" games are all the latest rage. "Hoofin’ Henry" portrays a miniature Henry set into a tap dance by mashing buttons and balanced wires. An old-fashioned "Love Tester" and "Johnny Rio," an automated gunslinger are among the other peculiarities of the arcade. The Hungry Bear Restaurant is our final stop on this side of Thunder Mesa, an upscale quick-service eatery devoted to feeding those with ursine-type appetites. If you're a meat-eater, you'll be in heaven here: Burgers, chicken and fish are the stars on the menu, as is one of the all-time Disney classics: the turkey leg. Peanut shells litter the floor of the Hungry Bear Lodge, where an eight-foot statue of a grizzly welcomes patrons, often springing to life with a bit of pixie dust…

Swanee Rive: Firehouse Five Plus Two

All rights goes to Disney and others.

www.youtube.com

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Continuing northward, we notice a shift in the mood. The breathtaking western film orchestrations give way to jazz standards typical of New Orleans, particularly the French Quarter...in fact, even the rustic Southwestern structures appear to be giving way to more Southern-style buildings...could it...could it be? Yes, it could! We've just stumbled upon the Golden Age of the French Quarter, the crown jewel of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ah, the French Quarter... The Paris of the American frontier... The Crescent City of New Orleans as it appeared in the Roaring '20s, portrayed and honored down to the minute detail. Architecture and atmosphere of the 1850s are retained amid the winding walkways, wrought iron balconies, romantic courtyards, and exquisite, gourmet restaurants. The sweet sound of New Orleans jazz comes from the Nine Old Men, a ragtag band of Dixieland musicians named on behalf of the original Disney Animators (coincidentally, some of them formed a Dixieland band of their own -- the legendary Firehouse Five Plus Two). As the Nine Old Men parade in and around the fanciful architecture and charming boutiques, we find ourselves at a mighty bend in the river, home to the majestic Mark Twain Riverboat. Named for perhaps, the greatest author in American literature, the Mark Twain Riverboat departs from a landing all-too-familiar with the architecture of New England. The Mark Twain is an authentic reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi River. A working steam engine converts the water from the Rivers of America into steam that in turn powers the large paddle that propels the boat. The 28-foot tall riverboat is comprised of 4 pristine decks:

- Pilothouse, also known as the top deck, features the wheelhouse and Captain's Quarters
- Promenade Deck includes a salon and a collection of vintage photos and maps
- Texas (or Sun) Deck is the ideal place to enjoy the outdoors as you float down the river
- Main Deck includes the boiler and pistons that run the paddle-wheel

A Disneyland icon all its own, the stately steamboat brings passengers on a voyage around the Rivers of America thru a vast wilderness beyond imagination; giving us a glimpse of the beauty and splendor of the American frontier .A burning settlers cabin and village of Plains Indians are among the sights encountered along the riverfront. Wild animals and lush greenery stock the shoreline, where a chance encounter with foul river pirates and a fantastic, panoramic view of Frontierland's mountain range allow the ultimate in thematic storytelling, brilliantly narrated by our down-to-earth captain from aboard the pilothouse. Every now and then, the Nine Old Men will hop aboard the magnificent steamboat and perform concerts at the Grand Salon Deck, aptly located on the second level of the old riverboat, providing an experience that is far out-of-the-ordinary in everyday life.

Back ashore, we find a wide selection of shops and eateries, all unique to the French Quarter. The River Belle Terrace rests just on the outskirts of town, an elegant, two-story manor stocked to the gills with Southern comfort food: the likes of fried chicken, collard greens, cajun potatoes and homestyle macaroni and cheese. An outdoor patio looks to the bustling riverfront, a lively bandstand its musical backdrop. Porte d’Orleans brings us to the heart of the French Quarter, selling a variety of cajun sauces, beignet mixes, Mardi Gras masks, and chicory-coffee. The luxuries found at Cristal d'Orleans are found in its title - souvenirs and trinkets made of glass, crystal and silver, from personalized cups and pitchers to tiaras and figurines. Cafe Orleans, home to the world-famous Monte Cristo, has also made a reputation for selling the finest garlic fries, beignets and Creole dishes around. Le Bat en Rouge - as represented by a vampire bat in a red bowtie - sells all the contemporary clothing we could ever wish for, “hipster” in variety and bizarrely stylish… A series of oddities and unique features line the streets outside the shops, including seats for shoe-shining, the beautiful Court of Angels, and even actual street performers! Mimes, jugglers, and solo musicians often stand outside the storefronts, setting the tone for an authentic trip to New Orleans.

In a courtyard held in the darkest shadows of the "Big Easy," flickering candles and a sign made from human skulls point us toward the dimly lit facade of Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Emporium. Here we find a dimly-lit hole-in-the-wall marked by a rather macabre welcome plaque made of human skulls and candles. Inside is a realm blanketed in pure mystery, where voodoo dolls and spellbooks lay scattered about carelessly, a boiling cauldron in one corner emitting a "healthy" green glow. Rather than actual voodoo, Dr. Facilier's is the park's villain-themed shop, meaning any and all things related to the dreaded Disney villains are sold here, as well as Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, select Haunted Mansion items, magic tricks, pranks, tarot cards, and plastic skulls... Naturally, the emporium is filled with interactive elements typical of Dr. Facilier, including an arcade machine that allows a voodoo doll to dance, talking masks, spellbooks that quite clearly have minds of their own, and a serpent fast asleep above the cash registers, occasionally awakening to examine potential prey. The Voodoo Emporium is a fitting neighbor to the shaded underbelly of New Orleans… A step inside an old plantation brings us not into a lavish foyer, but instead into a ramshackle portion of the French Quarter cast beneath the stars of twilight. The pale light of the full moon illuminates a dense bayou, where sleeping alligators and flickering fireflies lie in wait. On the horizon, a rickety houseboat and shrimping-boat gently rock among the thick foliage, an unseen banjo wafting onto the summer breeze amid the chirping crickets and croaking frogs. Thieves' Market is an "open-air" bazaar of rare imports and antiquities. As the market was once owned by the famous Jean Lafitte, the shady merchants and sellers talk and speak as if they were 18th Century pirates of the Delta City. Their wares include trinkets of silver and gold, weathered books, China porcelain, leather, fine jewelry, and much, much more. Vendors in need of a “quick buck” operate snack stands from within the marketplace, selling gumbo and deep-fried catfish to name a few cheap dishes.

Back in the daylight, we find additional shops and a single attraction before departing from the French Quarter. Intrigue brings us to the One-of-a-Kind Shop, a shop where all of the inventory is...well...one-of-a-kind! If anything, this is an antique store of sorts, where vintage clocks, watches, jewelry, vases, carved statuettes, etc. As the name implies, once an item is bought, it won't be coming back anytime soon, as everything here is one-of-a-kind...unless marked otherwise. While Main Street, U.S.A. has Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe as a year-round Christmas shop, the French Quarter has a full-on seasonal shop that changes depending on the holiday. This shop is appropriately called Chaque Vacances ("Every Holiday"). From mid-January to late-February, the shop is themed to Valentine's Day; from early-March to late-April the shop is themed to Easter; from early-May to late-August, the shop is themed to summer; from early-September to October 31st, the shop is themed to Halloween; from early-November to early-January, the shop is themed to Christmas and Hanukkah.

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Tiana’s famous beignets are all the rage down at Tiana's Palace, a beacon for the New Orleans elite. Nestled proudly at a bend in the river, live jazz music and the musical stylings of Louis the Alligator attract visitors from far and near to come out and sample just what Tiana's cooking in her prized kitchen. Art Deco fixtures and a sweeping ballroom further complement the cajun cuisine and five-star service. Of course, the French Quarter is the place to go if you want to meet the beloved characters from The Princess and the Frog. Tiana, Naveen, Louis, Charlotte and even Dr. Facilier make appearances here throughout the day; with Tiana and Naveen occasionally joining travelers aboard the Mark Twain.

Dig a Little Deeper - Princess and the Frog

The song "Dig a Little Deeper" from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" All content in this video belongs to Disney

www.youtube.com

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In the thicket beyond the elegant French Quarter and Tiana's Palace, towering trees and bubbling streams mark the entrance to The Princess and the Frog River Run. For the first time in a Disney Park, the timeless tale of The Princess and the Frog is realized in an astounding musical journey thru the colorful swamps and bayous of Louisiana. Entering thru Mama Odie's peculiar treehouse, we board a giant lilypad, lazily sailing thru the quaint backwoods. In the world’s "first" indoor-whitewater rapid ride, our lilypad is sent careening amid perilous whitewater as Dr. Facilier's "friends on the other side" arrive to wreak havoc. Of course, all we have to do is "dig-a-little-deeper" - or dive - to find our happy end.

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Once again, I fear if we continue further, we'll be over the character limit, so I shall limit our adventures for now. Later tonight, we'll head back to the other side of Frontierland and explore its third and final sub-land.

Also once again, I must credit @MANEATINGWREATH for serving as my biggest inspiration for Frontierland. His Woody's Roundup and Princess and the Frog attraction concepts were just too good not to pass up, and his old Adventure Isle concept helped me to shape Tom Sawyer Island. Plus, Woody's Roundup would serve as an excellent kiddie attraction compared to the daring thrills of Big Thunder Mountain, PatF River Run and...well, I'm getting a little ahead of myself here.

 

[Suchomimus]

I am aware that Disneyland hosts their Fantasmic on the Rivers of America but wouldn't it make more sense to put the show over in Fantasyland since you don't have limited land space?

 

[DisneyManOne]

I am aware that Disneyland hosts their Fantasmic on the Rivers of America but wouldn't it make more sense to put the show over in Fantasyland since you don't have limited land space?

I decided to keep things traditional. Besides, I've already got a set idea with what I want to do with Fantasyland, anyway. The way I have things set up, I don't think there'd be enough room.

There's only one more stop we need to make in Frontierland, so let's make it now!

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Passing by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Disneyland Railroad station, we find ourselves leaving the sweltering deserts of Thunder Mesa in favor of a cooler, shaded oasis: a shady forest of pine, fir, and redwood. Rustic cabins and crystal-clear streams bring us into a world reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. The true beauty of nature comes out here as a lush waterfall thunders down into a gently flowing river (which eventually enters the Rivers of America). Dwellings of all shapes and sizes appear, some embedded into trees, oversized mushrooms, and rocks, perhaps belonging to some kind of critter. Muddy hills caked with grass pop up throughout the area, leading up to a large mountain caked with a gnarled-up tree trunk. My friends, we have just stepped foot into Heritage Forest. One thing to say about Frontierland is that each sub-land honors a different aspect of the grand American legacy. If Thunder Mesa celebrates the storied legacy of the Wild West and the French Quarter celebrates one of America's most famous and historic cities, then Heritage Forest celebrates the folklore and literary legends of America, as well as the customs and traditions of the Native Americans, a prominent part of America's heritage.

The gargantuan footprints of Paul Bunyan lead our trail into Heritage Forest. Fortunately, the prints aren't deep enough to make us lose our footing, but are certainly shallow enough to impose intrigue and wonder at the size of the man who made them. Even so, the hoof-prints of Babe, Paul's blue ox, trail right alongside Paul's. If one listens closely, they might hear the booming voice of the mighty lumberjack (fittingly provided by basso profundo Thurl Ravenscroft) singing out in the backwoods: "With my double blade ax and my hobnail boots, I go where the timber's tall. When there's work to be done, don't mess around just sing right out for Paul!" The tall redwoods rustle - certainly, Paul and Babe are near. Apart from the tall pines and ferns, a number of blossoming apple trees line our entrance into Heritage Forest. An aged fence is our only barricade between us and the beauty of Johnny Appleseed's own handiwork. In fact, Johnny's own footprints can be seen in the surrounding earth, fresh and new. Like the voice of Paul Bunyan heard out in the deep wilderness, we often can hear the ethereal spirit of Johnny Appleseed's heavenly creed: "The Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need: the sun and rain and an apple seed. Yes, He's been good to me."

Heritage Forest borrows its landscaping from Critter Country at Disneyland. Therefore, the first major point of interest is the second formation in Frontierland's mountain range. It's a large mountain scraping the great Northern skies. A thundering waterfall pours down from inside a large gnarled-up tree trunk at its peak. Every few seconds a log pours down the falls seemingly filled with...people? Screaming people. What is this, some kind of thrill ride? Well...yes. Yes, it is. This is Splash Mountain, the world's biggest log ride featuring the biggest, wettest drop in the entire resort. Inspired by Disney's 1946 live-action (and highly-controversial) film Song of the South, which in turn was inspired by the legendary folktales of Joel Chandler Harris, Splash Mountain takes place on and inside Chickapin Hill, the muddy home of the villainous Br'er Fox and his bumbling assistant Br'er Bear. The two rogues are constantly on a hunt for Br'er Rabbit, a crafty little rabbit always in search of something better. Currently, Br'er Rabbit is planning to leave his humble home in the Briar Patch to spend the rest of his days at the Laughin' Place. But what happens when Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear kidnap him before he gets there? Well, what happens is the wettest and wildest ride in Disney park history, all culminating in a 50-foot drop down Chickapin Hill!

A few feet away, along the banks of the Rivers of America is an old explorer's launch. Boarding either the Gullywhumper or the Bertha Mae, passengers are taken on a grand circle tour of the Rivers of America, treated to an audio tour provided by King of the River himself, Mike Fink. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes launch from a nearby landing, allowing man-powered journeys around and about the Rivers of America, narrated by a wise-cracking guide on either end of the hand-carved and hand-painted canoe.

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The Klondike Inn is perhaps Frontierland's best in immersive dining, being held within an intimate, dimly-lit cabin typical of the northern wilderness. Oil paintings, period lamps, stained glass, mounted trophy heads and antlers are used in nearly all of the decorating (no Gaston here) of this classy steakhouse, where surf'n'turf and steak dinners, salads and desserts are out-of-this-world extraordinary in both flavor, size, and price. The Klondike Inn also boasts a beautiful patio right on the banks of the River; providing excellent views of Tom Sawyer Island and a good spot for people-watching, as the various watercraft glide past. Come night, it's also a popular place to enjoy Fantasmic!, offering a unique view you can't get anywhere else. You may even catch a glimpse of the Disneyland Railroad as it passes the Klondike and heads for Columbia Gorge at the northern-most tip of the Rivers of America.

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Folktale Forest is essentially the Disneyland Maine equivalent of Critter Country, borrowing much of its layout and style from it as well as its predecessor, Bear Country (Klondike Inn is essentially a more upscale version of Hungry Bear). Much like Critter Country, the Disneyland Railroad passes right through Splash Mountain and splits Folktale Forest in half. Heading underneath the railroad tracks, we find the old barn entrance to Splash Mountain on our left; but on our right, we head down a forest trail past thundering waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Rock formations in the shape of eagles, owls, and other "forest spirits" lay hidden among the falls, suggesting that perhaps magic lays deep within the earth. Totem poles appear on either side of the trail, the distant howl of a wolf setting an eerie tone. Down the trail, the drumming and chanting of the Native American people seems to grow louder and louder, until we finally find ourselves in front of a world seemingly untouched by modern man. Marked by a great rock formation, covered in grass, wildflowers and waterfalls, weaved boats stand ready to takes us down The Rivers of Nature. On this incredible journey, set to Native American tribal music, we sail through the forests and deserts of North America, coming across many friendly animal faces. But be warned--man is not so friendly, and nearly threatens to destroy the forest! Fortunately, all ends well, and the journey concludes with a trek through the Heart of the Forest, where man, animal, and nature all gather in perfect harmony.

Built nearby The Rivers of Nature, an authentic Penobscot Nation house (actually built from cedar planks) serves as the home of the Penobscot Museum, a museum dedicated to the native people of the region. Exiting the museum takes us directly toward the Dance Circle, an outdoor entertainment arena where authentic dancers of the various Native American tribes of Maine --the Penobscot, the Abenaki, the Passamaquoddy, the Maliseet and the Mi'kmaq-- in the appropriate garbs perform dances that have been passed down for centuries among their people.

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Right in the middle of Heritage Forest is a beautifully-kept garden where nature rules over all. If you want to meet more characters, you're in luck. The likes of Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear, Kenai, Koda, Pocahontas, John Smith and Meeko all can be seen roaming through Heritage Forest, eager to greet guests. In the center of this garden is a towering tree whose long limbs and ample green leaves provide shade. In an alcove to the right of the garden is Grandmother Willow's Grove, a playground for little kids. Young explorers can enjoy running, climbing and jumping around the encampment of swings, bridges and slides suspended between the open wooden supports of tepees. Details recall the forest friends of Pocahontas, whilst parents and older visitors can enjoy a peaceful place to sit by the river, watching the logs of Splash Mountain rush by and the riverboats slowly ply their course through the luscious green trees.

The John Henry Building, "established 1870," holds inside it a number of rustic and unique locales. The building itself is named for John Henry, an African-American folk hero. Henry was said to be a "steel-driving man." His raw strength helped forward the expansion of the United States Railroad. According to legend, Henry's "steel-driving" prowess was measured in a race against a steam-powered drill, a race that he won, only to die in victory with a hammer in his hand. The railroad trestle at level with the treetops is named for Casey Jones, otherwise known as "The Brave Engineer." Casey Jones was a true-life American railroader, killed on April 30, 1900, when his train collided with a stalled freight train. His legend recalls:

"The passengers did not suffer, and there was no panic.

I was jarred a little in my bunk, but when fairly awake the train was stopped and everything was still.

Engineer Jones did a wonderful as well as a heroic piece of work, at the cost of his life.

The marvel and mystery is how Engineer Jones stopped that train. The railroad men themselves wondered at it and of course the uninitiated could not do less. But stop it he did. In a way that showed his complete mastery of his engine, as well as his sublime heroism. I imagine that the Vaughan wreck will be talked about in roundhouses, lunchrooms and cabooses for the next six months, not alone on the Illinois Central, but many other roads in Mississippi and Louisiana."​

The legend of both John Henry and Casey Jones is retold in a plaque at the base of the Casey Jones Railroad Trestle. A statue of John Henry can be found near the railroad tracks in the adjacent wilderness.

The John Henry Building holds, among others, Paul Bunyan's, a clothing store selling mainly flannels and plaid clothing. Various tributes to the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox Babe adorn the store. The Apple Tree is an odd store with a large apple tree growing in the middle of it. A stationary sculpture of Johnny Appleseed himself (accompanied by some forest friends) picks apples from the tree. The Apple Tree specializes in mainly candy and other sweet treats, including their famous caramel apples. Other shops in the area include Pecos Bill Outfitters and Brer Possum's Picture Parlour. Pecos Bill Outfitters, a clothing store dedicated to keeping one warm (a winter in Maine could compete with a winter in Arendelle) borrows its name from Pecos Bill, one of our country's greatest literary legends. Pecos Bill is, or "was," a fabled cowboy of Manifest Destiny, known to the Southwest of Texas, New Mexico, Southern California, and Arizona. According to legend, Bill was raised by a pack of coyotes. His horse, Widow-Maker, was so named because no other man could ride him and live to tell about it. He had an unlikely romance with Slue-Foot Sue, however things did not exactly go to plan come their wedding day. Unlike Westward Ho! back in Thunder Mesa, Bonanza Creek Outfitters focuses more on winter wear and contemporary clothing, rather than western-inspired wear. The shopkeeper of Bonanza Creek Outfitters has a set of Bigfoot footprints proudly on display outside his shop, claiming them to be 100% real, much to the fear of the locals. Brer Possum's is a bit of a curiosity nowadays as in it is an actual picture parlour...whatever that means. It is here where one can dress up in ridiculous pioneer, cowboy, bandito, mountain man, showgirl, or gold miner clothing and plop themselves in front of an equally-outrageous backdrop for a black and white-tinted photograph reminiscent of the 19th century. It is also in the Picture Parlour where the world famous "Disney silhouettes" are hand-cut by professional artists; and it's also where you disembark upon completing your wild ride through Splash Mountain. They take your picture as you head down that drop!

Of course, you can meet these American legends yourself here in Heritage Forest. John Henry, Casey Jones, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill and Slue-Foot Sue all meet here throughout the day.

On the edge of the galaxy, between the Unknown Regions and Wild Space, there is a long-forgotten planet called Batuu...

Ironically, our portal into this strange and forgotten world comes not through Disneyland's realm of science-fact and fantasy, Tomorrowland, but instead through the once desolate Bayou Trail of the French Quarter or the backwoods Wilderness Trail of Heritage Forest. No matter what way we go, we pass through the rockwork of Columbia Gorge and enter into...

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge​

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is the next level of Disney Imagineering. Every last inch of this land is dripping with story, and we are able to become part of it. As the story goes, we find ourselves on Black Spire Outpost, once one of the most prominent of all trading ports, now abandoned ever since hyperspace came into the picture. Now, during the great battle between the Resistance and the First Order, smugglers and bounty hunters and Stormtroopers have overtaken the place, and we are caught up in the conflict.

It was set in stone that Galaxy's Edge would be a part of the Disneyland Maine experience, ever since its first announcement. However, due to budgetary concerns, the opening was set up for "Phase II" of Disneyland Maine's lifespan, a phase which also gave us the French Quarter in Frontierland, as well as Hollywoodland (but we'll get to that later on). Of course, its opening here was just as successful as the openings in California, Florida and Paris.

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Once more, I have to credit @MANEATINGWREATH, original creator of the Casey Jones Trestle and John Henry Building, as seen in his Mirror Disneyland concept.

I'm afraid I won't be talking about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge yet. I still want to avoid any and all spoilers for any major details regarding the land and its attractions (the closest I've seen is bits and pieces of the Savi's Workshop experience, as seen in Tony Goldmark's vlog about the subject--and yes, I made sure to minimize the screen when they talked about Smuggler's Run), so I'll leave it be for now. Given that the land is such a success, it's safe to say that everything currently in Galaxy's Edge exists in Disneyland Maine's Galaxy's Edge as well.

Besides, this also means I can move on to discussing my favorite of all lands here at Disneyland... So stay tuned, and we shall go there in the next post. Until then, continue to send any feedback if you have it! It's all very much appreciated!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Fantasyland

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The tallest and largest castle ever found in a Disney park, the impressive Snow White Castle transports us from the classic Americana of Main Street, U.S.A. and into the age-old pages of a childhood storybook. Here, magnificent mosaics, golden spires, lavish tapestries, imposing gargoyles, and ornate latticework compose a symphonic atmosphere reminiscent of the grandeur and romance of the Renaissance. Snow White Castle truly represents a bygone era: a time where princes and princesses reigned, a time when dragons roared and knights sought to intercede them, a time when fairy-tale fantasy lived in a world rich in magic... This world, of course is represented beyond the castle walls in the happiest kingdom of all, Fantasyland.

As we cross over the stone bridge and through its towering portico, we are "welcomed" by a never-ending loop of some of Disney's classic fairy-tale romance songs: "When You Wish Upon a Star", "Once Upon a Dream", "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Someday My Prince Will Come". The sheer size and magnificence of Snow White Castle is fully realized once inside the castle's lavish interior: a glorious multi-storied rotunda in the style of Disneyland Paris' castle, laden with decor reminiscent of the medieval era; vivid tapestries, stone statues and fine-glass windows. Magic is infused into every last architectural detail, from the stone-cut chipmunks and rabbits in the pillars, to the gargoyles along the spiral staircase. High above us, a stained glass window (taken from Kingdom Hearts) casts an almost yellow light onto the center of the interior, shining upon a hand-carved statue of Snow White being whisked away on horseback by Prince Florian. Below it, a plaque reads "You're Never Too Old To Be Young".

The Heraldry Shoppe resides on the first floor of the castle, aptly marked by twin suits of armor and an antique collection of medieval weaponry. The Heraldry Shoppe allows patrons to trace their family tree for generations into the past. Replica swords, daggers and shields are also for sale, in addition to family crests, tapestries and medieval paraphernalia. The Castle Boutique sells all things fantasy, from sorcerer hats to princess gowns. A backdoor leads out to nearby Snow White Grotto, while a stone passage on the other side of the castle leads out into Fantasy Gardens.

Right nearby the Heraldry Shoppe, we climb an elegant spiral stairwell to the second floor, finding not one, nor even two, but three points of interest. First of all, we find ourselves immersed in the Snow White Castle Gallery, an elaborate display in the style of Paris' La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant, where the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is retold through through lavishly illustrated books, rich tapestries, hand-painted mosaic murals, small statues and truly majestic stained glass windows.

Within this gallery, we find the entrances to the other two points of interest on the second-floor of the castle. Soaring archways and cathedral ceilings create a dramatic atmosphere for the Royal Banquet Hall, a fantastical feast for the eyes and taste buds. As the story goes, Snow White is holding a banquet in honor of the world’s best-loved Disney Princesses, and we are invited. As such, we dine in splendor as Disney's iconic princesses mingle, give autographs and pose for pictures. Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel are just a few of the familiar guests in attendance. Authentic medieval tapestries and acquired artifacts adorn the lavish dining room, whilst flags and shields bearing the namesake of many a medieval nation hang proudly above us. In the chambers across the way from the Royal Banquet Hall, the Fairytale Gathering gives lords and ladies of all ages the chance to rub elbows with royalty in a lavish labyrinth of boudoirs, libraries and converted-dungeons. The Fairytale Gathering is the place to go if you want to meet the likes of Snow White (who alternates between meeting here and meeting at Snow White Grotto), Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, Merida and Elena of Avalor.

In addition, the second floor of Snow White Castle also features a doorway that leads out onto an intricately styled balcony, which offers a panoramic view of the medieval township of Storybook Village.

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Heading back downstairs, we pass through the northernmost-facing portico of Snow White Castle and step into Storybook Village, a quaint little village displaying what life in the Dark Ages might have been like were it to clash with the color and whimsy of Toontown. Architecture of Bavarian, Dutch, Swiss, and Tudor origin craft the town. Minstrel-style arrangements of classic Disney tunes fill the air, creating a sense of medieval trade and fellowship. The glistening shape of the Castle Carrousel sits front and center in town. Held underneath a vibrant medieval tent, sculpted greenery and vibrant flowers set the stage for a cavalry of wood-carved horses and gleaming carriages. Upon the wooden canopy, painted stills depict scenes from every Disney film represented here in Fantasyland, held up by hand-carved cherubs. As an old-fashioned organ plays, we parade up and down atop our horses, getting unique views of the wonders that are awaiting us here in Fantasyland. Castle Carrousel sets an impressive backdrop for the final resting place of the "Sword in the Stone" itself, Excalibur, the legendary blade of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In its base reads: "WHOSO PULLETH OUT THIS SWORD OF THIS STONE AND ANVIL IS RIGHTWISE RULER BORN OF ENGLAND." The wise Merlin and his Make-Believe Brass, a madcap band of medieval minstrels, host the daily Sword in the Stone Ceremony, where a would-be King or Queen of England is chosen in the absence of King Arthur (reportedly visiting the Bermuda) to draw Excalibur from its sheath. Only one true hero will prevail in an often humorous celebration of magic and royalty.

Among the "storybook" architecture, we find a collection of various shops and adventures, each representing the world of fantasy better than the last. Immediately to our left as we enter into Storybook Village, you'll find the humble abode of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, home to the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique. In this enchanted chamber inhabited by chattering mice and whistling bluebirds, children of all ages are allowed the chance to magically transform into his or her own favorite Disney character (mostly princesses), a dream come true for many a youngster.

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The stories of Storybook Village are all of films released in the time of Walt himself. The nostalgia and detail of Fantasyland is reborn in this venerable celebration of Classic Disney, the true heart of a "Fairytale Renaissance" -- four dark rides; one classic standing alongside three new attractions, two found on either side of the Village. And coincidentally enough, both sides highlight the films of two different ages: to the west, films of the Golden Age; and to the east, films of the Silver Age.

We first stumble upon a Gothic-Bavarian manor home, elegant, medieval, yet intimidating in both design and appearance. Impressive stonework forms towers and turrets. The walls rot and crumble with age, held in place by twisted tree roots. This manor is the alchemy lab of the legendary Master Yen Sid. The old sorcerer often parts the curtains of his solitary tower, peering down at the cobblestone streets below, surveying the land, silently, judgmentally, yet benevolently. Now, if this sight sends a chill down your spine, fear not. Yen Sid is inviting all visitors to his fortress to take part in a very special concert. With his powerful magic, Yen Sid has joined together time periods, drawing together classic music spanning the centuries. We are cordially invited to choose our own concert experience and take a journey unlike anything ever seen before in a Disney park, as we explore the magical, musical world of Fantasia!

In this excellent attraction, as designed by @D Hindley for Season 16 of So, You Want to Be an Imagineer?, Fantasia takes us out of medieval Fantasyland and into the world of music, where anything can happen. Beginning with the surrealism of Bach's "Toccata and Fugue", we then explore one of four different worlds: the excitement of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite", the humor of Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours", the horror of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" and the beauty of Resphigi's "Pines of Rome". It all wraps up with--what else?--Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", as we relive the magic of Mickey Mouse trying in vain to stop a horde of living brooms from destroying Yen Sid's laboratory.

We dine on "music for the mouth" immediately following our journey. The Orchestra Pit takes up residence in a corner of the village nearby Yen Sid's fortress. These storefronts are the temporary housing for Yen Sid’s visiting orchestra, who have taken rather abrupt residence in the villager’s bakeries and shoe shops and cellars. In fact, don't be surprised to see live musicians roaming about the restaurant, ready to serenade diners with Fantasia music at a moment’s notice!

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The timbered facade of an Austrian hunting lodge is our next stop, the home of Bambi: A Life in the Forest. Yet another project designed for So, You Want to Be an Imagineer?--this time, designed by @spacemt354--this attraction marks the first major representation of Walt Disney's fifth animated feature in a Disney park. Inspired by the concept art of Tyrus Wong, this dark ride will be unique from others due to its scarce reliance on dialogue, with an emphasis on music and an impressionist art driven narrative. The scenes flow together in a rhythmic harmony that illustrate Bambi's maturation from a young fawn to the prince of the forest, told through several makeshift vignettes following the cycle of the seasons, from spring, to summer, autumn and winter, and back to spring again. Though fear and tragedy touch our journey, renewal and redemption always come with the dawn. Fittingly enough, this attraction inspired by a film taking place in the forests of North America sits mere steps away from a portal leading towards Thunder Mesa in Frontierland.

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On the other side of Storybook Village, a stately French chateau is waiting for us. Within the walls of this chateau, we're invited to board our very own pumpkin coach to take off upon Cinderella's Midnight Journey. This is a concept I thought up myself for So, You Want to Be an Imagineer? For the first time ever, the story of Walt Disney's 1950 classic comes to life, as we enter the old barn-shed of the chateau and emerge in a world where dreams come true. We follow Cinderella through her iconic story as we witness mice making her dress, the Fairy Godmother working her magic, Prince Charming and Cinderella falling in love, and of course, her foot fitting the glass slipper.

Down the way from Cinderella's Midnight Journey, a giant beanstalk can be seen stretching towards the heavens, growing from the top of a thatched-roof cottage; the same cottage that served as the homestead of three certain poor farmers... This homestead serves as the home of Sir Mickey's, a shop themed around the classic featurette Mickey and the Beanstalk. The shop specializes in toys, plushes, clothing and accessories. The beanstalk's roots can be found in the ceiling of the store with Mickey attempting to hang on for dear life

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It's bedtime in the Darling children's nursery, but Wendy, Michael and John have some unexpected visitors! Our travels have brought us before a beautiful building, made of wood and stone, with patchwork roofs as blue as the sea. With its tallest roof topped with a weathervane depicting a pirate ship, this can only be the home of Peter Pan's Flight. Built in the true "E-Ticket" fashion, the time-honored attraction puts us aboard a flying pirate galleon, sprinkled with pixie dust, for an adventure unlike any other. Our adventure begins in London, where we learn to fly with the Darling children, courtesy of their bedtime heroes - Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. Next, we head off into the night sky, where we set sail with Peter Pan over the streets of London, past the second star to the right and straight on into the volcanic peaks, tropical flora and sparkling waterfalls of Neverland. A swashbuckling duel between Pan and Hook gets us hooked on faith, trust and pixie dust as the enchanted Jolly Roger takes flight and returns to the nursery of the Darling children.

Much like Disneyland Paris' Fantasyland, Disneyland Maine's Fantasyland devotes most of its pleasant charm from a natural point of view. Now, instead of having a small village, you have a lush countryside. A meandering stream, one that separates Storybook Village from the rest of Fantasyland, runs through the entire area and unifies the space. Manicured gardens line its banks and the abundance of greenery has a calming effect on what could have been a frenetic place. The four distinct areas of Fantasyland -- Storybook Village, the Enchanted Forest, Fantasy Harbor and Dumbo's Flying Circus -- blend together in a natural harmony, thus giving the illusion that you truly are exploring a kingdom of make-believe, where anything can happen.

On the banks of the stream, at the northermost tip of Storybook Village, sits the Royal Dance Circle, a lavish place set up for a festival, all with banners, streamers and lights. When night falls, the lights of the Dance Circle illuminate the stream in brilliant hues. Throughout the late afternoon and evening, the Royal Dance Circle plays host to The Starlit Princess Waltz. Hosted by three unique characters -- Clef, the Royal Minstrel of Fantasyland; Rosie, official choreographer of Fantasyland and Clef's sweetheart; and Louis, Clef's bumbling, but well-meaning, little brother and apprentice -- 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 backdrop of Storybook Village and Snow White Castle to the south and the rest of Fantasyland to the north. 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?

Speaking of characters, it should be noted that Disneyland Maine's Fantasyland prides itself on the "roaming character" idea. This is supposed to be the land where characters live, and with this "roaming character" mindset, that idea can become a reality. Many other Fantasylands across the world also share this unique meet-and-greet experience, and Disneyland Maine is no exception. No matter what part of Fantasyland the characters are from, they'll always make sure to stop by the village and say hello. But among the faces you'll usually find around the village are the likes of Pinocchio, Geppetto, Jiminy Cricket, Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook, Smee and the various characters from Cinderella: the Fairy Godmother, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, Jaq, Gus, Suzy and Perla. In addition, Clef, Rosie and Louis also stroll through Fantasyland in the morning and early afternoon, singing classic songs and re-telling classic Disney stories in their own unique way.

A stone bridge located a few paces away from The Orchestra Pit takes us over the stream and into the worlds that lie just beyond the safety of Storybook Village. Before us sits a massive forest from the pages of a fantasy novel or the reels of Once Upon a Time. This area, of course is naturally the second sub-area of Fantasyland: the Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest encompasses a key location in almost any major fairy tale: the woods. 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. Our ears are met with the orchestral sound of unseen wildlife. Trickling streams and miniature waterfalls roll along the side of the road, while the occasional cottage protrudes from among the tree trunks and treetops.

Much like Storybook Village, the Enchanted Forest serves as a gateway to further adventures in the realm of fantasy, as well as a path leading to Fantasyland's four additional sub-areas. These adventures start with what lies directly across the stream from Storybook Village: an age-old mountain; its rocky facade and numerous hills offering a dramatic backdrop for the village and serving as a teaser for things to come beyond its reaches. Now, we've all seen where Snow White and Prince Florian live. But, what about her seven little friends?

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Woodland creatures and bits of mining equipment lead our path into a glittering diamond mine, where a rustic mine train awaits. Zipping around hairpin turns and teetering back and forth along the countryside aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we crawl deep into a mine shaft where we find the Seven Dwarfs hard at work, whistling and singing while collecting their keep. A wild race from the mountain’s peak to the foot of the mountain takes us behind a waterfall and past the cozy cottage of the Dwarfs. In this extended take on this kid-friendly roller-coaster, we zip up, down and around the caverns of the mine, including a second indoor sequence. The attraction comes to an exciting conclusion after the Evil Queen, in her Old Peddler disguise, tries to crush the riders with an enormous boulder! The Seven Dwarfs' Cottage is fully explorable, and serves as a meet-and-greet opportunity for the other six Dwarfs: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful and Sneezy. We exit the mine train through the Seven Dwarfs' Mine Atrium, a small merchandise location, where guests can actually excavate their own gems!

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Just mere steps away from the Seven Dwarfs' mine, the towering trees and foliage of the Enchanted Forest suddenly warp and mend into the oddball topiaries, multicolored leaves, giant mushrooms, and twisted trunks of Alice's nonsensical Wonderland. It seems as if we have fallen down the rabbit hole, through the looking glass, and to the entrance of Alice's Curious Labyrinth, marked by the oversized, grinning, floral face of the devious Cheshire Cat, his pupils wildly spinning in 360° circles. In this massive, sprawling, hedge maze, we discover a land of wonder, mystery and danger. Tulgey Wood and the Queen of Hearts’ Castle await in a winding maze of magical creatures, conflicting signage, glowering flowers, and a grinning Cheshire Cat. A chatty Doorknob welcomes us. "Looking for the White Rabbit? Well, see for yourself!" From there, we are thrust into a wacky and wild world where anything can happen.

A Caucus Race leads astray and into a crop of beautiful, singing flowers...standing six to eight feet in height! Hungry dandelions and a snarling tiger lily lie in wait. The Caterpillar enjoys his favorite pipe from atop a technicolor toadstool. Conflicting signage, bizarre birds and the aforementioned grinning floral Cheshire Cat welcome us to the labyrinth that is the Tulgey Wood. Alice, having grown to an extraordinary size, bursts through the walls of a disgruntled White Rabbit's cottage. Moving on from there, the Mad Hatter, March Hare and the Dormouse enjoy a spot of tea for a very merry unbirthday party. Whistling teapots, spinning cakes and precariously stacked cups set the scene, with interactive elements that encourage visitors to play along. But it's not all fun and games here in Wonderland, as we are soon about to find out...

Leaving the tea party, card soldiers frantically "paint the roses red" in fear of their evil mistress: the Queen of Hearts. A path leads to the Queen of Hearts' castle, which provides not only a bizarre playground of funhouse mirrors, playful traps and silly slides, but also a fantastic view of the Enchanted Forest and the rest of Fantasyland. Lastly, we escape our undesired fate - pursued by the Queen of Hearts and her Card Soldiers - through an elaborate labyrinth of spiraling high and low hedges. The irritable Queen springs from various points in the underbrush with a blood-curdling shout: "Off with their heads!" One wrong turn might lead right back to the Castle; one right turn might lead to our safe and sound return to the Enchanted Forest.

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Of course, the madness doesn't end here. Just steps away from this curious labyrinth we find another venerable Disneyland staple, the Mad Tea Party. Shielded from the elements by an overhead glass canopy with an intricate design, we hop aboard a teacup for a mad spin around a massive, twirling teapot inhabited by the eternally-tipsy Dormouse. Paper lanterns and stringed-lights illuminate the "dance floor" as night falls upon Wonderland, creating a magical, yet eerie glow. As with other versions of the flat-ride, we are able to control the speed and "spin" of each teacup via a wheel in the center of the "brew." For guests of a younger age, this attraction is a must-see, similar to a certain flying elephant, but for guests our age who get dizzy easily...well, we'll pass.Naturally, Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum all wander about this part of the Enchanted Forest like a bunch of lunatics, causing a whole lot of general mischief and mayhem amid the truly peculiar setting.

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To continue this British theme, the timbered farmhouse of Christopher Robin is our next stop in the Enchanted Forest, the all-too-appropriate home of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Having meandered through a bramble of oversized pages from a Pooh storybook, we come upon a large, animated map of the 100 Acre Wood. From aboard a hot-air balloon, we sail through the the warm and friendly world of Winnie the Pooh, flying past a blustery day in the 100 Acre Wood, followed by a chance encounter with a bouncing Tigger back on ground, and into a Heffalump and Woozle-induced nightmare. A freak rainstorm sends our balloon into the floodwaters, sailing past our forest friends as they salvage their homes. Our journey ends in a rather sticky happily ever after for Winnie the Pooh as he finally gets to indulge in his favorite treat. Pooh Corner is our one-stop shop for all things Pooh, with nifty souvenirs and all sorts of candy and confectionery, including the popular Tigger Tails from Disneyland in California. The only "bother" here is settling on a purchase! Nearby, aptly set up near the gardens of the farmhouse and under the shade of a "honey tree", Hundred Acre Goods offers delicious food inspired by the Winnie the Pooh stories. The main courses on the menu include honey in some way--spinach salad with honey pecans, buttermilk and honey chicken kabobs, chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce and honey ham and Swiss sandwiches. In addition, Hundred Acre Goods offers selections from Rabbit's garden: salads, fruit and veggie cups and hearty vegetable soup, as well as honey whole-wheat bread and a specialty dessert you can't find at Pooh Corner: "Heavenly Honey", which amounts to three layers of honey-flavored doughnuts topped with icing and drizzled in warm honey. Pooh's Thoughtful Spot, a 100 Acre Wood-themed playground resides in a forest clearing just near Hundred Acre Goods, allowing little ones to explore the world of Christopher Robin and the bear of very little brain. Of course, Pooh, Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga and Roo all make meet-and-greet appearances in the surrounding hollow.

Disney Instrumental ǀ Neverland Orchestra - Beauty And The Beast

www.youtube.com

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On the farthest outskirts of the Enchanted Forest, cracked gargoyles and beastly statues point the forested path toward the Beast's Castle which, ironically, is wide-open for visitors. Inside the mighty castle, we can become part of the story in The Tale of Beauty and the Beast. In this show, inspired by the concept proposed for Disneyland Paris, we are invited inside the castle's grand hall to visit the beloved characters from the film. Of course, Lumiere and his band of enchanted dishware perform a spectacular rendition of "Be Our Guest". It all leads up to an emotional climax when Belle brings up a child from the audience to give a rose to the Beast, reminding him to love and breaking the spell.

It seems only fitting that Bonjour! Village Gifts, Gaston's Tavern and The Storybook Store be situated across the way from the Beast's Castle, built right into the rockwork of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Bonjour! Village Gifts is a small shop for all our Beauty and the Beast needs. From there, the cobblestone pavement leads us to a delightfully humorous fountain featuring the dashing Gaston standing high atop the bumbling LeFou. This sets the foreground for Gaston's Tavern, Fantasyland’s second rough 'n' rowdy inn. In this antler-lover’s paradise, a massive portrait of Gaston overlooks the bar from above the fireplace mantle, a slain black bear at his feet. Menu items include turkey legs, pork shanks, jerky snacks, meat pies, drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), hummus, and warm cinnamon rolls. Gaston himself has been known to make an appearance or two right outside his tavern, often engaging in push-up contests with men or a game of flirtatious wits with beautiful ladies. In addition, LeFou also shows up, getting into shenanigans with park-goers, while the Bimbettes spend their time swooning over Gaston or flirting with any other potential suitors. Now, it wouldn't be Belle's provincial town without the book shop she usually frequents. As such, The Storybook Store offers a huge collection of books based upon the many stories this Kingdom tells, in addition to films and CDs in a range of languages, and loveable furry plush toys. Of course, the friendly Bookseller makes appearances here throughout the day. And if you want to meet Belle, she and Prince Adam regularly do meet-and-greets in a beautiful, rose-covered gazebo overlooking their castle.

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Now, there's still a lot more we have to cover in Fantasyland, so I'll have to once again split things up into two parts. Expect the next part of Fantasyland to come by tomorrow, and until then, please continue to leave feedback for me; it's all very much appreciated!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Let's finish our tour of Fantasyland, shall we?

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The golden spires and fanciful shapes of a magnificent palace protrude high above the treetops of the Enchanted Forest. Before us rests Small World Palace. Spinning flowers, whirligigs and stylized icons--from the Eiffel Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge--complement the smiling face of the iconic, 30-foot clock tower. Every fifteen minutes, the clock tower opens to display a multinational parade of toys and dolls, ending in a fanfare of trumpets and drums. Topiaries in the shape of animals from around the world fill the colorful gardens and planters around the palace, 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 cultureThe magnificent Tower of the Four Winds stands directly across from Small World Palace, functioning as a real weathervane on a most spectacular scale. Of course, inside this magnificent palace is the "happiest cruise that ever sailed," the 1964-1965 World's Fair classic, "it's a small world". Since 1964, people the world over have been captivated by this whimsical voyage; and to this day, "it's a small world" stands as a salute to the children of the world, a delightful cruise that speaks the international language of goodwill. Amid a vibrant, technicolor world of glitter, fabric, and paper-mȃché, a cast of 300 Audio-Animatronic children, animals and toys from every corner of the globe sing the all-too-familiar theme in their native language about peace and unity. From the snow-capped Alps to the deserts of North America, "it's a small world" is a fantastic voyage that is to be enjoyed by both the young and the young-at-heart. 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" is filled with dolls. In fact, this is the place to go if you want to find the dolls that were made for the 50th anniversary of the ride in 2014, brought back into production specifically for Disneyland Maine.

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The waterways of "it's a small world" serves as a fitting starting point for the next sub-area of Fantasyland: Fantasy Harbor. This is a central lagoon lined by sandy beaches, coral rocks, and the constant soothing sound of waves. And if the name didn't tip you off, the stories either have water-inspired elements, or take place in a world bordering the oceans. In fact, the first landmark of Fantasy Harbor is the weathered castle of none other than Prince Eric, perched against the sea cliffs. A proud galleon, circa 19th Century Denmark, appears docked near the shoreline, aptly christened The Little Mermaid. This, of course, is Eric's ship, even featuring a nautical figurehead with a near-exact resemblance to Ariel. A closer glimpse of the shores below reveal that, in addition to a large cluster of purple clamshells, a shimmering fork, or "dinglehopper" has also washed ashore...

In the lagoon surrounding the castle, one might notice something strange floating therein: magical sailing buckets. At first glance, it resembles Aquatopia at Tokyo DisneySea. But, if you were to step into one of those buckets, you'll find it leads to something very special. In Voyage of the Little Mermaid, another fantastic concept by @D Hindley, this time created for the first One Little Spark competition, we sail through the fantastic undersea world of Ariel, Sebastian, King Triton, Flounder and Ursula - without getting wet - in a musical adventure awash with scenes from the animated classic. We relive all the magic and romance of the 1989 classic, from Ariel's gadget-filled grotto to a sinister eel-infested lair. The experience is guided by an old fisherman and his granddaughter, who, in the grand style of The Princess Bride, offer a humorous narration.

Inside Prince Eric's castle, we can enjoy a meal at Sebastian's. The story behind this eatery is that in the wake of Ariel and Eric's marriage, Sebastian has taken over the kitchen inside the castle, completely outlawed seafood, and transformed Eric’s banquet hall into a fish-friendly eatery complete with lovely views and crustacean calypso concerts. Built within the cliffs surrounding the castle is Ariel's Grotto, the same cave where Ariel once yearned to be part of our world. Now a meet ‘n’ greet for the beloved princess, we are also invited to play interactive games with Scuttle while waiting to meet the little mermaid. Gadgets & Gizmos, built from the structural remnants of an old lighthouse, is the ultimate souvenir stop for all our Little Mermaid needs, with gadgets and gizmos aplenty and whose-its and whatsits galore! Nearby, Scuttle's Landing, owned by everyone's favorite seagull, sells drinks that, while familiar to us, are clearly unfamiliar to Scuttle. The result? Ridiculous names for the menu items. Here, "hot chocolate" is "hoot chalkboard." Here, "lemonade" is "lime grenade." Mmm-mmm, good.

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Yes, Fantasy Harbour is where many a classic tale got their start. Even Clopin, the macabre-humored narrator of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has found a home here. As the sea cliffs part, into an outdoor courtyard, set up for a grand celebration. And every day, we can become a part of that celebration in The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools. This was an old favorite that used to play at Disneyland from 1996 until 1998, and I just thought it was too good not to utilize for my dream Disneyland. The stage is set around a medieval theater-in-the-round, with multiple small stages, decorated with colorful flags and banners, filling the audience's point of view, all wrapped around a central stage where most of the action takes place. A gigantic troupe of gypsy actors, led by Clopin and a quartet of flag-wavers known as the Vexilators, proceed to tell the tale of Quasimodo in the style of medieval play structure. Esmeralda's cottage sits nearby the theater, serving as the home of Topsy-Turvy Trinkets, offering us merchandise based upon the 1996 film. Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, Clopin, and even Frollo are often seen roaming the grounds outside the theater, always happy to meet some new friends.

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Fantasy Harbor is also, naturally, home to Arendelle, locale of that 2013 juggernaut Frozen. Now that the gates have been opened once more, we are cordially invited to step into the castle and set off on a Nordic adventure unlike any other: Frozen Ever After. The basic story here is that Anna and Elsa are inviting one and all to celebrate "Summer Snow Day", a holiday meant to commemorate the day when the powerful love between the regal sisters saved their kingdom from the grips of eternal winter. After passing through the various halls of the castle, we set off aboard our own Nordic-inspired vessel on a trek up the North Mountain to visit Elsa at her ice palace. The enchanting celebration - complete with Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Elsa - is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Amidst a grove of tall pines on the perimeter of Arendelle Castle, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (and Sauna) welcomes us to its year-round "big summer blowout"! The friendly “Wandering” Oaken sells any and all things Frozen, including fresh carrot-snacks and winter-wear exclusive to the Fantasyland mercantile. Oaken’s backyard sauna, clearly built to resemble the Gol Stave Church of Oslo, Norway, hisses and trembles from the excess of steam within, often accommodated by a chorus of friendly "Yoohoos!" Of course, one might expect to meet Anna, Elsa, Olaf or Kristoff in the fjord of Arendelle Castle, but these Frozen friends can only be found at the Royal Sommerhus. The cozy summer home of Anna and Elsa, the Royal Sommerhus is chock full of memories (and memorabilia) from the sisters travels with their parents when they were younger. Now that Elsa is queen, the house has reopened so the sisters, and their friends, can relive their fond memories and make new ones with guests. Jagged rocks and ocean bluffs near the Sommerhus mark the transition from Arendelle to the abstract "it's a small world".

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Finally, we move on to a place where colors pop, music pounds and excitement is at an all-time high: Dumbo's Flying Circus. Don't be surprised if everything looks temporary, 'cause that's the point of this area. You have just stepped inside the world of a traveling circus that just set up shop on the outskirts of Storybook Village, just beyond Snow White Castle. Whereas Storybook Village and the Enchanted Forest are based on European styles, Dumbo's Circus takes us to an old Midwestern American town known as Carolwood Park, where the circus has come to town. Passing underneath a weathered old marquee, we find ourselves in the heart of Carolwood Park, ready to explore all the wonders the circus has to offer.

The taller trees of the Enchanted Forest and the waves and beaches of Fantasy Harbor transition into a sparkling thoroughfare of striped tents, festive banners, popcorn lighting and "retro" circus posters with classic Disney animated characters, where hot-air balloons soar overhead and searchlights pierce the heavens above. The old-time banners and posters hearken to such fictitious acts and attractions as "The Reluctant Dragon: Fire-Eater" or "Lambert the Sheepish Lion: Man-Eater." Circus animals have left behind their footprints in the pavement; the elephants seem to have also left behind their peanut shells. Upon entering into the circus grounds, guests are met by streetmospheric circus Cast Members, such as clowns, mimes and baton twirlers. The entire area is a bustling interactive and entertainment ground for streetmosphere and live entertainment. It wouldn't be fair to not include an entourage of mischievous clowns in Dumbo's Circus. The beloved Giggle Gang "from Hannibal, MO," create all the melodramatic and musical mischief required for your yesteryear Victorian circus. The well-rehearsed and well-educated "professionals" have skill and tremendous talent in slapstick violence, bad jokes and puns, humorous dances, and awful - seriously, awful - singing. Gentlemen, be forewarned: the lovely "Miss Peaches" is always on the hunt for "sugar" from unsuspecting male visitors.

Marked by the visage of a large yellow circus tent, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is undoubtedly the star of Storybook Circus. Here, we hop atop a Dumbo of our own for a flight around the skies of Fantasyland amid the jubilant sounds of a nearby circus organ. Flying into the sky aboard Dumbo is somewhat of a Disneyland initiation ritual for both the young and young at heart. There's just something miraculously enchanting and entirely timeless about this simple carousel-in-the-sky, reliving that magical moment when Dumbo first discovered his gift of flight. Much of the magic comes from the attraction's design, which effortlessly turns a "circus" theme into a beautiful and elegantly-designed space. The design of the carousel in use is a piece of art all its own, dropping jaws and inspiring countless passengers to follow their dreams and shoot for the stars no matter what…

But, this isn’t your everyday flight of fancy. Unlike other versions of the attraction, this version features two sets of rotating elephants moving in opposite directions as they fly through the air high above Fantasyland. This was a development that came with the Fantasyland expansion of 2012. Since Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the all-time classics -- one of the rides that, without which, Disneyland-style park would be complete -- a second carousel was added so that more people could experience it, thus eliminating the notoriously long lines the original version received. And within the confines of the tent is a circus-themed playground, perfect for those tiny tots who want something to do as they wait for their own turn aboard Dumbo.

Immediately to our left as we enter, Big Top Souvenirs is our typical "amusement tent" filled to overflowing with merchandise in theme and brand with Dumbo's Circus. Big Top Treats is also found inside this charming mercantile, a "show kitchen" famous for its cotton candy, caramel apples, shaved ice and other carnival treats. Just to the right of the Big Top Souvenirs tent, guests will be able to find Pete's Silly Sideshow, a meet 'n' greet area. Pete welcomes the guests into his new establishment, a three-ringed circus, where he hosts a series of circus acts, namely: the Three Little Pigs, Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar and Clara Cluck. In the center of Carolwood Park, guests can find the Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station, a complete water playground, themed around the classic train from the film.

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Leading off to the side of Dumbo's circus tent, the twinkle of popcorn lights and smell of vanilla have attracted the attention of passers-by toward the allure and excitement of the Coney Island-reminiscent Carnival Corral. Bullseye welcomes eager patrons into an old-fashioned indoor-midway cut from the same cloth as a turn-of-the-century Coney Island, New York. Innumerable fun house mirrors, nickelodeons and other classic games of the midway fill the Corral. Woody, Buzz and friends have all been detailed into every game, a fitting portal to the Toy Box Playhouse. Mr. Potato Head, carnival barker, is the star performer here. The old "hockey puck" performs a daily song and dance routine in celebration of the Carnival Corral's true main attraction: Toy Story Mania! Entering through, of all things, Woody's mouth, we are magically transported from Dumbo's Circus and whisked into Andy’s room. Here, we board a nifty tram with shooters attached to the fronts. Putting on a pair of 3D glasses, we take aim and ride thru a virtual gallery of five enticing carnival games and attractions, as presented by the gang from the Toy Story tetralogy. Of course, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Bullseye all make meet and greet appearances here, in addition to their more "natural" habitats in Frontierland and Tomorrowland, respectively.

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And with that, Fantasyland is finito! I admit, in my past Disneyland Maine (the one with Disney's Hollywoodland), Toy Story Mania would have, naturally, been part of Pixar Place; but given that I'm no longer considering that idea, I knew I had to put this famous E-ticket somewhere. The idea to have Toy Story Mania as part of a circus sub-area was @MANEATINGWREATH's brainchild, so credit goes out to him.

At some point during the weekend, the next post will be coming by; and in that post, we'll explore Hollywoodland. See ya then! And once again, if you have any feedback, feel free to post it!

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

This looks good, but wouldn’t Arendelle change due to the events of Frozen 2?

 

[DisneyManOne]

This looks good, but wouldn’t Arendelle change due to the events of Frozen 2?

Nope, this one's gonna be based more on the original Frozen.

Well, the weekend has come, so let us venture forward into Disneyland Park...

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Hollywoodland

When Disneyland Maine first opened, the park had six lands to its name: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Discoveryland and Tomorrowland. This is because the park was always meant as a tribute to the original Disneyland that Walt oversaw. Then, 5 years into the park's existence, "Phase II" was announced; the phase that gave us Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the land we are about to enter, Hollywoodland. Why so soon into the park's existence? Because the studio heads at Disney wanted Hollywoodland to officially open on December 21st, 2037, 100 years to the day when Snow White first premiered.

Located where Mickey's Toontown would stand at the OG Disneyland in California, Hollywoodland continues the tribute to Walt's original theme park vision by being a representation of Hollywood in its Golden Age; the age when Walt first started out as a filmmaker. This is the Hollywood of Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This is a town that once took the heart of a young Walt Disney. The automobile has made way for the Red Car of the Pacific Electric Railway. The shimmer of neon and bustle of traffic have built a fairy-land from a suitcase and a dream, "where any office boy or young mechanic can be a panic, with just a goodlooking pan." Here, one can go out and try their luck, and most certainly meet Donald Duck. Here, in the year 1937, the stress of our contemporary life fades for a glimpse into a warm embodiment of the "Hollywood that Never Was." The shimmer of neon and triumph of a dream set our stage for this reverent tribute to the romance, glamour and sentimentality of the silver screen.

Another railroad trestle is situated on a path in-between the Beast's castle and "it's a small world". A pair of mighty, ornamental elephants sat atop polychromatic pillars mark the trestle. Carved in gold along the trestle is the world "Hollywoodland". Stepping underneath the trestle, we find ourselves back in time, back in sunny California during the early half of the 20th century. In the principle of Main Street, U.S.A., Hollywoodland is a sparkling thoroughfare presented in the style and architecture of one historic Hollywood building after the next. The use of Art Deco and Mission Revival instills in us a sense of familiarity with a hint of intrigue. The reality of the Great Depression has subdued into the color and excitement of a cinematic Tinseltown. Trolley cables hang throughout the "skies". The historic Red Car of the Pacific Electric Railway once criss-crossed Los Angeles from 1887 to 1961. Today, the Red Car Trolley is of one and the same purpose - efficient travel. With three convenient stops throughout Hollywoodland, the Red Car is in tribute to the bygone memory of a yesteryear Los Angeles. The Red Car Newsboys exclaim the "daily" headlines through song and dance aboard their trolley "stage." Keystone cops patrol the streets in search of ne'er-do-wells, while an overly-flamboyant movie starlet canoodles her poodle to the adoration of her "fans." The Citizens of Hollywood simply and thematically add to the immersive environment, all the while setting a period that is further established in Art Deco architecture and rooftop billboards representing fictional and nonfictional products of the 1930's and 40's. Big band beats fill the air, played in crisp, fresh orchestrations rather than crackling radio transmissions.

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Forming something of its own Town Square, Hollywoodland begins in Valiant Park. In the center of Valiant Park, Storytellers recalls the moment in which a young Walt and Mickey first laid foot in the City of Angels. The tribute of bronze and plaster has hidden itself among the foot-traffic of Valiant Plaza, the park's entrance plaza, a subtle reminder that Walt was once such an everyday dreamer as ourselves. An adjacent plaque reads: "It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods - a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made - in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!" - Walt Disney

On the left-hand side of Valiant Park, your senses are stimulated by the sights and smells of Philippe's, an L.A. original, found across the way from the Hollywood Boulevard trolley station. "Home of the Original French Dipped Sandwich", specialties of the house include roast beef, pork, turkey, ham, or leg of lamb. Coleslaw, pickles, macaroni salads, pickled eggs, olives and peppers compliment the varied deli meats. This near-exact replica of the real-world location has been built to the minute detail; sawdust on the floor, neon in the signage, and "Carvers" at the counter. Found just a few feet away from the station, however, is the Fairfax Market, an outdoor grocery stand selling fresh fruits, snacks, and refreshments, represented as an authentic open-air grocery stand of a bygone era.

Bright light and the crackle of a phonograph welcome us to Oswald's Filling Station. There always seems to be a '40 Pontiac Torpedo Coupe out front. Oswald’s is decked "ear-to-toe" in memorabilia of American Car Culture, with the inventory following suit. Oswald himself often frequents the station in full mechanic attire, a rabbit-shaped wrench at hand. As with Oswald, in Hollywoodland, we can "rub elbows" with the Disney stars of celluloid - including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy - dressed in their Hollywood finest.

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Moving down the thoroughfare of Hollywoodland, there are various sights and sounds to be found. Starting on the right-hand side, we are first greeted by the KWDI Radio Station, awash in hues of cream and purple. It looks quite similar to the Disney Theater found in Hollywood Land at DCA. The KWDI Radio Station serves as Hollywoodland's premier entertainment station, and we are invited to serve as the live audience for its most popular program.

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Inspired by the 1998 computer game, The D Show is "the big Disney game show that everyone can play"! Or in other words, The D Show is a trivia game show that spans the Disney lexicon. In this exciting blend of trivia, mind-benders, and true-or-false, you'll get a chance to rack up the most D-Bucks and emerge as Disney trivia champion! Now, the original D Show game came out in 1998 (Mulan being the most current film represented in the game), but this show would have an updated lexicon to include the most recent Disney films. And for an example of how the game is played, just watch the video above. Three "episodes" of the show are played out in that, so you'll definitely get a good idea of how things work.

Across the way from KWDI, Sid Cahuenga, Talent Agency assures us that they can turn anyone or anything into a STAR, dressing us up as a star and placing us on the cover a magazine or in our very own acting headshot. Hollywood Clothiers may or may not assist in Sid's business, promising to dress anyone up like the greats in a matter of seconds. The large camera on the exterior indicates The Darkroom as our one-stop shop for film, cameras, memory cards, and in-park photo development. As cheesy as it the name sounds, Award Wieners at the final left corner of the boulevard stands in the spirit of another famous culinary Hollywood hotspot, Pink's Hot Dogs, selling hot dogs and gourmet sausages from a window with a line that stretches around the block. Streetside tables with umbrellas provide ample dining space and perfect views of the live street entertainment.

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Just up the road from the Carthay Circle, a beautiful Art-Deco building invites you to explore the ever-fascinating world of Disney Animation. I know that some people think this would technically make more sense on Valiant Street, but I'd prefer to keep Valiant Street strictly themed to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, in order to ease guests into the world of Toontown. Inside the Animation Courtyard, a number of gargantuan screens convey the clips, music, stills and sketches of the Disney Animated Canon and the Pixar Canon. This indoor courtyard is our "hub" for the varied wings of the sprawling exhibition, including:

The Animation Academy
In this magical classroom, learn to draw a beloved Disney character with a hands-on lesson from a Disney artist.

Sorcerer's Workshop
A collection of three exhibits each focusing on a different aspect of bringing an animated character to life: development, voice and appearance. In the Magic Mirror's Realm, we can create simple animation via spinning "reels", create our own virtual portraits and mosaics, piece together our own Silly Symphony short or create an adventurous and romantic plot to their own animated film. There are also interactive exhibits teach how the principles of persistence of vision trick the eye into believing that still images are in motion, the most notable exhibit being the mesmerizing Toy Story Zoetrope, a constantly-spinning optical illusion that brings to life several sculptures of characters from the film(s). The stone walls reveal many of our favorite characters arranged by theme: Fairies and Spirits, Heroes and Villains, Mentors and Warriors. The wise, talking portrait of the Magic Mirror points the path into Ursula's Grotto, the eerie but humble abode of Ursula the Sea Witch. Rather than stealing our voice for her own benefit, Ursula allows us to do a bit of voiceover work, re-recording our own voices over classic scenes and songs from Disney animation. The adjoint Beast's Library allows us to find our "Disney" self in a humorous quiz with Lumiere and Cogsworth. One of the most beautiful areas in the entire park, the Beast's Library seems to stretch into the heavens, often falling into a state of disrepair before the displayed rose is restored and beauty and magic brighten the chamber.

Character Close-Up
What Disney animation exhibit wouldn't be complete without the chance to meet a beloved Disney character? In this colorful meet-and-greet, you'll find six randomized characters representing six time periods: 30s/40s, 50s, 60s/70s, 80s/90s, 2000s and 2010s. Every morning, a different character is selected by a computer and scheduled for an all-day meet-n-greet in the space providing an experience that always proves to be different.

The Art of Animation
Rounding out the building is the Animation Screening Room, home of The Art of Animation. Found where Turtle Talk would be at DCA's Animation building, The Art of Animation is a fifteen-minute film which focuses on the creation of an animated feature from start to finish, from everything including research, design, conceptual planning, characters, paint cells, voice-acting and wrapping production. The film also informs us of the evolution of animation, including archival footage of Walt Disney and other previous and modern day artists talking about the evolution of art. It all culminates in a moving montage featuring a highlight of clips from every film in the Disney Animated Canon, all set to a dramatic score of some of the best music from these movies.​

Much like DCA, Disney Animation exits out into the Off the Page store, which showcases merchandise from several classic animated Disney films. Built into the side of the Animation building is one of the most revered restaurants in Disney history, Animator's Palate. Here, guests enter into a dining room that is completely black and white. Throughout the course of the meal, the paintings of various Disney characters along the walls are magically transformed into color. The meal ends with a film highlighting great moments from Disney animated classics and then the entire room bursts into an array of colors, with even the servers’ costumes changing from black and white to color. Unlike its Cruise Line brothers, this version of the restaurant will be the original styling, not the new styling that debuted with the Dream/Fantasy, and was subsequently implemented on the Magic/Wonder. Also unlike the Cruise Line variants, Hollywoodland's Animator's Palate offers buffet meals with characters from Disney’s iconic animated films.

Back in Hollywoodland, Disney Animation serves as a fitting transition into a cul-de-sac celebrating animation. Along the pathway separating KWID from Disney Animation, we come across the Terminal Bar, owned by Eddie Valiant's girlfriend, Dolores, is often rattled by the passing Red Car. Unfortunately, Delores is out on vacation with Eddie, but she left several of her bartenders behind to serve up a wide range of alcoholic drinks and themed snacks like Chips and "Dip". And if a little pick me up is needed, just request the barkeep to play "The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down" and watch the place come alive. The office of Valiant & Valiant is found nearby, as with the apartment of Baby Herman, though both sit inaccessible to us - and weasels… On the opposite side of the street is the abandoned stronghold of Cloverleaf Industries, Judge Doom's former evil enterprise that appears now as nothing more than the hollowed-shell of a building. Nearby, a secret panel leads to the opulent foyer of the Ink & Paint Club. The host motions us toward a "larger than life" portrait of Marvin Acme, the so called "Gag King." Even so, the rose etched on his breast pocket squirts water straight from the canvas. Suddenly, the entire wall begins to move and we are thrust into a smokey nightclub, with jazz blaring and cigarette girls roaming the room. A large octopus is our bartender, while the penguins of Mary Poppins hustle in lieu of a frantic waitstaff. Corks are popping and dinner is served. Donald and Daffy, the latter duck on loan from Warner Bros., gleefully tickle the ivories in their famous "Dueling Pianos" act. Of course, the performance often goes awry - or ablaze - and human entertainment takes the stage. Lowbrow tomfoolery is the stock-in-trade of the ACME Gag Factory, where such items as whoopee cushions and rubber chickens are "manufactured" by a highly over-engineered contraption. This is, of course, a clever gift emporium for the young and the young-at-heart.

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Once beyond the borders of Hollywoodland and well within the cul-de-sac, we can see that there are three unique buildings waiting for us to explore. The first is an old soundstage, where Mickey and the gang film all their shorts. In fact, their most recent short is just about to be released, and we are given the chance to be the first ones to see it! It's a little number called "Perfect Picnic", in which Mickey, Minnie and Pluto are on their way to have a...well, you-know-what. And even better -- Goofy's coming, too, only he's coming in his train! But of course, Goofy, being, well, Goofy, ends up careening his train out of control...and bringing us into the screen! Hopping aboard Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, we embark on a wild ride through the anarchic, crazy world of a cartoon.

(And by the way, if you're wondering about ride spoilers, especially given my no-spoiler policy towards new WDW rides, I was able to get the picture above from the Disney Parks Blog, so I could avoid spoiling the ride for myself. So, I'm still good.)​

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The second major destination in Downtown Toontown is that of the Toontown Cab Co., the home of Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. Aboard Lenny, a talking cab who is the brother of Roger's pal, Benny, we discover that the thrills are well underway the moment the Weasels show up and kidnap Roger's beloved wife, Jessica. What ensues next is a madcap adventure through Toontown that results in countless gags, a simulated "free-fall" into the streets below, and a happy ending only Roger Rabbit and his outlandish crew could dish out. Of course, you can meet Roger Rabbit, Eddie Valiant and Jessica in Downtown Toontown, as well!

Mickey's PhilharMagic Suite

This is the Music of Mickey's PhilharMagic Which Was Played at Disneyland Park in Florida, Hong Kong and Japan. This 3D Show Has Opened in 2003 in Florida, 2...

www.youtube.com

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The third major building here is the Toontown Opry, a concert hall designed in the style of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The Toontown Opry has played home to some of the most famous musical moments in cartoon history, and today, they're playing host to a spectacular concert unlike any other. Inside, a number of recovered costumes and props lead to a spectacular showing of Mickey's PhilharMagic. When a mischievous Donald Duck dons the Sorcerer’s Hat of Conductor Mickey, the scheduled concert goes awry; a 3D dream world awaits in a number of classic animated musical sequences, including "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. Mickey of course saves the day, catapulting Donald off-screen and into the back wall of the opera house, much to the duck’s dismay… The show exits out into the Toontown Music Co., a shop blending the styles of the Land of Symphony and the Isle of Jazz, as seen in the Silly Symphony short Music Land. The Music Co. sells wares inspired by PhilharMagic and cartoon music in general. In fact, it is here where you can make your own customizable Disney CD. Choose from a wealth of beloved Disney tunes--from the movies, from the TV shows, from the theme parks and beyond--and you'll have your own memento of the magic and music of Disneyland Maine.

Back on the other side of Hollywoodland, across the way from Disney Animation, the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café has a charming selection of dining and bakery items, the second in-park home of Starbucks Coffee. The “Silver Lake Sisters” - Dottie, Dolly and Ethel - once inspired The Three Little Pigs. Now, in 1937, the three sisters have opened a coffee shop laden with the memorabilia of a previous decade in the limelight. Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Parlour recalls the Hollywood soda fountains of the 1930s, complete with film memorabilia, preserved props, and stills of the classics. Specialty sundaes, ice cream sodas and triple scoop cones abound. The Red Car Five & Dime is a "one-stop shop," that, while featuring generic merchandise, also features merchandise related to the Red Car and other railways.

Muppet Vision 3D Area Music Loop

Muppet Vision 3D Area Music Loop

www.youtube.com

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Like with the "animation" cul-de-sac on the eastern side, the western side of Hollywoodland leads to a cul-de-sac all its own. Welcome to Muppet Studios, where Jim Henson's iconic cavalcade of creatures run the show! New York-style buildings, peculiar gardens and a massive hot-air balloon marked with the grinning face of Kermit the Frog welcome us to this unique district of Hollywood, where the strains of jazz fade in favor of classic Muppet favorites - "The Muppet Show Theme", "Movin' Right Along", "The Rainbow Connection", etc. The brick courtyard leads to a Muppet fountain right in the middle. The fountain features several Muppets, including Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, Rizzo and Miss Piggy, dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

Directly behind the fountain, guests will find the outstanding Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D. The venerable classic seats us in a perfect replica of the theater from the classic television series, The Muppet Show. As the curtain rises, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole Muppets menagerie appear in eye-popping 3D. They're taking us on a zany tour of Muppet Labs and showing off their new movie-making invention: Muppet*Vision 3D. Things, of course, go haywire when Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker set off a disastrous string of events into motion. With onscreen musical numbers, Audio-Animatronics figures and live in-theater special effects, it's a show guaranteed to bring the house down - and end with a glorious "three-hour" finale - a "Salute to All Nations, but Mostly America."

Built nearby the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, is Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop, which the ride exits out into. The workshop is unique to Disney's Hollywoodland in the sense that it provides live puppet shows and an exhibit all about Jim Henson's Muppets from their early days in Sam and Friends to their heyday in The Muppet Show. For a good sum of money, we can design our own Muppet and receive one-on-one tips from a trained-Muppeteer. If we do not wish to pay, all we have to do is pick-up a spare Muppet Whatnot from the Muppet Chest and enjoy. There's even a special experience for children to learn the fine art of Muppeteering, hosted by P.J. and Kai-Lee, two young Muppets who have experience working with children. After all, they were the ones who starred in the Jim Henson Play-Along Video series of the 80s. (The link provides an example of their work.) The giant Muppet-Screen 3000 overlooks the workshop, often playing classic clips and skits from The Muppet Show.

The "gorgeous" Miss Piggy fountain and Kermit the Frog hot-air balloon are in tandem with the Great Gonzo's Pandemonium Pizza Parlor. Audio-Animatronics Muppet rats deliver pizza to tables by way of conveyor belt. The walls are covered with recreations of props from various Muppet films and specials, as well as random goofs and gags. Gonzo can be heard crawling through the vents in the ceiling, video screens depicting both his ongoing stunts inside the ceiling and classic Muppet clips. The video screens also show the pandemonium in the kitchen (featuring the Swedish Chef, Gonzo and Rizzo) and the occasional explosion, blowing open the kitchen doors with smoke and chicken feathers flying into the dining room. Rizzo's Prop & Pawn Shop is a complete gift store themed to the Muppets. The store features three themed sections, one themed to Muppet Babies, the other themed to a generic Muppets set, featuring lighting rigs, camera equipment and real props used in the Muppet movies and the last is themed to the Happiness Hotel from The Great Muppet Caper.

Cinémagique - Main Theme

Découvrez vite le Main Theme complet de l'ancien spectacle Ciémagique sur DLP Dream ! -----------------------------------------------------------------------...

www.youtube.com

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Now, returning to the thoroughfare, we step closer and closer to the end of the street. We are in a glorious courtyard, surrounded with lush, green foliage and planted with lining palm trees. The surrounding area is lined with plains of grass, planted with bountiful trees, illuminated with twinkling LED lights. Off to the western side of the courtyard is the historic Carthay Circle Theatre, a theater which, all Disney fans know, plays a prominent role in the pantheon of Disney history. His first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered there in 1937 and, in 1941, groundbreaking stereophonic Fantasound was installed in the theatre for the West Coast premiere of Fantasia. The Carthay Circle of Hollywoodland is in reflection of the romance and glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, including references to the accomplishments of Walt Disney and his original animators.

Carthay Circle is home to an extraordinary journey into the World of Film: CineMagic. The silent films of Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel & Hardy illustrate the significance of early cinema and its influence on modern comedy and adventure films. The main show, starring Martin Short and Julie Delpy, is a romantic and remastered English Language version of the now-lost treasure of Walt Disney Studios, Paris. Short, a clumsy tourist from our world, is sucked into the silver screen and sent on one misadventure after the next in search of Delpy, a beautiful siren of the silent era. Titanic, Star Wars and Mary Poppins are among the worlds and dimensions visited by Short, all concluding in a romantic skip down the Yellow Brick Road.

THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE

THIS IS THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE OPENING MUSIC WITH HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

www.youtube.com

Well, we've been skirting around it long enough -- let's get to the shining star of Hollywood Boulevard: a life-size replica of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The Chinese Theatre is one of the most famous in all of Hollywood, a theater which has hosted dozens of award shows and numerous movie premieres. It is truly the icon of all of the glitz and glamour that Hollywood could imply. The theater has hosted dozens of award shows and numerous movie premieres, including two Disney films: Mary Poppins in 1964 and The Jungle Book in 1967, souvenirs from which you can find in window displays. It is truly the icon of all of the glitz and glamour that Hollywood could imply. The theatre is home to The Great Movie Ride, a 25-minute guided dark ride through the history of cinema, cataloging and bringing to life some of the greatest stories ever told. Brimming with excitement, we enter the lavish movie palace and into a lobby filled with iconic props and posters of the silver screen; Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, the Ark of the Covenant, Mary Poppins’ umbrella. An inspired collection of trailers and scenes of classic cinema lead to a soundstage held beneath the Hollywoodland Sign at twilight. Here we board a "traveling theater" for a guided, immersive tour through the world of cinematic history.

Narrated by film historian and longtime Disney collaborator Leonard Maltin, The Great Movie Ride employs the use of Audio-Animatronic figures, practical sets, live actors, projections and special effects in a 25-minute experience. Along the way, we pass screen legends in their most iconic roles; a tableau of film in a timeless snapshot, from one movie to the next. The finale, of course, brings all the films together in a moving montage of what else, but great movies… Such featured films include Citizen Kane, Godzilla, Singin’ in the Rain,and The Wizard of Oz. This is the signature attraction of not just Hollywood Boulevard, but of the park itself.

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If you need to take a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of Hollywoodland, then take a quiet stroll through the Eastern Gardens. This is a tranquil and gorgeous garden nestled alongside the left side of the Chinese Theatre and into the Hollywoodland Hills, which serve as the street’s backdrop. Under the hill’s uneven letters reading HOLLYWOODLAND are the garden’s walking paths, bridges, streams, pagodas, and waterfalls that serve as a break from the ever-frantic pulse of Tinseltown. Nestled in the shadow of the Hollywoodland Hills, guests will find the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, a lavish restaurant modeled after the truly iconic location. The restaurant is famously known for its' Cobb salad, which was apparently Sid Grauman's favorite snack after he had underwent some dental work. The restaurant features wonderful meals, while completely re-inventing the iconic restaurant, which even includes the classic Bamboo Room, modeled after the VIP Space.

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What did you guys think of Hollywoodland? For this, I was mostly inspired by @MANEATINGWREATH's layout for Hollywoodland in his Mirror Disneyland, but I threw in a few ideas myself. I mean, I can't be the only one who still wishes that The Great Movie Ride and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway could co-exist in the same park.

I will admit, the reason I have been able to get so many posts out these past few days is because I am on spring break from college. Since I'm starting classes again come Monday, I won't be able to get these posts out as often as I have been. So, you can probably expect one more post to come by later this weekend. Maybe I'll do two in one, so I can have Disneyland Park officially under my belt before I have to start classes again. I'm not sure yet. But anyways, until the next post comes along, please feel free to leave any feedback and I'll see ya then!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Well, I promised the last two lands of Disneyland Park this weekend, so let's get them done tonight.

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Discoveryland

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Heading northwest from the Partners Statue, we find ourselves walking directly past Snow White Castle and towards a rustic entryway that rivals that of Frontierland's on the adjacent side of the Hub. Rather than finding a castle, log-fortress, or Polynesian-inspired bamboo bridge, we find a truly odd sight: a collection of buildings typical of San Francisco from 1860 to 1880 (around the time of said city's heyday) jammed and broken into a collection of desert rockwork typical of the fanciful Bryce Canyon in Utah. Even stranger, clocks of varying sizes and styles appear amid the rocks, cracked and broken yet still working, some with their hands wildly spinning clockwise, others spinning counterclockwise. Carved into a rock prominently displayed on the edges of Timeless River is the word "Discoveryland", signaling the next portion of our journey to begin. Crossing a bridge built from scrap metal and old ship pieces, we step back in time to a world that truly never existed.

Upon entering, a massive lagoon is the first thing that grabs our attention, gently flowing beneath the northernmost tracks of the Disneyland Railroad and into Fantasyland to the north. We have just stepped into a seaside port of the California Gold Rush as it appeared just a few decades shy of two centuries ago, the bustling port town of San Francisco to be exact. Despite the historic recreation of "the Paris of the West," several key factors make Discovery Bay into a realm of pure fantasy; steampunk structures and architecture protrude among the historic; an intimidating volcano pierces the horizon; gold and bronze spires kiss the clouds; a true sense of adventure fills our hearts. This is the Gold Rush that never was. Tony Baxter's famous unbuilt Discovery Bay concept has been given new life here. This is purely and wholly a realm of discovery.

Discoveryland is a seamless combination of fantasy, history, magic, and science fiction, a lasting tribute and testament to the age of inventors, dreamers, and philosophers. Despite the evident setting of Gold Rush-era San Francisco, the overall "copper" feel of Discoveryland hints at an unreal time when the past, future, and present coexist side-by-side, each unable to pinpoint which one is different from the other. This is a realm in which the likes of Jules Verne or H.G. Wells would like to call home. Discovery Lighthouse is the first thing to greet us as we step towards the water's edge, a twisted, steampunk structure beckoning us towards the bay from all points of the city. In front of it sits a statue of two children reaching up towards the uncarried heavens, determined looks on their faces. On a plaque, the following phrase is engraved: "All that is within the limit of possibility must be and will be accomplished." The Discovery Balloon Ascent of neighboring Fantasyland soars by overhead as we continue our tour.

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Nearby, we find a miniature recreation of Chinatown where Chinese immigrants of the era have set up shop in a small wharf-like setting. The Fireworks Factory, the park's third themed-shooting gallery allows us to take potshots at pinwheels and firecrackers, setting off a multitude of pyrotechnic gags and mishaps. The Lucky Fortune Cookery takes us on a tour of an authentic fortune cookie factory, allowing free samples and oddly enough, a window offering a wide variety of different items that utilize fortune cookies in their ingredients. Silk Road Traders, named in honor of the famed Marco Polo Expedition, sits nearby the Lucky Fortune. The wares and decor of a Chinese expedition are available for purchase: kimonos, masks, fans, and more. And despite being set in the American West, Mulan, Shang and Mushu have been known to frequent the small square of Chinatown, especially as we draw near the month of Chinese New Year. Beautiful architecture reminiscent of a Chinese palace welcomes us to the elegant Dragon Flame Tea House. Wagyu beef noodle soup and an assorted variety of Chinese dishes are the main offering at this fanciful restaurant of live - or not-so-live - entertainment. Authentic Chinese acrobats and an Audio Animatronic figure of Confucius are in the evening’s entertainment, preceded by an appearance from a talking dragon who, while billowing smoke, asks diners, "Mind if I have a smoke?"

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Moving east, the Victorian-era architecture of Gold Rush San Francisco begins to take shape, a perfect rival to the distinctly rugged Frontierland on the opposing side of the park. Hand-painted facades and miniscule details immerse us into the surroundings of a steampunk fan's dreams, starting with mechanical animals and statuettes composed of gears, cogs, and pipes appearing throughout the planters and walkways. Along the shoreline, steam-powered rowboats and miniature sternwheelers rest near docks that have long-since been smashed and sunken into the murky waters. Strangely, a mechanical shark fin can be seen floating by from time to time, as can a mechanical crocodile of the steampunk variety. Again, this park is all about the details, and Discovery Bay is certainly no exception. One of the docks (which isn't smashed) leads us to the loading area for Aquatopia, a retro-futuristic spin on the classic bumper boats. Occasionally, the steampunk sea creatures will popup from the waters and attempt to get in the way of the fun, but they always back down...literally. Like its source material, Aquatopia is controlled via wifi, meaning no underwater track is involved.

An unpresuming wooden warehouse upon the lake is home to the Tinkerer's Workshop, the primary laboratory for Discoveryland's inventors. Guests may try their hands at a variety of interactive exhibits. Hand cranks operate gears. Bellows stoke furnaces. Pedal-powered engines fuel ludicrous gizmos. Guests may take up flare guns and practice their aim in the explosives bunker. As the workshop’s signature element, guests draw on high-tech interactive screens made to resemble blueprint paper. Here they combine mechanical gewgaws and invent their own flying contraptions. Actual animatronic mechanisms then merge these same parts before guests' very eyes, to form actual working prototypes.

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Continuing down the path, a massive zeppelin sits within an opened-garage facing the lagoon; this garage being Reichelt Hangar, named for Franz Reichelt, the ill-fated pioneer of the parachute. And this airship is none other than the majestic Hyperion, as seen in Disney's 1974 sci-fi epic The Island at the Top of the World. It seems only fitting that Reichelt Hangar is home to not just Cafe Hyperion, a quick refreshment stop and coffee bar, but also one of the most popular attractions in Disney history: Soarin', which is housed within a large glass aviary filled with bizarre flight-based contraptions seeming to have been designed by Da Vinci himself. For Disneyland Maine's take on the beloved attraction, a new film with scenes both new and old will be installed, as will the theme of Leonardo Da Vinci given to the Tokyo DisneySea version of the attraction. In this version, Da Vinci's assistant sneaks us aboard the great inventor's flying machine, only to quickly discover that is far faster and more efficient than we might have thought. In a mere matter of seconds, passengers are transported forward in time, soaring over the sweeping plains of Africa to the majestic spires of the Golden Gate Bridge, and so on so forth. Better yet, the whole of the attraction is presented in HD-4D, a Soarin' first, and is once again set to Jerry Goldsmith's original sweeping score. (although I must admit, I do enjoy both the original Goldsmith, as well as Bruce Broughton's re-arrangement for Soarin' Around the World.)

Not too far from the Hyperion's hangar, Da Vinci’s Workshop poses an age-old question: "What would it be like to step into the workshop of this fearless inventor?" Well, wonder no more. In this quiet bounty of Renaissance-era trinkets, gadgets, back corners, hidden nooks, and otherworldly contraptions held in the space beneath the towering Hyperion, Da Vinci still lives, having been quietly hiding here for centuries… Only recently has the famed inventor reopened the doors to his fabled workshop. Interactive elements are portrayed in the form of inventions and bits of medieval machinery, all from the marvelous mind of Da Vinci. Erector sets, science kits, and other such technological toys are for sale among the great inventor’s wild ideas and scattered blueprints. The Grand Dirigible, modeled after the war balloon from Atlantis: The Lost Empire, is prominently displayed in the Discoveryland airspace. At the base, a simple pin trader, and a prominent source for Disneyland collectibles. Speaking of which, characters from the 2001 cult classic -- particularly Milo, Kida, Mole and Vinny -- often roam the streets of Discoveryland, eager to meet guests. Nearby Da Vinci's and the Grand Dirigible rest the tracks of the Disneyland Railroad as they head back to Main Street, U.S.A. The railroad itself makes its third stop here at the Discoveryland Junction, a rustic center of trade still utilized by miners sending their glimmering fortunes back home.

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Heading northeast from Discovery Lighthouse takes us towards the northernmost reaches of the park, as well as the aforementioned volcano and entrance to Fantasyland (right near Fantasy Harbor, to be exact). A collection of shops and eateries line our path in Discovery Lane, a small marketplace of unique trinkets and baubles, as well as baked goods, Discoveryland-unique dishes, and candy; lots and lots of candy. The window displays lining the Fisherman's Wharf-esque shops are rather odd and reminiscent of the long-lost vision of the future as presented by many a 19th century futurist. Many of the buildings themselves appear to be covered in Captain Nemo-designed inventions and machinery, all working in strenuous harmony for the good of the city. In fact, plans within the shop reveal that Nemo is responsible for much of Discovery Bay's futuristic ideals and technology, seamlessly intertwining California's rich history with the fanciful works of Jules Verne. Brompton's Haberdashery is a clothing shop modeled after Harrod’s, spanning the lakefront near the heliocentric model. All apparel boasts the finest steampunk fashion sense, and riveted accessories help complete the look. K.A. Bhume's TNT & Joke Shop sits next door. K.A. Bhume, a wealthy entrepreneur and award-winning big game hunter (primitive photographs demonstrate his travels in Adventureland's Forgotten Kingdom) operates his shop with great pride, selling inventory of a wacky variety; false limbs, fake animal trophies, pop-guns, gag gifts, chattering teeth, ventriloquist dummies, etc. Harbormaster's Grill is a simple quick service station over glacial docks. Basic, comforting seafood options include fish ‘n’ chips, clam chowder, and Maine lobster. Diners may either eat near water’s edge, or retire to a boathouse loaded with artifacts from past explorations.

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From the streets of Discovery Lane, we find ourselves standing before some unique contraption built into the rockwork; shaped like some sort of spacecraft. In front of this spacecraft, we find a dedicated statue of Thomas Edison, the man responsible for some of the inventions that have made our life easier. A step inside the spacecraft takes us on a trip through time and space aboard Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, one of the most seminal shows in Disney Parks history. Starting at the turn-of-the-century, we meet up with everyone's favorite Audio-Animatronic family -- father John, mother Sarah, daughter Grace, son James, Grandma, Grandpa, faithful dog Rover and, of course, Cousin Orville -- who showcase the latest breakthroughs in home-based technology. As the show continues, we step forward in time to the next generation of progress, then the next, and the next, until finally, we see how far progress has traveled into the future and how it may have an affect on our everyday lives. Delighting guests ever since its debut at the 1964 World's Fair, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is a perfect reminder that there's always a "great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day." Oh, and by the way, the rockwork the show building is hidden in is visible from Central Plaza. Keep your eyes peeled next time you look at Discoveryland's entrance -- you may just see the walls of the rockwork spin, adding another level of excitement and kineticism to the park!

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress finds itself back-to-back with another area of discovery: The Gardens of Mystery. The Gardens of Mystery are truly a mystery in terms of what it stands for. In this peaceful courtyard filled with bizarrely-shaped fountains and topiaries, statues and mosaics dedicated to the world's greatest unsolved mysteries (don't worry, nothing too sinister) are found, as are tributes to the eight wonders of the world, both natural and manmade. The Gardens of Mystery also hold the distinction of being interchangeable with a seasonal Halloween walkthrough: 1492. 1492 takes us back in time to the year when Columbus first set foot in the New World. However, in a not-so-chirpy fashion, Columbus and his crew appear to have been cursed through mysterious means, turning into undead sailors bent on collecting more members for their crew to join them for an eternity. Can we escape? Of course we can, it's just a Halloween maze.

Moving north from the Gardens of Mystery, the railroad tracks are in plain sight, this time as a long trestle running over the waters of the lagoon. On the not-so-distant horizon we see parts of Fantasy Harbor and Dumbo's Flying Circus. Suddenly, the earth begins to shake... A dim rumble comes from below the ground... An earthquake, perhaps?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZewmkCetnwo

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Standing tall at the northernmost end of Discoveryland, we look toward the foreboding sight of Mount Prometheus, the biggest, tallest, hottest volcano in this fictional representation of Northern California. Steam vents and volcanic rocks litter the surrounding shores, hinting at volcanic activity not-so-deep beneath the earth. Pines and redwoods that have since been burnt to a crisp still stand among the muddy walkways. The primeval mountain can be counted on to erupt without warning, spewing smoke and fire into the heavens above, a truly spectacular sight when viewed after dark. The massive volcano can be seen from almost anywhere in the Magic Kingdom, standing at roughly the same towering height as Snow White Castle. 750,000 square feet of rock were used to construct Discoveryland’s monstrous icon, easily rivaling the other mountains of Disneyland. Just like its equivalent in Tokyo DisneySea, Mount Prometheus is the home of Discovery Bay's star attraction: Journey to the Center of the Earth.

As the story goes, Captain Nemo and his men have set up camp in the storied supervolcano, wishing to collect the precious gems and minerals found within the mountain’s core. Boarding a "subterranean vehicle of Nemo’s invention, we begin our journey; a direct lift of the journey found at Tokyo DisneySea. A labyrinth of tunnels and caves showcase the supernatural wonders found within Mount Prometheus; giant mushrooms, glowing crystals, strange creatures. A sudden earthquake causes an unforeseen cave-in, forcing our vehicle off-route and into the volcanic nest of some large creature who initiates a powerful eruption that sends us whisking up and down the side of Mount Prometheus in a thrilling finale rivaling that of all other thrill rides in the park

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Mount Prometheus is almost an entire sub-land dedicated to the writings and imagination of Jules Verne. Once inside Nemo's base camp, we discover a rocky oceanfront looking to the waters of a bubbling, primordial lagoon. Because Mount Prometheus is an active volcano (thanks to the help of Disney magic), there is a restless energy all around you. Steam can be seen escaping from cracks in the side of the volcano. The landscape is rocky and devoid of plant life. There is a turbulent waterway which occupies the center of the area, and geysers shoot up dozens of feet in the air. The iconic Nautilus has docked in the lagoon, the gallant submarine of the infamous Captain Nemo himself. If the Nautilus is here, that can only mean one thing... Heading down a spiral staircase into the lagoon of this base camp, we enter an underground docking area, readied to board our very own miniature submarine. quipped with flashlight-like inventions of Captain Nemo, we dive fathoms below to investigate an underwater volcano, only to sail thru a graveyard of lost ships, have a chance encounter with a giant squid, and ultimately experience a run-in with a googly-eyed sea serpent amid the benevolent humanoids in the lost continent of Atlantis. These fish-like sentients help us make an emergency return to the surface when all seems lost.

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Needless to say, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is quite a unique attraction. Yet another lift from Tokyo DisneySea, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is set in a "dry-for-wet" environment, meaning all the undersea locations and creatures are held in a dry show building; the submarine portholes are double-paned, filled with liquid. Bubbles are blown into the liquid to simulate the illusion of a deep-sea descent. For those who wish to truly submerge beneath the surface, a visit to Nemo’s Grand Salon inside the actual Nautilus is a lavish dining experience quite unlike any other in Discoveryland. Windows look to the vast world beneath the surface, with schools of fish, coral reefs, medieval shipwrecks, and the ominous silhouette of a giant squid lurking in the aquatic world beyond...

Not all of Discoveryland features the likeliness of inventors and gold miners. In fact, the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge, located under the shadow of Mount Prometheus, stands for another great factor of the 19th century: adventure. Trophy heads and woodcrafted animals decorate the lavish grill and bar, all the while a series of large windows provide majestic views of the prehistoric volcano. Another great explorer finds representation in the form of James Cook's, the man responsible for making contact with Hawai'i, Australia, New Zealand, and many other islands across the Atlantic and Pacific. James Cook's, held within a combination of an old British galleon and retro-futuristic escape pod, sells science fiction and vintage explorer-related merchandise, as well as items unique to the Discoveryland area. On the outskirts of Mount Prometheus is the landing of the Discovery Balloon Ascent following its magnificent cross thru Mount Prometheus.

Located closer to the shoreline, though still in the shadow of Mount Prometheus, is Astronomer's Point, an actual observatory pointed towards the heavens. Aside from an immersive planetarium utilizing the latest in modern technology, streetmosphere performers dressed in the likeliness of Galileo and Da Vinci often tell tales of the heavens from within the old observatory, often utilizing a rather antique telescope with the telling of their tales. A more high-tech telescope offers us glimpses of the heavens themselves, a truly magical experience. Astronomer's Point is neighbored by a true classic that rounds off and completes Discoveryland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdNgHvna48Q

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The late-great Robin Williams posthumously provides his voice to the title character of The Timekeeper, the finest in CircleVision 360 entertainment that has long been forgotten in the Disney theme park universe. Today, Timekeeper is back and better than ever in Disneyland Maine featuring a new HD film (while the scenes remain the same to accommodate the Robin Williams/Rhea Perlmann dialogue; they're all new and reshot; even the Jules Verne actor is different) with new in-theater effects and magic. Entering the theater sends us far forward into the future where robots in the likeliness of Timekeeper and 9-Eyes are able to exist, the dream of many a classic futurist come true. What ensues next is a 360 degree trip through time and space, all the while accompanied by an unintentionally "kidnapped" Jules Verne who experiences many ideas in which he wrote about coming into fruition.

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What'd you think of Discoveryland, guys? Again, much of what you just saw here is from the mind of @MANEATINGWREATH, so all credit goes out to him!

Now, the bizarre, yet wonderful adventures of Discoveryland don't end in Discoveryland... Practically the entire eastern half of Disneyland is devoted to science fact and science fiction. There is so much magic to be found here that just doing one big Tomorrowland with several sub-areas wouldn't do it justice in the slightest. With my Disneyland, I wanted to have two of my favorite concepts for Tomorrowland take center-stage: Disneyland Paris' Discoveryland (with Tony Baxter's Discovery Bay thrown in for good measure) and the 1994 MK Tomorrowland. If Discoveryland focuses on the science-fiction world of the 1800s, Tomorrowland takes us into the 20th century with the pulp-fiction Deco-Tech worlds of the 20s and 30s, a world of neon and chrome, where it feels like anything can happen. And that's where we'll be heading next. Also, if you're wondering why I put Soarin' here instead of EPCOT II, well, the Da Vinci backstory was just too good not to use. Besides, my concepts for The Land at EPCOT II are more inspired by the original Tony Baxter concept.

Now, we have only one more land to discover, so stay tuned! And be sure to leave some feedback, if you have any!

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Great job as the final land not counting Tomorrowland I think it might be Avengers Campus/Stark Expo.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Great job as the final land not counting Tomorrowland I think it might be Avengers Campus/Stark Expo.

Well, let's find out, shall we?

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Tomorrowland

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Imagine, if you will, a vision of the future with its roots in the past… In this kinetic metropolis of tomorrow, the hope and promise for a better future have seamlessly clashed with the color and imagination of Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon. Amidst landed spacecrafts, whirring contraptions, and bizarre creatures from the darkest reaches of known space, the "future that never was" is finally here.

Volcanic rock formations mark the entrance to Tomorrowland, hissing steam from leagues beneath the earth… Misshapen rocks and sparkling crystals protrude from the waters below, undulating with an ethereal, almost alien glow. As a rusted placard decrees, these supernatural formations were uncovered just centuries before, the last relics of a vanished sentient race. The crystals have only begun to glow as of late, a supposed beacon for the return of their creators to Earth. As always, we enter the land via bridge; only, our bridge here is built from the half-submerged wreckage of a flying saucer crashed into Timeless River…

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When we step foot inside this immense metropolis, we'll find ourselves in an advanced, "modernized" spaceport of the 24th Century, as made clear by the seamless blend of chrome, iron and metal, washed in hues of blues and purples - not to mention video advertisements produced by the city to describe their "reinvention". Outlandish, ominous, and wholeheartedly bizarre, Tomorrowland blends the pulp Deco-Tech aesthetic of 1920s science-fiction with the color, neon and imagination of tomorrow's utopia. Imagine the Magic Kingdom's 1994 take on Tomorrowland, but on a much grander scale. Here, everyday living is improved thru curious science, oddball invention and intergalactic travel… Robots, space aliens, and human inventors - fictional or otherwise - work, live, and play here in perfect harmony. In fact, we've arrived in Tomorrowland just in time for the 2230 Galaxy's Fair, where all forms of life gather together to show off the latest technological breakthroughs.

Beneath the soaring highways of the Tomorrowland PeopleMover and the towering arches of this bustling community, we venture down Cosmic Way, the "Main Street" of science fiction. Kinetic sculptures, video walls, and electronic advertisements portray the innovation and mystique of "tomorrow," with nonsensical gadgets to save on human labor. Storefront windows display robots performing household chores, a la Horizons. In the vast promenade at the end of Cosmic Way, a sleek, streamlined rocket, The Explorer points to the stars, readied for a launch into some far-off system beyond sight and sound. The narrow "mall" of Cosmic Way features an attraction on either side: To the left, The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. To the right, Adventure Thru Inner Space.

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The Pan-Galactic Center of Medical Innovation is famous for its dedication to biological science and the human, or extraterrestrial anatomy. In a "true-life" adventure, Adventure Thru Inner Space is an atmospheric masterpiece; an exploration through the microscopic world found inside an alien creature’s body. From the safety of our “Atom-Mobile,” we are shrunken to the size of a blood cell via the Mighty Microscope. What danger and mystery lies ahead is anyone’s guess…Our host, an unseen biologist, is our narrator and guide through the peril and excitement, he himself having been trapped inside the specimen for longer than reason.

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In the eastern building of Cosmic Way, the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center welcomes visitors to experience the latest in scientific innovation and design from the various corporate leagues of the known universe. A colored fountain points our path into a holding area, where we are soon introduced to the genius, alien minds behind X-S Tech. Once again, we serve as “lucky volunteers” to “seize the future” with X-S and catch glimpse at their latest invention: the X-S 2000 Teleportation System. One awry presentation after another results in an unforgettable encounter...

A botched transmission results in the accidental arrival of a bloodthirsty creature from another planet… Angered, hungry, and confused, the alien monster breaks loose from the teleportation tube, causing horrific chaos in the now-darkened viewing chamber. Gnashing fangs, warm breath, hot drool, shattering glass, splattering blood, and a slimy, foreign tongue are among the extrasensory thrills encountered in this ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. The scariest and decidedly “most adult” attraction in our Magic Kingdom, Alien Encounter derives in origin, name and story from the original, extinct attraction in Florida. Fine-tuning, additional warnings, a rewritten plot, and a subtly revised experience result in a revival of the legendary E-Ticket that, unlike its predecessor, is here to scare… I mean "stay."

The Interplanetary Convention Center hosting Alien Encounter exits into the iconic Merchants of Venus, a retro-futuristic bazaar in which aliens, humans and robots alike are invited to trade, sell and offer their wares from across the universe. In-store murals depict a side of Tomorrowland not seen to us - soaring skyscrapers, bustling highways, and floating suburbs. Not but a few feet from Merchants of Venus is the Tomorrowland Terrace, an outdoor eating area with a stage for live performances. As with many a Tomorrowland Terrace, burgers, fries, and salads are what's for dinner, although unlike other in-park restaurants, the terrace showcases what a fast food restaurant of tomorrow might run like with plenty of conveyor belts, automated cash registers, and interchanging menu screens, many of the innovations displayed behind windows. The live entertainment varies from local high schools to up and coming bands wishing to get their start, a symbol of hope for a successful tomorrow in their budding careers.

The atmospheric music of Tomorrowland - electro-synthetic musical impressions mostly - carries into the Merchants of Venus and beyond, even while waiting at the station of the Tomorrowland PeopleMover. The Tomorrowland PeopleMover never stops moving, even while passengers board and disembark from a rotating platform. With no motor of their own, the PeopleMover cars are powered by magnetic motors embedded within the track. The PeopleMover soars through the second story of Tomorrowland, traveling through the various attractions and pavilions. Aboard the PeopleMover, we can preview almost every attraction in either land, then come back later to see the whole show.

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The magnificent Orbitron stands proudly in the heart of Rockettower Plaza, the promenade at the end of Cosmic Way, the aptly titled "Civic Centre of Interstellar Citizenship." Seeming to have been borrowed from the pages of a Buck Rogers comic book, the Orbitron is our chance to maneuver a personal rocket on an airborne series of revolutions held high above the streets of Tomorrowland from an elevated platform, sat directly above the PeopleMover station. The streamlined craft of The Explorer sits adjacent to the planets, cogs and contraptions of the Orbitron, acting as a secondary “weenie” to the fantastical Orbitron. Rocket pilots are invited to dance, float and sail thru the air in conjunction with the Orbitron via 16 mechanical arms.

The sweeping Civic Center of Interstellar Citizenship, Rockettower Plaza is a "Hub" all its own, almost borrowing directly from the footprint of the Tomorrowland in Walt Disney World - of course, the changes here border from the drastic to hugely drastic. Past the elevated platform of the Orbitron and the PeopleMover, we look toward a vast complex of attractions and entertainment. The continuity of this fully-inhabited community is brilliantly carried from one location to the next. Neon signs written in alien tongue imply a new universal language, perhaps pegging English to a secondary speak. Video walls and vibrant, digital posters hint at an ongoing nightlife in the bustling metropolis.

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Beyond Rockettower Plaza, heading eastward from Adventure Thru Inner Space, a landed alien spacecraft - all-too-familiar with Close Encounters of the Third Kind - attracts our attention with its wandering searchlights, flowing electric current, and ethereal, phosphorescent glow. Inside, we discover the traveling circus of P.T. Quantum: Plectu’s Fantastic Intergalactic Revue. Seemingly a hundred different aliens, robots and other such fauna inhabit P.T. Quantum's magnificent ship, from the operatic swamp beasts of the Everglade System to the legendary Sonny Eclipse! Intergalactic puns, parodies, and more are all apart of the show. P.T. Quantum's Starliner Diner is the resident tie-into Plectu's Revue, a restaurant built right in the side of the magnificent traveling "theatre-ship." Electronic posters and displayed artifacts depict the storied history of the traveling musical troupe, including several well-deserved Grammy Awards (the trophy portrays an alien creature with multiple heads). Speaking of aliens, at Close Encounters, you can meet up with everyone's favorite alien, Stitch, as well as his ohana: Lilo, Angel, Jumba and Pleakley. Other such visitors to Tomorrowland include Buzz Lightyear, Astronaut Mickey and even WALL-E and EVE!

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Just a few paces away, at the north-westernmost reaches of Tomorrowland, right about where the Autopia and Submarine Voyage are at Disneyland in California, framed by a rocky mountainous range which looks a lot like the rocks found at Tomorrowland’s entrance, guests will find an all-new E-ticket: Hovercar Racers. This is a cousin of DCA’s Radiator Springs Racers, but set in a sci-fi, intergalactic Grand Prix. Of course, since this is a world straight out of science-fiction, we won’t race in your average everyday automobile. Instead, we’ll hop into hovercars, inspired by the likes of Buck Rogers. And to create the sense of hovering, the vehicles are equipped with Kuka-arms, thus adding an extra thrill as the cars dive, turn and pivot like they were actually on a futuristic race track. After going through basic prep and tune-up, we find ourselves side by side with another car. There’s the green light--we’re off, speeding down the raceway at speeds man has yet to reach! We zoom through hairpin turns and narrow switchbacks, through the mountains, past thundering waterfalls, futuristic trees, and the not-so-distant skyline of Tomorrowland. Of course, only one car can emerge victorious, and these racers can sometimes get a bit too competitive--so watch out for bumping! Since each ride is randomized, I'm sure guests will come back again and again and see if they’ll win it. It all adds up to an experience that definitely deserves a spot in the winner's circle!

Going westward from Alien Encounter takes us towards the border of Tomorrowland and Discoveryland, separated by the track of the PeopleMover. Here, you'll find The Launching Pad, a restaurant themed around a factory plant where they spruce up spaceships before they blast off. Here, you can enjoy some of the finest burgers this side of the Milky Way, accompanied by a whole series of sandwiches and sides, as well as the "Solar System" dessert: eight different cake balls surrounding a yellow cake ball "sun", with some occasional chocolate malted "asteroids" thrown in.

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Back outside in Rockettower Plaza, we find that night has fallen on our day at Disneyland Park. Tomorrowland is perhaps the most striking of all lands in Disneyland after dark - the city is awash in hues of neon and color reflecting off the metallic spires, twisted arches and jagged rocks. Bizarre, near-Avatar-like plant-life is aglow in fluorescent light. Triumphant orchestrations from classic films reminiscent of the space age fill the air both day and night, inspiring us to dream bigger and go further with our ideas and our adventurous spirit. The landed spacecrafts, varied robots and techno-rhythms emulate an omnipresent sense of living, breathing energy throughout the land. In a way, the ominous yet romantic lights of this retro-futuristic world recall not the far-off future of our own imagination, but instead the far-off future of the early 20th Century.

Directly behind the structure of the Orbitron, you'll discover that a certain someone has set up his own exhibit for the Galaxy's Fair. The Stark Expo offers an all-access look into the company’s legacy of changing the world for the better, before introducing the ground-breaking technology that will shape our future. Displayed are innumerable Stark innovations that will change and improve our home today and the visionary thinking that will transform our entire world tomorrow. The Stark Expo is divided into several exhibition halls. In the Hall of Protection, we glimpse a number of Iron Man and War Machine suits, including the famous MARK III suit and other leading advancements in the sphere of defense. The Hall of Energy details how an arc reactor could provide enough clean and sustainable energy to power an entire city. The Hall of Mobility holds the latest technological masterpiece from Stark Industries - the gravity-defying Iron Bike. But, of course, this exhibit is only just a front for a thrilling superhero adventure: Avengers United!

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Each flying “Expo Edition” Iron Bike is powered by its own arc reactor and features all the latest Stark Industries technology - including heavy-duty armor plating, artificial intelligence and self-healing infrastructure. We pick up a pair of StarkVision glasses, and prepare to be launched into a whole new era! Once cleared for take-off on our personal Iron Bike, we are launched rapidly from Tomorrowland and taken on a thrilling, 360-degree aerial tour of a fully-rendered Wakanda for a unique perspective on the latest and tallest addition to their Skyline, the Wakandan Avengers Tower. However, a word of warning - there are reports of Hydra elements operating in the region. Be prepared for action!

After a series of mishaps and dangerous situations caused by Hydra robotics and weaponry, led by Arnim Zola, Jarvis and Iron Man himself take the controls. Suddenly, the Iron Bike is intercepted by a gargantuan Hydra “octopus” hellbent on stealing the arc reactor from atop the Avengers Tower. To build excitement, the Avengers are all here - Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Bruce Banner, Thor - everyone. This attraction, fresh off its success at DCA's Avengers Campus, immerses us into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for an unforgettable, high-definition, digital 3D adventure!

Expo Gifts is the epicenter of all Marvel merchandise, gadgets and comic-books for available purchase. The Hall of Fame is found in the same complex as the Stark Expo. In this expansive museum and tribute to "Earth's Greatest Heroes," we discover one detailed exhibition after the next in honor of almost every hero in the Marvel Canon - Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Falcon, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange - everyone is here, even Deadpool. We can even meet some of our favorite heroes, including, but not limited to Thor, Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel.

Ah, but that's not the only Marvel adventure we can have in Tomorrowland...

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The eccentric-looking, 184-foot tall residence of Taneleer Tivan, otherwise known as "The Collector", can be found just steps away from the Stark Expo. However, so that it doesn't dwarf the other high points of Disneyland -- Snow White Castle, Space Mountain, etc. -- the Imagineers built the Collector's mansion lower. Unaware guests hardly realize that the pavement leading from the Stark Expo to the Collector's mansion is on a downward slope. Anyways, for the Galaxy's Fair, the Collector has brought his unique collection of fantastical fauna, relics and species from across the cosmos to earth for the very first time. But, among his collection is a very surprising find -- the Guardians of the Galaxy themselves! Yes, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Baby Groot have found themselves captives to the Collector, and things are looking hopeless. But wait -- what's this? Rocket has escaped, and he's recruiting us to help set the others free! In Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!, we'll hop aboard a gantry lift and careen through the floors of the Collector's showcase, as one of Star-Lord's "Awesome Mix" tapes blasts a classic tune. As we rise and fall, hopefully we'll be able to set the Guardians free before it's too late! Just outside the Collector's place, we can catch the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! Star-Lord and Gamora host a rousing dance-off, backed by classic rock from Peter Quill’s beloved boom box. Audience participation and groovin’ are a must. At the end of the party, keep an eye out for Groot, who likes to arrive fashionably late.

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Moving on from this Marvel sub-land, we come across the Pan-Galactic Pizza Port. The restaurant, a clone from Tokyo Disneyland, is a multimedia dinner show with an Audio-Animatronics alien by the name of Tony Solaroni. Solaroni has a boss and a wife who are always breathing down his neck, and is the charismatic mechanic behind a large machine that delivers pizza anywhere in the galaxy. His pizza includes all our favorite flavors, and some unique "extraterrestrial" varieties. And if you want dessert, just stroll over to the nearby Tomorrowlanding, an ice-cream shop built into a satellite-topped structure, often sounding off a number of sirens, gears, and cogs as the satellite begins to wildly spin around in circles. Inside, we can make our own ice-cream treats among the inner workings of the satellite, adding for yet another kinetic delight here in Tomorrowland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCMX7Cmcxus

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The Tomorrowland PeopleMover whisks past as we look up towards the defining "weenie" of Tomorrowland. It towers over Tomorrowland like Mount Prometheus towers over Discoveryland. It is, of course, Space Mountain, perhaps Disney's most iconic roller-coaster. In this unknown and dangerous frontier, we navigate through a futuristic, glowing space station as you make your way to Mission Control, home of the launch pad for your journey to the farthest realms of space. Upon our arrival, we board our very own sleek spaceship and prepare for a daring adventure into the unknown. Upon blasting off, what follows is a wild roller coaster ride through the deepest banks of space, all the while evading and fighting back against asteroids and black holes; a ride featuring unexpected drops, tight turns, strange special effects, as well as some surprise encounters, an attraction truly meant for those of an older age. Come nightfall, Space Mountain provides an ethereal glow from within, a beacon for those viewing Tomorrowland from the Central Plaza and beyond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etj-9106qZU​

Main Street, U.S.A. is the first and last stop of the day at Disneyland. As we venture down the glistening road toward Town Square and the turnstiles beyond, the "Voice of the Magic Kingdom" bids us a fond farewell with the help of Mickey and the gang, waving goodbye from the Main Street railroad station. As the gang recites the familiar lyrics to the "Mickey Mouse Club March," we depart thru the main turnstiles, readied for another day of fun and excitement at the Disneyland Maine Resort.

But don't think the fun ends here... Oh, no. There's still so much left to explore here in this timeless realm of enchantment. There's still a lot more to discover here. Stay tuned...

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And with that, our walking tour of Disneyland Park is complete. I should mention that the concepts for the alien-based Inner Space and the Stark Expo came from @MANEATINGWREATH's Mirror Disneyland, so all credit goes out to him there.

EPCOT II will be coming by sometime in May, once I am done for the rest of the semester. Until then, please continue to leave any feedback you may have, and I'll see you all in the next post!

 

[DisneyManOne]

Surprise! I decided I'd get a little bit of a head start on EPCOT II. The concept is just so intriguing that I figured I'd get at least the first half of it out. So, let's dive right in, shall we?

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EPCOT II

EPCOT II, the second park of Disneyland Maine, is arguably the biggest and most lasting mark of the entire resort, an incredible celebration of our cultural diversity, humanity, future, and history. EPCOT II opened on October 1st, 2042, 60 years to the day when EPCOT I opened in Florida. The new Disneyland Resort welcomed a number of celebrities, humanitarians and scientific thinkers alike to welcome to the world a "second EPCOT". EPCOT II tells the story of Earth’s greatest resource - its people. People from the past, present and future, and across the globe, are showcased in this tribute to our beloved planet and mankind’s achievements. Surrounding the magnificent Spaceship Earth are three distinct "districts", each highlighting a different aspect of human experience. World Celebration -- which consists of Innoventions, New Horizons and Journey Into Imagination -- highlights the future and the many amazing breakthroughs and ideas man has had to make life easier. Separated by a peaceful river, World Nature -- which consists of The Land, The Living Seas and The Mysterious Galaxy -- celebrates the natural beauty of Earth, the pavilions naturally representing the "land, sea and sky" triptych. Beyond these two districts, the path leads towards World Showcase, celebrating the many diverse cultures of our planet. Like its Floridian counterpart, World Showcase represents eleven nations: Mexico, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Brazil, Australia, Greece, Egypt and Canada.

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EPCOT II is a 21st-century imagining of the original EPCOT. Only, in the case of EPCOT II, the park is a definite improvement in comfort and layout. Hourglass Lake, so named because of its shape, divides "EPCOT East" from "EPCOT West". The visitor is able to quickly access either of the two facets of the park at entry, as opposed to EPCOT Center, where one travels some distance through one area to get to the other. EPCOT East is World Celebration and World Nature and EPCOT West is World Showcase. Spaceship Earth and Hourglass Lake are in the middle, a beautiful and thematic divide.

Venture Port

The natural beauty of Disney Square and the Seven Seas Lagoon serves as a natural segue into the Venture Port, a far cry from the drab turnstiles and concrete plains of the elder EPCOT. In their place - impressive water features, tropical gardens and trees - lots and lots of trees. Venture Port has all the traditional amenities. The lush and oasis-like trees, flowerbeds and lagoons aesthetically complement the expected locales of Guest Relations, the Nikon Camera Center, First Aid & Baby Care, Guest Relations, and Locker Rentals, as well as the sweeping Centorium. The entrance to Venture Port from Disney Square is not through a bland and industrial turnstile, but instead through a greenhouse-like latticework of steel and glass draped in vines and "alien" flowers, a futuristic "conservatory" if you will.

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The Centorium is a respective stand-in for the Emporium of Disneyland, though here, the well-stocked bazaar is futuristic and undulating in light and brilliant color, rather than standing as a turn-of-the-century shopping mall. Video walls, holograms and self-checkout kiosks (which were a huge deal back in the '90s) enhance the shopper's would-be average experience. Indoor water features, garden-fixtures and decorative, "working" robots further enhance the immersion and sense of time and place. The Seven Seas Tavern is perhaps in emulation of Manhattan's famous "Tavern on the Green," an indoor-outdoor immersion in the world of fine dining, comfort and luxury. The stylized Art Deco and Red Brick Veneer tavern has been visually and aesthetically overwhelmed with a blend between natural vegetation and "futuristic" add-ons, all the while offering water-side dining and spectacular views of Spaceship Earth and World Showcase. The Futurist's Trading Company and Mouse Gear complete Venture Port's merchandise offerings.

The Fountain of Nations, a beautiful, "natural" fountain in the foreground of Spaceship Earth, displays a fountain show every half-hour, a phosphorescent and geyser-like touch to its already gorgeous surroundings of tropical trees and volcanic rock formations. Also surrounding the Fountain of Nations are the Ceremonial Flags representing the eleven nations of World Showcase. Every day, as part of the opening ceremonies, each flag is raised up on its own golden pole, as the triumphant sound of their country's respective national anthem plays. Venture Port Café is, like the Main Street Bakery, EPCOT II's location for Starbucks Coffee and other casual dining entrees. We can also find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods.

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Venture Port is also home to the EPCOT Festival Center. The homebase for EPCOT's signature festivals, the Festival Center is a beautiful, three-level convention center with one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney Park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and an outdoor park that sits in the sky on the top level. The Center offers a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness EPCOT II's nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Our Shared Story. And in case you're wondering, EPCOT II plays host to three different festivals throughout the year:

Flower & Garden Festival: Millions of spring blossoms transform EPCOT II into a wonderful world of brilliant color from May - August in a celebration of flowers, topiaries, themed food, libations and music. Featured gardens focus on butterflies, bees, bamboo and Shakespeare's metaphoric plants, while more than 100 Disney-themed topiaries - from Snow White to Cinderella - adorn the landscape.

Food & Wine Festival: This iconic culinary dine-around runs September - October, with more than 30 kiosks and marketplaces to offer tempting tastes and sips throughout EPCOT II and the Festival Center.

Festival of the Holidays: The annual yuletide celebration celebrates holiday traditions from around the world with live musical productions, spirited storytellers, seasonal lights and decor, delicious holiday treats and more. The celebration lasts from November - December, and invites holiday travelers to experience the story of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. And it's in front of the Seven Seas Lagoon, facing Spaceship Earth and the Venture Port, that Disneyland Maine plays host to the Candlelight Processional. This excellent holiday performance involves the story of the Nativity narrated by a celebrity host to the cherished Christmas music performed by a professional orchestra, a mass choir, herald trumpeters and full cast of characters.

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A meticulously-tiled bridge and series of triumphant waterfalls set our stage on a lush tropical island before the towering, glimmering Spaceship Earth. This gargantuan silver sphere is the icon of EPCOT II and an icon of the Disneyland Maine Resort. Stepping off the bridge, we find ourselves on a lush, entrenched island alongside the waterfalls and otherworldly rock-work covered in moss and trees. Water pours from beneath the sphere and into the surrounding waters and Hourglass Lake. The Disneyland Monorail arrives from Disney Square and circles Spaceship Earth before making a stop within the confines of the Venture Port.

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Spaceship Earth is naturally home to the classic attraction of the same name. The 15-minute Omnimover attraction takes you through the historical and cultural progression of the world, showing how the world has evolved through communication. The attraction begins at the earliest periods of the cavemen, who used cave drawings to communicate, and proceeds through many different eras and civilizations -- from the invention of papyrus paper and the creation of the alphabet, to the fall of Alexandria and the rise of the Renaissance, and to the early-century telephones to the later-century computer, before arriving in the current one in which we live today. Of course, the trip through time climaxes with what we find at the top of the sphere -- a view of Earth from the surface of the moon!

Then, as we descend back down to solid ground, we are reminded that no one's future is "written in the stars". Constellations and stars form the shapes of people, animals and nature, working together to make this world a better place -- an eternal promise that "tomorrow's child" will always have a bright future to look forward to. Set to a powerful score and featuring detailed animatronics, the excitement and majesty of Spaceship Earth is an excellent way to begin a day here at EPCOT II.

The small "island" of Dreamer's Point looks from the exit of Spaceship Earth to the calm waters of Hourglass Lake and World Showcase beyond. Daydreamer, an original statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, proudly looks out to the lagoon, perhaps captured in thought for his vision of the original EPCOT Center. Dreamer's Point is adorned with beautiful natural gardens and global design elements, including a beautiful Wishing Tree in an enchanted forest and the majestic Storyteller Fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling. Dreamer's Point also contains a stop for the FriendShip Cruise, a series of boats that take guests around EPCOT II, offering an alternative mode of transport for those who don't want to walk. The FriendShip Cruise also makes stops in front of The Living Seas (how fitting), and in front of The American Adventure.

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So, our journey through EPCOT II has begun! I don't know when the next post will come along, but again, since spring break has ended for me, I've got college courses to attend to. (Don't worry, they're all online, so I'm still engaging in social distancing during this tumultuous time.) So, the next post will come along at some point, and in that post, we'll begin our tour of World Celebration! See ya then!

By the way, I should mention that most of this concept came from @MANEATINGWREATH's WestCOT, and inspiration also came from Ideal Buildout's Design-a-Park Workshop from 2017. In fact, the layout for World Showcase was directly inspired by Ideal Buildout's post (you'll notice that Japan, Kenya, UK, Brazil and Egypt are in the same places that they are in the Ideal Buildout post), so all credit goes out to S.W. Wilson on that count!