Disneyland Paris Expansion Project -- Blue Sky Imagineering

[Evilgidgit]

Great Arendelle land. I hope they would do something on this route in the park in real life, I hate that they are doing a whole area for a lone ride....

That does seem to be the general direction Imagineering are going with lands nowadays, though some like Mystic Point work qutie well.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Frankly, I wouldn't say Elsa becomes Queen of the Enchanted Forest; I believe her official title would be "Fifth Spirit".

 

[MonorailRed]

The locomotive leaves Main Street Railroad Station, passing through the Grand Canyon Diorama, then onwards to Frontierland Station. The train goes around the back of Adventureland, passing through an unknown cave that is a part of the archaeological site that makes up the Temple of Peril. Guests will feast their eyes on long lost treasure and ruins given way to the jungle, a sinister leopard watching on a perch as the train rolls on by. The train then passes through Pirates of the Caribbean, Fantasyland Station, outside It’s A Small World, over the entrance to the new Fantasyland expansion, Discoveryland Station, and then a new diorama, the Martian Landing Diorama, a Jules Verne-inspired scene depicting what a human colony on Mars might have looked by 19th century visionaries.

I really love this Diorama idea! I noticed the art you posted was an artist's conception of a NASA study in 1963, so I wanted to do a quick paint of something more Discoveryland-esque for a human colony on Mars!

 

[Evilgidgit]

The Realms of Tim Burton

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Tim Burton has done many collaborations with Disney in the past, once being a young, imaginative animator who turned to directing so his weirdly wonderful mind could come to life on the big screen. Burton’s strange sense of humour, gothic resonance, and obsession with curly trees and vertical stripes have burned themselves into the minds of many. Tim Burton has quite the colourful filmography, and several of these movies are celebrated in The Realms of Tim Burton, settled in-between Arendelle and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The entrance from the lake is marked by a pair of large wrought iron gates, made up of curling metal rings, containing hidden cameos from Tim Burton characters, and a large bat statue as a subtle, little nod to Batman. A row of dead haunted trees lead us to the rest of the land, coming out at the foot of Haunted Hills to the left of Dahl Dale. The eastern entrance directly enters Dahl Dale, whilst the western entrance takes us through a spooky cave to the left of Haunted Hills.

Our tour begins in Dahl Dale, based on Tim Burton’s takes on the popular children’s books written by Roald Dahl. This urbanized area begins with a more green area, surrounded by crooked houses and buildings. In the centre of the opening plaza, is the unmissable, fantastic, and very Giant Peach from James and the Giant Peach, produced by Burton and directed by Henry Selick.

The peach would be one of the largest structures in the resort, though not as huge as say Spaceship Earth. It would be big enough to fit in an exploratory walkthrough attraction, The Giant Peach, where guests can meet James Henry Trotter and his insectoid family, welcoming guests to tour their peachy home – Old Green Grasshopper plays a tune on his violin, the Centipede boasts about his exaggerated travels around the world, Miss Ladybird and James have a tea party, the cynical Earthworm tries to take a nap but dislikes being disturbed, Miss Spider welcomes guests to her slightly eerie parlour, and the Glowworm spouts nonsensical poems from her swinging lantern perch. The walkthrough would be built in the upper area of the peach’s interior.

In the “ground level” of the peach is a restaurant, Strange and Scrumptious Dishes, a table service built within the peach’s pit, where the Centipede is the alleged chef, but has invited other cooks from around the world to share their creations. The menu is a clever mix of weird foods with catchy, creepy titles like “Earwigs Cooked in Slime”, “Mosquito Toast”, “Curried Slugs”, and “Smelly Armadillo Jelly”. For dessert, the peach itself can be chosen as a deliciously sweet meal, or serve as a topping on ice cream.

Around the peach, we head north into a high street, taking on more Germanic architecture. The street is lined with blocks of shops and restaurants, each based on a character from the wonderful Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There is the Scrumdidlyumptious Sweet Shoppe, a large sweet shop and candy store, selling many Wonka products like the Wonka Bar and the Everlasting Gobstopper. Next door is the more crooked Slugworth’s, which sells more gruesome candies, sweets, and liquorice. Mr. Slugworth himself occasionally slips out from the back, asking guests to acquire him the secrets of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, and he will reward them (with FastPasses or discounts).

At the end of shopping block sits Dusselheim Delights, a counter service restaurant and drink hall, themed after an alpine village, with a German-Swiss menu, and one of the few places in the park where alcohol is served, though guests are forbidden from leaving with their purchases.

Beyond the high street and down a cobblestone pan stands, behind a pair of curling gates, is the wondrous sight of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. It is certainly a site to behold, the factorial towers crooked, curling, and coloured in purple, chocolate brown, and white, resembling huge chocolate wrappings. There is a sweet chocolate-y scent in the air, and the faint sound of jaunty, circus music coming from within the walls. While the gates will be open during the day, if guests come early enough, they can witness Willy Wonka himself step out to welcome them inside his factory.

Onwards through the gates and into the factory itself, eager guests weave their way through the exaggerated hallways, before finding seahorse-esque boats awaiting them in a river made of chocolate (or just dyed water). This exciting boat ride takes us on a tour of Wonka’s factory, where the impossible is made possible; an amusing, slightly dark humoured, musical attraction which borrows elements from the classic book, the Gene Wilder-headlined movie, and Tim Burton’s more recent version. The attraction has its own identity, following the events of the book.

The boat goes through the amazing chocolate room where everything is made from giant sweets, candy, liquorice, and of course, chocolate. On the shores, we see the Oompa Loompas going about their work, singing to themselves. Towards the end of the room, we see the gluttonous Augustus Gloop being sucked up a pile to the Fudge Room, blocking off the chocolate falls, sending out boat on a detour. The river goes on through the Inventing Room, where Violet Beauregard inflates like a gigantic blueberry after eating a three-course meal gum. The Oompa Loompas musically scold her as they roll Violet out of the room.

After passing through the Fizzy Drinks Lifting Room, where Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe float in midair, we pass on to the Nut Testing Room, filled with intelligent, squabbling squirrels who weigh and test nuts. However, spoilt Veruca Salt tries to steal one of the squirrels, and falls down a shaft towards the furnace room, labelled a bad nut. Onwards we go into the experimental WonkaVision chamber, where Wonka is trying to perfect the ability to transport chocolate through television. Mike TV ends up shrinking himself down to the size of an insect. Our final scenes show Charlie being declared the winner by Wonka, as the Oompa Loompas bring our tour of the factory to an end with a musical extravaganza.

The exit goes through the factory’s gift shop, Loompaland Loot, a tropical warehouse transformed into a boutique of sorts, selling products and items found in the Oompa-Loompas’ homeland, as well as serving as a confectionary for Wonka’s delicious sweets. Guests can find exclusive treats here, such as the Ridiculous Liquorice, the Daffy Taffy, and others. Truly an attraction and boutique of pure imagination.

Exiting the factory gates and turning right, takes guests down a dark, eerie path, surrounded by twisting trees, and a pumpkin-headed scarecrow stands in a wooded clearing. It points towards the other neighbourhood in the land. But, before we get there, we come across another block of businesses in a slightly more rundown, crooked neck of the woods. The rooftops are ramshackle, there is a scent of pies and pumpkins in the air, and a harsh wind blows through the street. These shops are on the other side of the Roald Dahl high street.

Our first stop is Sweeney Todd’s Barber Shop, a humble if slightly gloomy and morbid establishment, where the haircuts and wit are as sharp as the razors used. Luckily for us, the proprietor, the dark-humoured Sweeney Todd holds no grudges against us, inviting us to have a haircut or shave, as well as try the pies of his neighbour. Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies is an equally depressing locale, yet it strangely welcoming. This counter service has a very meaty menu, consisting of many pies baked by Mrs. Lovett and her fine if grubby chefs. Try the “Blood Meat Pie”, though Mrs. Lovett’s workers won’t give away the secret ingredient…

Next door is the Ball and Socket Pub, inspired by the location from the delightful and moving Corpse Bride, the local hangout for the recently deceased in the Land of the Dead. This hauntingly homely tavern has materialised above ground to welcome the living to share a pint and a meal with the ghoulish patrons. Every night, the jazz band, Bonejangles and the Marrow Men, take to the stage to perform a revue of catchy numbers. The Corpse Bride herself Emily will appear to meet guests.

Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to see something strange? Go onwards and you will see, the spooky town of Halloween. Halloween Town is the setting for the beloved The Nightmare Before Christmas, produced and written by Tim Burton, and directed by Henry Selick. The denizens of Halloween Town are out and about to celebrate their frightfully fun festival, allowing for a lot of unique interactions. The bumbling Mayor of Halloween Town has parked his car outside the town hall, a merman will emerge from the central water fountain to squirt guests with green water, and a quartet of operatic vampires may an appearance for a fangtastic soiree. Jack Skellington and Sally will appear to meet guests.

Dr. Finkelstein’s Laboratory is an interactive experience that mixes theatrical elements and animatronics for a one-of-a-kind performance. Guests are guided into the mad scientist’s imposing laboratory, passing through various rooms, like a study that is what could be described as organized chaos, and the kitchen, where the absent Sally appears to be making another potion to knock out her mentor. We are ushered into Dr. Finkelstein’s showroom, with the seating being in a semi-circle. Our cast members present are very pale, perhaps creations of the good doctor.

Dr. Finkelstein and Igor welcome guests, just in time for the mad scientist to bring his latest creation to life – a strange mechanical creation, which some guests may recognise as a character from Kingdom Hearts II. We’ll call it the Experiment, Dr. Finkelstein hoping to bring it to life to serve him, replacing the disobedient Sally. First, Finkelstein and Igor test their lightning-powered tech to make several skeletal reindeer take flight. However, their plans to awaken the Experiment are repeatedly interrupted by other characters, including Jack Skellington, and Lock, Shock, and Barrel.

With disruptions out of the way, Dr. Finkelstein has Igor pull a switch, causing electricity to strike the Experiment, bringing it to life, only to take out the lights too. We hear the trick-or-treaters giggling and stealing the Experiment, the lights coming back on to reveal they have gone. Luckily, Dr. Finkelstein placed a tracker in his creation, and pressing a button will call it back. When he activates it, the Experiment bursts through the floor, with Lock, Shock, and Barrel riding on it, trying to go trick-or-treating with their new freaky friend. After a little bit of back and forth, the Experiment stuns everyone by speaking, wishing to be free.

Finkelstein tries to use lightning to tame the Experiment, but it merely tickles the mechanical man-thing. The Experiment thanks his “daddy” for giving him life, escaping with the kids, leaving Dr. Finkelstein bewildered, contemplating the idea of just building a better mobility scooter, but warns guests to keep a weather eye out for his loose creation. Through the exit, guests can purchase TNBC merchandise within Igor’s Shack.

Heading into the town hall, guests will find The Nightmare Before Christmas dark ride, a suspended attraction, based on Chris Merritt’s concept design. Filing through the office halls, guests find the community room has become the loading zone, where the narrator from the movie’s prologue.

“It happened a long time ago. Longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you’ve seen in your dreams. For the stories that you are about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of all. Now, you’ve probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven’t, I’d say its time you begun…”

Reindeer-pulled coffin sleighs, with room for six passengers, take guests off into a dark forest, past the pumpkin-headed scarecrow from before, as we fly through a graveyard and into Halloween Town, accompanied by the vocals of “This Is Halloween”. We travel into the town square, where Jack emerges from the water fountain, surrounded by celebrating Halloween Town residents. The Mayor’s head spins as he goes from excitement to worry and back again. Sally watches from the shadows, Dr. Finkelstein trying to drag her away back to his lab.

We leave the square, going through the graveyard again, past the iconic curling hilltop where Jack laments about his depression under a moonlit sky, followed by Zero, whilst Sally watches on sadly. We follow Zero through a tunnel of trees, coming across the Forest of Holiday Doors, where the door to Christmas Town open for us. Through a chilly but comforting breeze of air, we find ourselves in the bright and snowy Christmas Town, as a bewildered but enchanted Jack tries to make sense of his surroundings. Happy elves are singing carols, and decorating a tree, while the silhouette of Sandy Claws himself stands in a doorway of a large toy workshop. This scene would be one of two large set pieces in the ride.

The snow fades away, returning us to the borders of Halloween Town, where Jack appears on a snowmobile with a sack of toys in hand, announcing to us that Christmas will be celebrated by his spooky friends. We pass through a street of Halloween Town where the denizens are decorating their homes with their own ideas of what Christmas. There a number of cameos here from the monstrous wreath, the little vampire teddy bear, and the enormous snake, etc. A cautious Sally witnesses a flower in her hand turn into a miniature Christmas tree, and then burst into flames.

We pass by a proud Jack standing atop his new coffin sleigh, dressed in his Sandy Claws outfit, with skeletal reindeer and Zero ready to take flight. Jack tells Lock, Shock, and Barrel to treat the captured Sandy Claws nicely, but not to take him to Oogie Boogie.

Guess what the trio do? Take him to Oogie Boogie of course. We travel out of town, towards Oogie’s Boogie’s twisting treehouse, and through a stripy, psychedelic tunnel, into the underground lair of the Oogie Boogie Man. Sandy Claws has been put on a spinning rack, as Oogie laughs and jabs at his suffering. But, Jack appears from the shadows to rescue his festive counterpart. In a transitional sequence, using projected mapping, we see Oogie being stripped of his baggy “skin” and reduced down to one bug, which Sandy Claws squishes. Jack hands his hat back to Sandy Claws, who magically teleports himself away.

We exit through a crypt, and find ourselves back in the graveyard, where a silhouetted Sandy Claws flies overhead, delivering a shower of snow upon the curling hill and tombstones. The character play in the snow, Dr. Finkelstein is tendered to by his wife, and the trick-or-treaters play with the Mayor. On top of the curling hill, Jack and Sally sing their loving duet, wrapping their arms around each other in the snowy moonlight. We follow Zero out towards the unloading zone, and exit out around the side of the town hall back into the Halloween Town square.

Next door to town hall, Oogie Boogie has decided to open his own restaurant, called Oogie Boogie’s Bug Buffet, converting his home into a snazzy casino-esque locale. Guests can enjoy Oogie’s gruesome-sounding, but delicious menu of American and Cajun-style cuisine, and Oogie Boogie’s infamous snake and spider stew. The Nightmare Before Christmas characters will appear for tableside meet and greets.

Our final stop is the Haunted Hills, which encompasses the southern square of the land opposite Halloween Town. Here, guests will find what resembles a giant, hand stitched graveyard with a large flashing neon light reading “Betelgeuse: Bio-Exorcist”. Travelling through this graveyard takes guests to the home of the Deetz family (and the ghostly Barbara and Adam Maitland), converted into the Beetlejuice Netherworld Nuthouse, a fun, entertaining and delightfully weird take on the classic crooked house. Guests can wander the hallowed halls of this interactive spooky house, travelling through warped corridors, encountering iconic monsters from the film like the giant worm snakes, take a trip into the netherworld, and meet several characters from the movie, including Beetlejuice himself. This is like a permanent scare maze like The Walking Dead attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Adjacent to the attraction is the Deetz Emporium, an arts and crafts store, as well as offering a lifetime’s supply of Beetlejuice and Tim Burton-themed merchandise.

In the lower corner of the Haunted Hills is an amphitheatre, hosting Melodies From the Mind of Danny Elfman, a 25-minute musical adventure, celebrating the scores composed by Danny Elfman. Beetlejuice and Sally cross paths, travelling through the various realms of Tim Burton films, encountering characters and their music. These include Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

MEET & GREETS

Other Characters: Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Emily and Victor, Willy Wonka.

Attractions
-The Giant Peach (La Pêche Géante)
-Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (La Chocolaterie de Willy Wonka)
-Dr. Finkelstein’s Laboratory (Laboratoire du Dr. Finkelstein)
-The Nightmare Before Christmas (Le Cauchemar Avant Noël
-Beetlejuice Netherworld Nuthouse (Maison d'Amusement Après la Mort de Beetlejuice)
-Melodies From the Mind of Danny Elfman (Mélodies de l'Esprit de Danny Elfman)

Shopping & Dining
-Scrumdiddlyumptious Sweet Shoppe (Magasin de Bonbons Scrumdiddlyumptious)
-Slugworth’s
-Loompaland Loot (Butin de Loompaland)
-Sweeney Todd’s Barber Shop (Barbier Sweeney Todd)
-Igor’s Bar (Taverne d'Igor)
-Deetz Emporium
-Strange and Scrumptious Dishes (Plats Etranges et Succulents)
-Dusselheim Delights (Délices de Dusselheim)
-Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies (Tartes à la Viande de Mme Lovett)
-Ball and Socket Pub (Pub à Balles et à Douilles)
-Oogie Boogie’s Bug Buffet (Buffet d'Insectes d'Oogie Boogie)

 

[Evilgidgit]

STAR WARS: GALAXY'S EDGE

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Our final destination in this reimagined Walt Disney Studios Park is to a galaxy far, far away. The real, existing plans for Paris’ second gate include a micro-sized version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with potential expansion later on. Instead, we shall be doing something a bit different, and much larger.

I believe that each Star Wars land around the world should’ve been different, rather than just going to the same location rather than Batuu. Even every version of the staple Magic Kingdom lands are different from each other. No point going to more than one Galaxy’s Edge if all the others are identical. In my version of WDSP, we shall be going to an entirely different location, but one that is familiar to all Star Wars fans – Luke Skywalker’s homeworld of Tatooine.

Tatooine has a lot of history with Star Wars, many iconic characters and recognisable locations. Some elements from the existing Galaxy’s Edge will appear on Tatooine. Obviously, one element which cannot be replicated is the planet’s binary suns, and since Paris can grow cold, some imagination on part of the guests may have to be required. A lot of features shall be brought forth from the Batuu location to this new Parisian incarnate.

“For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire…”

Welcome to Tatooine. The dustbowl of the galaxy, scorched by binary suns, and home to some of the worst criminals in the systems. At yet, with its Jawas, Hutts, Tusken Raiders, Bantha, smugglers, Stormtroopers, podracing, and long lost Jedi Knights, Tatooine is a place full of adventurous possibilities. Here, anything goes, and while the spaceports are rough, the alley ways and cantinas are crawling with people with many secrets.

Each guest who enters this land will be able to experience their own Star Wars stories. Rebel spies, Imperial troops, and smugglers roam the sandy streets, plotting, trading, and participating in a resistance, or trying to stomp it out in the name of the Galactic Empire. Our setting is Mos Eisley spaceport, where you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Of course, from a smuggler’s point of view, it is a haven for them. Most work for the Hutts, whose many agents can be found roaming the spaceport, looking for potential new clients, traders, or errant boys. Bounty hunters are on the prowl for targets, and some of the most devious and dastardly criminals lurk around every corner, some wanted in more than twelve systems.

The time placing of these events are in a bubble of sorts, but guests will be able to encounter characters from across the Star Wars galaxy. Rumour has it of a secret, long lost Jedi temple hidden within Mos Eisley itself, and the Dark Side’s forces are determined to learn its location. Guests can choose their paths in this sprawling, immersive lands, where strange aliens and droids roam the streets

The land is split between two areas – the hectic Mos Eisley spaceport, and the deceptively barren Jundland Wastes, home to Jawas and Tusken Raiders alike.

Mos Eisley is considered one of the most lawless spaceports in the galaxy, but is a central source of smuggling, secrets, and a shelter for those trying to escape the wrath of the Empire. Still, Stormtroopers still have a presence here, with a network of many spies and agents who report on just about everybody. Anyone can have a double persona, or wear a mask, physically or not. The Hutts rule over the city, if not the planet, with influence in every cantina, shop, and podracing team. They can be reasonable, but will be equally vengeful if they are double-crossed. Guests can choose their own path and adventure in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but may be approached by cast members – who play the part of Tatooine’s civilians – to participate in missions on behalf of the land’s various groups (the Rebel Alliance, the Empire, smugglers, or other vagrants).

While its owners are often a high target for Imperial officers and Jabba’s men, the Millennium Falcon has stationed itself within Docking Bay 94. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is a replica of the Disneyland attraction, though with some minor alterations. Chewbacca and Hondo Ohnaka recruit guests as members of the Falcon’s crew, to help in a smuggling heist, stealing precious cargo from an Imperial freighter, hitting the jump to lightspeed for an intergalactic trade, and making it back to Mos Eisley without being caught. Though the attraction would be low capacity, a little illusion would lead to multiple copies of the Falcon’s interior, so multiple groups of six can perform the space heist at once, before exiting the Falcon’s ramp (as entering into there would not be practical). The make up of the experience is a little different, with the pilots, gunners, and engineers having their buttons and consoles a little more accessible, rather than having to turn sideways and look away from the action.

Savi & Son Salvage, tucked away in a corner of Mos Eisley, may look like a rundown repair workshop, but it hides plenty of secrets. Savi, his son Savi Jr., and their group of Salvage Gatherers, uphold the old ways of the Jedi Order, believing in the Force. Savi has another branch on the distant Batuu, so this station is run by Savi Jr. Here, guests can, in secret, build their own lightsabers from scratch. The parts of the lightsaber can be purchased here, or around the land. Gatherers are on hand to help build the lightsabers for and with guests who need assistance. If guests were to report Savi’s secret operations to Stormtroopers, they will simply dismiss their claims as nonsense. But, if guests were to bring out their lightsabers, that’s a whole other story.

The Droid Depot is a rundown old factory, once used to build Trade Federation droids, now a repair shop for various types of droids. Owned by droid repairer Mubo, the Droid Depot is a perfect opportunity for guests, playing the role of droid mechanic trainees, and get to build their own mini-droids, which can react via remote control, or even bluetooth. R2-D2 will occasionally roll in to meet guests.

Perhaps the most iconic location in all of Star Wars is Chalmun’s Cantina, the colourful bar of Mos Eisley. Home to aliens, criminals, smugglers, and a strange variety of characters, Chalmun’s Cantina is a major dining and entertainment experience. It would be one of the larger dining facilities in the park, since it would need to be to accommodate guests, and because the cantina serves an entire spaceport. Owned by the enigmatic Chalmun, the cantina offers a wide variety of drinks and food, the iconic, popular cantina band play on stage. The cantina is a hive of activity and a place where the choose-your-own-adventure experience runs wild. Guests can have secret meetings with smugglers and spies, point out rebels to Stormtroopers, or engage in a stand-off with Dr. Evazan and Pondo Baba (the aliens who harassed Luke in the cantina). Saying the right thing may earn guests rewards like vouchers or even a FastPass to certain attractions.

The rest of the spaceport is filled with many detailed, exploratory passages, shops, and restaurants, most of which stand in the spaceport’s market area. Ronto Roasters is owned by Podracing fan Bakkar, who has converted an old Podracing repair shop into his own personal tribute and restaurant. He uses an old, modified Podracer engine took cook exotic meat, including his speciality, the Ronto wrap, a system-famous delicacy.

Docking Bay 77, an old rundown bay, has been spruced up to an extent, now serving as a counter service restaurant. Some old spacecrafts have been dumped here to rust, but can make for a neat little place to explore.

Rayne’s Dune Sea Outfitters is one of the larger stores in Mos Eisley, with a treasure trove of rare Star Wars merchandise available. Rayne is an implied smuggler and tradesman who has allowed guests, who are addressed as honoured clients, allowed to browse Rayne’s warehouse. Her many guards and attendants are on hand to supervise guests, as Rayne is particularly protective of her goods. With enough credits, guests may be able to purchase enormous, highly detailed models of classic Star Wars spacecraft, including the Millennium Falcon and the Death Star.

Looking for a cute pet to adopt, then look no further than Darnog’s Creature Stall, a small shop filled with crates and cages containing animals from across the galaxy. A snoozing loth-cat lays in a cage by the entrance. Within guests, can buy toys of various animals including Kowakian monkey-lizards, porgs, rathars, tauntauns, womp rats, wampas, puffer pigs, neebray, mynocks, the creepy krykna, dewbacks, worrts, bantha, and maybe even the rare, baby Sarlaac if you ask the right members of staff.

The Toydarian Toymaker may seem a bit out of place within Mos Eisley, but the Toydarians have been there for so long, not even the smugglers and criminals give the unseen shopkeepers a hard time. In a place where anything goes, this charming toy shop has many beautiful items to purchase, both hi-tech or hand carved in their craft. The unseen Toydarian carpenters only appear as silhouettes working busily behind the back room’s frosted windows.

By far the most popular shop in the spaceport is Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, which is slowly becoming a chain of shops across the outer rim. Dok-Ondar is a peculiar shopkeeper, so wrapped up in his antiques that he never interacts with customers, using his aides to do so instead. He has had plenty of experience dealing with smugglers, Imperial officers, and apparently, even Jedi Knights as well, willing to trade any item as long as the price is right. Solve puzzles within the den, and you may be able to access Dok-Ondar’s rare finds room, full of limited releases and one-of-a-kind toys and merchandise.

Our final stop in Mos Eisley is the most unattractive of buildings, and that is saying something in a place of scum and villainy. Imperial Cargo is a large, monolithic, gray-walled building where the stationed Imperial troops store their goods. They don’t necessarily trade with Mos Eisley, unless it involves getting information on shifty individuals or ships. All merchandise available here is based around the Empire and the First Order, including models of Imperial ships, a “private collection” of a commander’s lightsabers, and Stormtrooper outfits.

Beyond Mos Eisley are the Jundland Wastes, a red-rocked, sandy, barren landscape, but still is somehow teeming with life. The Jawas, Tusken Raiders, scavengers, and vagabonds could lurk behind any rock, but Stormtroopers still patrol the dunes. Rumour has it there is a secret Jedi temple somewhere in the area, and it is up to you to find it, either for your own discovery, or for the Imperial forces to shut down.

By far the biggest reason to come out into the wastes, other to disappear or die, is to be a spectator or a participant in the Podracing Circuit. The popular sport is a fast-paced experience, mixing together elements of a family rollercoaster, Test-Track, and Radiator Springs Racers. While in The Phantom Menace, Podracing is a one-man show. Here, it is reimagined as a launch coaster with the Podracers having room for six people in it. There are two Podracer vehicles per launch, creating a competitive atmosphere where the two vehicles race and duel one another. The winner is never known, nor will the attraction chicken out and declare them both winners. During the race around the track, which is about the size of Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, guests encounter obstacles and potential hazards, like a crossing of Bantha and angry Tusken Raiders, a malfunctioning abandoned AT-AT which is rusting on its side with live auto-blasters, and a chained up Rancor left behind by the Hutts.

The Tusken Raiders, or Sand People, are often territorial and aggressive, but their resident base camp, Bantha Tracks, has become an exploratory attraction and play area. Guests can explore the raiders’ domed huts, and even their Bantha stables, where they can meet a life-sized Bantha and its attendant. On the rare occasion, a Bantha will travel through the Jundland Wastes, with a convoy of Tusken Raiders.

Hidden within a corner of the wastes, through a secluded rocky path lies a forgotten temple, honouring the Force and the old ways of the Jedi. Jedi Training Academy is a guest experience where young children may become padawans, and learn the ways of the Force. This is an outdoor experience, with seating areas and anti-rain tarp to prevent guests getting soaked. Jedi archivist and teacher Vanzell Mar-Klar and his assistant Nedriss Narr welcome guests, hosting the young twenty odd padawans in their training. Vanzell and Nedriss, while excellent teachers, aren’t all that skilled with lightsabers, so it is up to the children to help them out. However, the lessons are crashed by an army of Stormtroopers led by Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. Vanzell and Nedriss encourage the padawans to fend off the invaders with their lightsabers, duelling Kylo Ren in the process. In the end, the First Order retreats due to being outnumbered, the padawans praised on their training, receiving a certificate and their parents get opportunities for half-price deals in the land’s shops.



The finest dining establishment in the dunes has to be the Crystal Moon, built within the late Jabba the Hutt’s palace. A magnificent structure, guests will find a surprisingly grand and beautiful restaurant within, rid of Jabba’s disgusting fetishes and made into something a bit more respectable. The restaurant was founded by Jabba’s former employees Porcellus and Malakili, having stole funds from their late boss’ treasury to fund their new business. At the centre of the large restaurant is a glittering, glowing chandelier of sorts, made up of many blue glowing crystals, creating a “crystal moon”. The menu has some sumptuous offerings from across the galaxy, has a small bar to try cocktails crafted by Porcellus, and even a small sub-level once home to Malakili’s Rancor. An outdoor seating area overlooks the Podracing track.

As for shops, there are a handful. The Jawa Sandcrawler Deals takes guests into a life-sized Sandcrawler, where those crafty, pesky Jawas will try to sell you second-hand (and even six-hand) droids for what they feel is a good price. The Tosche Power Station is an electronics shop, selling interactive toys and gadgets, like blasters, lightsaber parts, and “power converters” (i.e. battery chargers).

And what trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would be complete with a trip to the Blue Milk Stand, buying the iconic blue milk, but can also try flavoured ice cream, and even pancakes.

MEET & GREETS

Attractions, Dining & Shopping
Mos Eisley Spaceport
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run (Millennium Falcon: La Course du Contrebandier)
Savi & Son Salvage (Sauvetage de Savi et Son)
Droid Depot (Dépôt de Droïdes)
Chalmun's Cantina (Cantine de Chalmun)
Ronto Roasters (Torréfacteurs Ronto)
Docking Bay 77 (Baie d'Amarrage 77)
Rayne’s Dune Sea Outfitters (Pourvoiries Marines Des Dunes de Rayne)
Darnog’s Creature Stall (Étal de Créatures de Darnog)
Toydarian Toymaker (Fabricant de Jouets Toydarian)
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities (Le Repaire des Antiquités de Dok-Ondar)
Imperial Cargo (Cargaison Impériale)

Jundland Wastes
Podracing Circuit (Circuit de Podracing)
Bantha Tracks (Pistes de Bantha)
Jedi Training Academy (Académie de Formation Jedi)
The Crystal Moon (La Lune de Cristal)
Jawa Sandcrawler Deals (Offres Pour Jawa Sandcrawler)
Tosche Power Station (Centrale Electrique de Tosche)
Blue Milk Stand (Support à Lait Bleu)

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Aren’t some of Tim Burton’s films own by Warner Bros?

 

[Evilgidgit]

Aren’t some of Tim Burton’s films own by Warner Bros? Plus I think you’re missing Rise of the Resistance.

Some liberties can be taken with who owns which films. Licensing could be agreed to. I left out ROTR as it does not fit with the timing and era of the land.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Oh ignore that I already read that it was set in tatoonie.

 

[Evilgidgit]

FANTASMIC: DREAMS INTO DUST

"Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere and saccharine if we tried to pretend that there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things, but there are evil things, too, and you are not doing a child a favour by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil." - Walt Disney


​

The grand finale of each night at Walt Disney Studios Park is a brand new, nighttime spectacular, centered within the new lake, occurring every night around 8pm. Mixing fireworks, magical water effects, amazing special effects, lost happy endings, a giant mountain, an old Slavic god of darkness, and a mouse, Fantasmic: Dreams To Dust is a little bit different from its international counterparts. It tells an original storyline, about dreams and darkness, happiness and sadness, love and fear, power and hope, but with Mickey Mouse at the centre of the story.

In this new show, Mickey’s dreams allow him to tamper with magical storybooks which contain the happy endings of his friends. But, these books end up in the hands of the villains, who, under the command of Chernabog, rip out the happy endings and allow them to rewrite the stories to their heart’s delight. Some did it for revenge, others for power, and some just to cause a little mischief. With their happy endings gone, the heroes were lost, their hope stolen.

But, there is always light and hope to be found in the darkness…

The show lasts around twenty-five minutes, and can be viewed from all around the lakeside, though most seating areas are place around the southern side towards the front of the park.

Scene I – The Lost Happy Endings

Our story begins as these stories often do with the lights dimming, the theme of Fantasmic playing, as early water effects and fireworks come to life through a little magic. We then hear Walt Disney’s quote from above, serving as an opening narration for the show. Bald Mountain stands in the middle of the lake, where projections of magical storybooks float down the mountainside, opening and releasing streams of golden magical pixie dust.

As he talks, the books' pages are magically flicked through, showing the happy ending pages. Familiar moments from movies from across Disney’s pantheon spill out across the mountainside through magic. Mickey Mouse appears, floating dreamily through the books. He awakens after hitting one, and begins to explore the books excitedly – maybe a little too much enthusiasm, as he accidentally rips one of the happy ending pages out. As Walt talks about darkness, sinister shadowy arms slither around the books from all sides, ensnaring them, and rip out the happy endings. The books spin erratically as they leak golden pixie dust, which turns black. Golden and purple fireworks are launched skyward, hinting at a clash between light and darkness.

This is not an ordinary nighttime show - here the villains are victorious and have crafted their own diabolical happy endings, where the heroes suffer. Dramatic, nefarious fireworks of green and red cast the mountain into darkness, and an assortment of villains cackle in triumph, followed by a flicker of demonic yellow eyes from somewhere close to the mountain’s peak.

Bubbles float up from the blackness onto the mountain, revealing Mickey is now trapped within one. Mickey pops the bubble and escapes, landing on the tattered remains of a storybook. It is a sad sight to behold. Mickey despairs at the lost pages, blaming himself.

Just then, Tinker Bell flies in and speaks to Mickey via ringing bells, which he can understand, encouraged to keep up his courage, and follow his dreams. The goal is to restore hope in the hearts of the heroes, as well as the stolen pages. The darkness is illuminated by Tinker Bell’s soft golden trail of pixie dust.

Scene II – Friends On the Other Side

A familiar shadow of an equally familiar youth appears. Mickey assumes the shadow belongs to Peter Pan, but Tinker Bell’s frantic ringing hints the shadow is not as friendly as it appears. Dr. Facilier materialises from the shadow, causing Tinker Bell to flee, as he taunts Mickey with his hungry shadows and voodoo dolls.

Dr. Facilier kicks off a revised rendition of “Friends On the Other Side”, as Jiminy is plunged into a realm of shadows, voodoo magic, dancing dolls, and demonic masks. Purple and green fireworks decorate the sky as the jazzy number plays out. At the end of the number, Jiminy is swallowed by darkness, but Tinker Bell comes to his rescue, causing a sky of glowing stars and crescent moons to appear from the black.

Scene III – Sailing No More

Buzz Lightyear rockets into view, accompanied by the triumphant theme of Star Command, as he lands on the planet of the evil Emperor Zurg. Each leap and laser blast he takes and delivers send a jet of green, white, and red jets of water, or fireworks into the aether. At first it looks like we are watching the opening of Toy Story 2, but things begin to go a little different than one might remember. Zurg’s robots know Buzz’s every move, pursuing him from one side of the mountain to the other, til he is confronted by Zurg. The evil emperor of Planet Z possesses the lost page to Buzz’s story, and knows exactly how his defeat his nemesis - by breaking his wings. Zurg tells Buzz he has failed, causing Buzz to fall into despair.

“Sailing No More” plays as Buzz wallows in self-pity as his greatest achievements from the Toy Story trilogy are projected around him, erased from existence. But, we hear words of encouragement from Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Buzz’s other friends, inspiring Buzz Lightyear to embrace what made him such a cool toy. Deciding to fall with style, Buzz falls from the top of the mountain, avoiding laser fire, and snatches the lost page from Zurg, regaining his wings, and flying to infinity and beyond! And Zurg takes a plunge into darkness.

Scene IV – Second Rate Genies

Mickey floats down into view with his umbrella, and finds an old oil lamp. Rubbing it releases the Genie, who is about burst into song with “Friend Like Me”, only for Jafar to poof out of fiery smoke and declare himself to be the superior sorcerer. This leads into a brand new animation sequence as Jafar hijacks the power of fireworks and water, performing “Second Rate” from The Return of Jafar. Jafar leaves the Genie feeling humiliated, but Aladdin come to the rescue, inspiring the Genie to show Jafar who is the superior genie. Jafar transforms into a gigantic cobra, that, with some clever illusions, appears to wrap itself around the mountain. But, Genie’s show-stopping number sends Jafar packing, allowing Aladdin and the Genie to acquire their happy ending page.

Scene V – Kill the Beast

A huge wall of mounted antlers covers the mountain. Mickey, in disgust, recognises the scene, and cringes as the one and only Gaston sweeps into the show. Gaston has been rejected and humiliated by Belle, even though he has changed the story - or rather, just tried to woo her again through various means. Gaston proclaims Belle is the only one for him (“She is the only girl in town as beautiful as me!”), and the only way to get her is to kill the Beast.

After singing a brief rendition of “Gaston”, Gaston himself tried to rally the crowd and his buddies to help in killing the Beast (via the song). The scene changes into a rainy storm at the Beast’s castle. Gaston challenges the Beast to battle atop the turrets and amongst the stone gargoyles. A dramatic, orchestral version of “Kill the Beast” plays as the two men fight. Belle appears on a balcony overhead, but while both Gaston and the Beast try to appeal to her, it is the Beast’s heart who earns Belle’s affections once again. Gaston slips off the roof, and falls to his doom. One of the enchanted rose’s petals flutters down, transforming into the happy ending page of Belle and the Beast, as a melodious, yet victorious rendition of “Tale As Old As Time” plays.

Scene VI – Shiny

Belle's sparkling golden dress transitions us to the next scene, revealing an enormous pile shiny gold and treasure, within an aquatic cave. Moana waltz, dressed in huge shiny shells, acting the role of a ditz to cause a distraction. Atop the pile of gold in Maui's stolen fish hook, but at the bottom, is Moana's lost page. Moana drops her act, and rushes to grab the page. The pile rises, revealing Tamatoa beneath, and he grabs Moana. Realising she is after the lost page, Tamatoa is inspired to make the whole of creation a shiny tribute to him (“The power of imagination, in the claws of a crustacean!”).

The whole of Bald Mountain becomes a shining, shimmering mount of gold, as the giant crab performs “Shiny”. Maui tries to intervene, but Tamatoa kicks his butt. Moana pretends to steal the lost page, Maui tripping Tamatoa over with his fish hook, rolling him onto his shell. Moana and Maui win their happy ending page and swim out of the cave using Maui's fish hook, leaving Tamatoa flailing, making annoyed quips.

Scene VII – Trust In Me

A projected waterfall snakes its way down the mountainside, bringing jungle vines and other plants with it. Mickey emerges from the undergrowth, lost, but glad that the happy endings are beginning to return. A thick vine descends from above Mickey, which he pokes with a stick. A snake's tail appears behind the mouse from above, grabs him, and pulls him up into the trees. The scene follows, revealing Mickey is caught in the coils of Kaa. The python comments that Mickey is a bit scrawny, but will make a nice snack. Mickey tries to escape, asking to be let go to escape the jungle. Kaa tells Mickey that now, because has his story's lost page, no one leaves the jungle - the only way out is through his stomach. He hypnotises Mickey, telling him to “trust in me”.

Kaa performs a slightly tweaked and modern take on “Trust In Me”, similar to Scarlett Johansson's version from the live action remake of The Jungle Book. This is a rather trippy sequence, played out through a green background and animated silhouettes of the characters from The Jungle Book. In the instrumental segment, we see and hear various heroes trusting in their respective villains, like Ariel and Ursula, Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, and Quasimodo and Frollo. Towards the end of the scene, Kaa nearly eats Mickey, but Tinker Bell comes to the rescue, causing Kaa to fall from the tree, tangled up, and sent off to slither away in knots. They acquire the happy ending page, leading to a brief rendition of “I Wanna Be Like You” featuring Baloo and King Louie.

Scene VIII – The Past Can Hurt

Mickey and Tinker Bell appear in what resembles a deep gorge. The rocks around them begin to rumble, as they realise they are in the Pridelands, and a stampede of wildebeest are on their way. They flee as the stampede charges into view. The scene mixes with green steam as Scar and the Hyenas descend upon the mountain, and perform a unique remix of “Be Prepared”, that blends in with the score of the stampede sequence. Each time the stampede score hits a dramatic beat, red and green fireworks burst in the sky. We see Simba fleeing through the wildebeest, but is saved by Mufasa. But, as this scene always goes, Scar kills his brother with the haunting whisper of “Long live the king!”

Simba’s screams cast us into darkness, revealing the lion is trapped in a nightmare, Scar’s laughter echoing in the black. Simba walks through the black, which transforms into an Africa prairie under a cloudy night sky. Mickey and Tinker Bell appear to the right, wondering how they can help. Tinker Bell snaps her fingers getting an idea and flies up to the clouds, causing them to rumble with light and thunder. They roll towards Simba, and transform into Mufasa’s ghost, who encourages his son to remember who he is - “Look inside yourself, you are more than what you have become. Remember, who you are!”

But, this message isn’t just aimed at Simba, but at all the heroes. In a montage, as a melodious instrumental of “Go the Distance” plays, various characters give words of wisdom and encouragement to their respective heroes and friends.

Inspired by these words, our heroes are ready to fight for their happy endings. We see Simba flip Scar off Pride Rock, Quasimodo fighting back against Frollo, the Seven Dwarfs chasing the Evil Queen, Hades getting punched into the Styx by Hercules, and even Dr. Facilier gets his comeuppance by his own spooky friends. Captain Jack Sparrow then appears, proclaiming “We have our heading!”, propelling us into the Pirates of the Caribbean segment.

Scene IX – Stormy Weathers

The Pirates sequence is a dramatic and exciting battle between the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman, taking footage from Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End, and even recycled footage from Shanghai’s Pirates ride. Davy Jones confronts Jack Sparrow as their two ships are caught in a maelstrom. The water features are emphasized a lot in this sequence, dancing in jets that rise and fall, and spinning spirals as Davy Jones summons the Kraken. Whilst Jack and Jones duel atop a mast, the Black Pearl fires cannons on the Kraken, blasting it enough to wound it. Its tentacles smash through the Dutchman, carving it in half, Jack swinging to safety as the ghost ship is dragged down into the depths. The sequence ends with Jack grinning and saying, “And that was all done without a single drop of rum.”

Scene X – The Mistress of All Evil

Things are looking up for our heroes, as we come across the familiar sight of King Stefan’s castle from Sleeping Beauty, trapped in black thorns. Green flames signal the arrival of Maleficent herself, who mocks both us and the heroes - “You poor, simple fools. You think you can defeat me? Me, the Mistress of All Evil! Now shall you deal with me, and all the powers of Hell!” With a blast of fire and light, Maleficent transforms into a dragon before our eyes. But, this isn’t a full-sized animatronic like in Fantasmic, merely an elaborate puppet/animatronic head that emerges from a hidden platform behind the water and fire effects. It can breath fire, but depending on the weather, it may just roar. Prince Phillip and the good fairies arrive, and slay Maleficent. Phillip then awakens Princess Aurora, unlocking their happy ending.

Scene XI – Night On Bald Mountain

The defeat of Maleficent causes the whole of Bald Mountain seems to shudder. Mickey realises what is coming, as the theme to Night On Bald Mountain begins to play. A part of the mountain begins to shift and move, revealed to be the bat-like wings of Chernabog, unfolding to reveal the Slavic god of darkness and evil. This is an impressive animatronic, about the size of the Disco Yeti, but more mobile. Chernabog would be accessible from within the mountain by Imagineers to inspect and build. In the event that the animatronic does malfunction before or during the performance, the show will utilise projections from Fantasia to show Chernabog.

Considering his dark divinity, Chernabog appears to be above the actions of the other villains, despite being responsible for all the mayhem. With a wave of his hands, the dead rise from their graves, ghosts and phantoms floating up and around the mountain. Chernabog controls the fire effects, water, and conjures up sinister fireworks, showing off his dark powers. Shadows swarm around Mickey and Tinker Bell, ready to eat them.

Luckily, help is at hand, as the Blue Fairy appears, summoning the heroes to use their happy endings against Chernabog. Buzz Lightyear, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie, Belle and the Beast, Moana and Maui, Tiana, Baloo, Simba, Rapunzel, Jack Sparrow, and other heroes return to combine their happy endings together in a dazzling light, causing the dark fireworks to turn bright and beautiful. Blues and gold fireworks illuminate the night sky, as Chernabog is overwhelmed by the good magic, and returns to his slumber, the darkness defeated.

Scene XII – Finale

With the villains defeated, the happy endings are restored to their respective storybooks. Bald Mountain falls quiet and returns to normal. Quasimodo rings a bell in celebration, sealing the fate of Chernabog. The Blue Fairy states that dreams can be a fickle thing, and dark desires can spawn from it, but as long as they are born from the heart, and a little effort is made, they can come true. Mickey is able to dream a peaceful dream, and Tinker Bell triggers the final dramatic fireworks finale as a new version of “A Dream Is A Wish” plays - bringing Dreams to Dust to an end.

For the ending theme as guests leave, “A Kiss Goodnight” plays over a peaceful finale of blue and silver water effects.

​

 

[Evilgidgit]

That concludes my re-imagineering for the Walt Disney Studios Park. Just about everything I intended to put in was included, though I did make some alterations here and there. The Enchanted Gardens and Muppet Studios were included in the second draft. I almost included a Darkwing Dark indoor rollercoaster. I considered a TRON-based land, a Studio Ghibli land, and an Oz land, but left them all out to create a more cohesive theme of genres and celebration of film.

The next challenge is to reimagine Disney Village, which is in dire need of a fresh makeover, a new overall theme and identity. I'm aiming for something like what Pleasure Island was in terms of storytelling, but my ideas are a bit spent. Any suggestions?

 

[spacemt354]

That concludes my re-imagineering for the Walt Disney Studios Park. Just about everything I intended to put in was included, though I did make some alterations here and there. The Enchanted Gardens and Muppet Studios were included in the second draft. I almost included a Darkwing Dark indoor rollercoaster. I considered a TRON-based land, a Studio Ghibli land, and an Oz land, but left them all out to create a more cohesive theme of genres and celebration of film.

The next challenge is to reimagine Disney Village, which is in dire need of a fresh makeover, a new overall theme and identity. I'm aiming for something like what Pleasure Island was in terms of storytelling, but my ideas are a bit spent. Any suggestions?

Sometimes I like things and then forget to reply what about a Gothic revival style Disney Village?

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

It’s great while there’s no Springfield in WDSP is there kinda a meet & greet location for guest to take pics, and get autographs from The Simpsons family?

 

[Evilgidgit]

It’s great while there’s no Springfield in WDSP is there kinda a meet & greet location for guest to take pics, and get autographs from The Simpsons family?

Not likely, as their design would clash with the park's theming. If necessary, I would likely do a short term, temporary M&G event with a decorative backdrop.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

I don’t think The Simpsons’ design won’t affect the theming since they are in a movie studio theme park, and Universal being two movie studio theme parks has The Simpsons. Just saying.

 

[Pi on my Cake]

That concludes my re-imagineering for the Walt Disney Studios Park. Just about everything I intended to put in was included, though I did make some alterations here and there. The Enchanted Gardens and Muppet Studios were included in the second draft. I almost included a Darkwing Dark indoor rollercoaster. I considered a TRON-based land, a Studio Ghibli land, and an Oz land, but left them all out to create a more cohesive theme of genres and celebration of film.

The next challenge is to reimagine Disney Village, which is in dire need of a fresh makeover, a new overall theme and identity. I'm aiming for something like what Pleasure Island was in terms of storytelling, but my ideas are a bit spent. Any suggestions?

Shopping centers are always an interesting challenge.

1920s era with gangsters and speak easies and Gatsby style glitz & glamour could be an interesting option.

Perhaps a collection of smaller more heavily themed neighborhoods (Spingfield could be one of those if you did want Simpsons).

A World's Fair style international markettplace could be cool. Have a few fake adventurer's or inventors or eccentric billionaires as host characters throwing the fair and tying it all together.

A lot of good options! You've done amazing work on this park so far and I can't wait to see how it continues!

 

[Evilgidgit]

Shopping centers are always an interesting challenge.

1920s era with gangsters and speak easies and Gatsby style glitz & glamour could be an interesting option.

Perhaps a collection of smaller more heavily themed neighborhoods (Spingfield could be one of those if you did want Simpsons).

A World's Fair style international markettplace could be cool. Have a few fake adventurer's or inventors or eccentric billionaires as host characters throwing the fair and tying it all together.

A lot of good options! You've done amazing work on this park so far and I can't wait to see how it continues!

Thanks, Pi. At the moment, I am leaning towards a Streets of America-style renovation, following your suggestion to split it into neighbourhoods, based around certain parts of urban Americana. Possibly a trilogy of something like Pleasure Island with ties to S.E.A, a 1920s Big City USA area mixing gangsters and glamour, and Springfield in the area where the resort's two convention centres are.

 

[Evilgidgit]

Thanks, Pi. At the moment, I am leaning towards a Streets of America-style renovation, following your suggestion to split it into neighbourhoods, based around certain parts of urban Americana. Possibly a trilogy of something like Pleasure Island with ties to S.E.A, a 1920s Big City USA area mixing gangsters and glamour, and Springfield in the area where the resort's two convention centres are.

Then, again, an alternative idea is to do a 1950s-style area. Slightly more modern, and could allow more of the existing establishments to be better adapted. Food for thought.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

I just remember that Disney has a IP that they don’t fully own, but had a film that Blue Sky Studios made.

 

[Evilgidgit]

We're back, baby! I believe I have been working on this project for well over a year now. I'm quite pleased with how my ideas for Disneyland Paris turned out, and with the lovely feedback. Our next stop through DLP is Disney Village. I wracked by brains about what to do with the resort's entertainment complex. It is quite small and tacky, but I had to look at this a little more realistically than the theme parks. The main priority was to get the entire village under one overarching theme. I did think about scrapping the whole thing and start from scratch, but decided against it. A lot of the existing shops and restaurants are in good condition, though can undergo some changes. Some, however, have either been scrapped or sacrificed for new additions.

I did ponder on adding The Simpsons, but decided against it -- it would be better to have an actual land somewhere than just a tiny shopping plaza. Now, without further ado!

DISNEY VILLAGE

Shopping complexes in the Disneyland resorts may not be the major draw for most guests, but they still are a necessity, providing different offerings of cuisine, merchandise, and entertainment outside of the parks. Each resort has its own shopping district, which, though not necessarily well themed, have plenty of choices to offer for merchandise hunters and those looking for a snack or varied types of meals. Disneyland has Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World as Disney Springs, Tokyo Disneyland has Ikspiari, Disneytown in Shanghai Disneyland, and Disney Village in Disneyland Paris.

Disney Village opened with the resort in 1992, designed by architect Frank Gehry, who designed the complex to be a lively entertainment zone themed around a renovated power plant. Not exactly the type of theming you think about when going to a Disneyland resort. Nearly thirty years later, Disney Village is a jumbled mess of clashing themes, outdated shops that haven’t been refurbished since the 1990s, and a lack of creative flair. Despite claims that the village would be upgraded as part of the resort’s 2 billion euro expansion, nothing has come of it.

As the next step on imagineering the resort to its best possible potential, and before we get on to a third gate (and possible fourth gate), we must fix what is broken. Disney Village is in need of a thorough rebranding, unified by resonating themes, with fresh dining, shopping, and entertainment provided. Though I originally intended on going for a “scorched earth” policy for the complex, throwing everything out and starting from fresh, there is a limited amount of space, and some of the existing locations are worth keeping.

Our Disney Village does away with the steel towers and circus stripes, turning this glorified strip mall into what feels like an American community in an idealised, eternal version of the 1950s. This creates a trilogy of “Americana streets” in the two parks, with the turn of the century Main Street, 1930s Hollywood Boulevard in Walt Disney Studios Park, and a third 1950s setting for Disney Village.

The post-war decade was a time of great change, like the rise in popularity of rock ‘n’ roll, car culture, futurism, the fear of communism, nuclear family units, and the civil rights movement. There was a notable gap widening between the inspired youths and the traditional, patriotic adults. Such cultural ideas are a core theme of the new village, split in two: One end is a swank, swinging neighbourhood of excitement, rock music, and cars, whilst the other is a more old school, disapproving district that reflects the more patriotic, authoritarian adults of the ‘50s.

Though there is rightly an excellent choice of selection when it comes to food and shopping, but a lot of the shops are outdated and in desperate need of updates. A mishmash of different architecture and fading shop interiors do not make for an inviting guest experience. There is some charm to the old Disney Store, but when there is the brand new World of Disney store across the plaza, there is no need for it.

The entirety of Disney Village gets a facelift to adhere to the new 1950s American setting, so there is a unified sense of timeless theming to the surroundings. The primary architectural inspiration comes from Brooklyn neighbourhoods like Greenpoint and Park Slope, which has many streets made up of brownstone houses, which embody a classic style of New York architecture.

It creates a sense of cosiness, warmth, and community in this imaginary neighbourhood. Hard, uncomfortable concrete are given more softer layovers, with calade, cobblestone walkways and much more greenery. An industrial, urbanised estate with no trees feels very unwelcoming, particularly with Lake Disney at one end which is surrounded by the charming resort hotels.

As said before, Disney Village is split into two, based on a cultural divide of the 1950s between the young and the adult. The western half of the complex is a lot more livelier, where car culture and rock music rule the roost. The eastern half is more closer to a smalltown community still upholding the values of America, complete with a newly installed park gazebo, surrounded by a small green lawn.

I am not experienced with redesigning a Disney entertainment complex (aside from that one time we re-designed Ikspiari into Traverse Town), so I’m borrowing the format @D Hulk did for Disney Sky’s Rancho Disney, with brief descriptions of each shop, restaurant, and the entertainment, along with any architectural notes too. We’ll whizz through Disney Village, starting from the western end and going to eastern end where PanoraMagique sits.

World of Disney (kept)

The newest and best gift shop in the restore, the World of Disney does not need changing, having a classy design that fits well into the new village. The two statues of Mickey and Minnie originate from the Disney Store on 5th Avenue in New York City! Here, guests can browse the aisles of this fanciful, circular palace, where they’ll find a smorgasbord of character merchandise, including some unique rarities only purchasable within the store.

Gaumont Cinemas and IMAX (kept)
It does seem a bit odd to have a cinema complex when you’re in a Disney resort, but theme parks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Film lovers can enjoy current film releases in a dark, surround-sound screening theatre, or even enjoy a few Disney classics from over the years. There are fifteen screens available, plus the separate IMAX experience. The Gaumont exterior is changed to resemble a more grander, 1950s theatre house, complete with their iconic marquee signs.

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show (kept)

Now, with Covid-19 assassinating the theatre industry, it looks like Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show may be an extinct attraction. But, such hurdles don’t exist in blue sky imagineering, so this big dinner show will remain, though with some updates. There have been some questions on the treatment of the show’s horses and cattle, so in this revamp, we would limit the presence of animals. For such a loud show, it is amazing none of the animals have bolted. The core Disney characters were added to the show a few years ago to keep the children engaged, which we shall add to, for a mix of family entertainment, musical numbers, a celebration of Native American culture and spirituality, the parading of various horse-cultures, and western sharpshooting.

The legendary Buffalo Bill invites guests to encounter his Wild West Show, a frontier circus. Annie Oakley and Lillian Smith show off just why they are the best sharpshooters in the west. Chief Sitting Bull and his braves guide guests into the realm of their unique culture, and the spiritual tales of their people. Calamity Jane turns up to re-enact a perilous tale of stopping bandits from stealing a stagecoach. In addition, Mickey and friends appear for some hoedown hootenannies, as well as the Country Bear Jamboree and Br’er Rabbit and his companions.

If push came to shove, two alternate options would be utilised, transforming the show into an entirely Disney experience, where Mickey and friends act as hosts for a series of musical numbers featuring some iconic Disney characters (Pecos Bill, Pocahontas, Tiana, etc.) The third concept is to replace Buffalo Bill’s western-themed rodeo with an indoor ice rink, introduce the Disney on Ice performances for a magical experience like no other.

Annette’s Diner (kept)

The initial spark for Disney Village’s reimagining came from this diner, which is a quintessential encapsulation of the 1950s. Waiters zoom around on roller skates, neon lights, googie signs, giant hamburgers and a rocking soundtrack make this diner a fun attraction in itself. The diner is named after Annette Funicello, one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Show. Walt Disney saw the potential for television in the 1950s, taking full advantage of the new medium through The Mickey Mouse Club. In the diner, there are numerous references to Disney’s early TV shows, including The Legend of Zorro, Davy Crockett, and Wonderful World of Colour.

Blast Off (new)

The Disney Store, as nostalgically charming as it is, feels unnecessary now that the World of Disney exists. Being one of the larger shops, the space can be split into two, creating a new boutique and a food establishment. Set your course for a step back into the Space Age, a time of endless opportunity and optimism. The shop has a white, silver, and blue retro-futuristic aesthetic, with curving ceiling arches, resembling a mix of a NASA command centre, the House of the Future, and something from the mind of Gene Roddenberry. Models of imagined rockets and UFOs hang from the ceiling, and every aisle is lined with exclusive merchandise celebrating a glorious dream of flying cars and jetpacks; a tomorrow we have yet to reach.

Carlo’s Milkshakes (new)

The other half of Disney Store. The ice cream or milkshake parlour seemed to be the go-to place for teenagers in the ‘50s for romance or just to hang out. It makes sense to include a homely, cozy ice cream parlour in Disney Village. There are Ben & Jerry stands in Disney Village, but there’s more charm to visiting an antique parlour than your average kiosk. Complete with a chequered floor, comfy seats at the counter, and a romantic soundtrack, the parlour offers delicious, sweet-flavoured milkshakes and ice cream, with fifty flavours, one for each American state.

Litwak’s Penny Arcade (Stadium)

Disney Village’s amusement arcade can almost be missed, since it is hidden away at the back of the site. Litwak’s Penny Arcade, named after the character from Wreck-It Ralph, is an amusements penny and video arcade split between two floors. The ground floor resembles a rustic penny arcade, complete with coin-operate games. The second floor is a bit more modern, resembling Litwak’s arcade from Wreck-It Ralph, featuring classic arcade games, a bowling alley, and a soft play area.

The Sports Bar (kept)
The generically titled Sports Bar is one of the most popular locations in Disney Village, particularly if there is a major game on. Europeans love their sports, and can celebrate together in this American-themed sports bar. Guests can buy a drink here, or have burgers, sandwiches, or even a kebab. Guests uncomfortable with a rowdy bar can sit outside under a glass canopy, able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and music of the village.

Planet Hollywood (kept)

Next door to Gaumont Cinemas stands Planet Hollywood, the classic celebratory restaurant that contains actual movie props. Aside from a refurbishment and the inclusion of new props, the restaurant remains the same. Across two floors, a star-studded treasure trove of good food and photo opportunities await guests in a dining experience straight from Tinsel Town.

King Ludwig’s Castle (kept)

I almost threw King Ludwig’s Castle out until I saw how exquisite the interior décor and theming was. Whilst a medieval Bavarian castle doesn’t quite fit into the new American theming, we can reverse-engineer it. Eccentric landowners and billionaires designed extravagant houses, referred to as “cottages” for some reason, in various styles. King Ludwig’s Castle can fit into the new story, as the home of one of these old money eccentrics, Ludwig King, who saw himself as a distant relation to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who stylised his home as a grand banquet hall. The theming is only rivalled by the menu, including German burgers, sausages, delicious desserts, and a even König Ludwig brewery straight from the tap.

Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon & La Grange (kept)

As we draw towards the middle ground of Disney Village, Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon is a fun place to enjoy a good meal and drink, or put your dancing boots and take to the floor for a swinging time. In this new storyline, Billy Bob is a Texan businessman with a taste for good music, drinks, and company, opening up his own modern take on a western saloon. Though part of the older generation, he saw the potential in the likes of Elvis Presley, and has a musical act on every night. A sign outside reads “Neon Armadillo”, a reference to a location in Pleasure Island. On the first floor is La Grange, an all-you-can-eat buffet, themed around a homely frontiersman’s lodge.

A Taste of Little Italy (new)
Formerly New York Style Sandwiches, A Taste of Little Italy carries a similar concept, but transforms this deli into a more thriving Italian restaurant, complete with excellent homemade pizzas in authentic Italian ovens. Theming now resembles a more authentic Italian pizzeria run by a family who immigrated to the United States in the 1870s.

Starbucks (kept)
We must keep the obligatory Starbucks café, as people need their coffee! It has the honour of being the first eco-friendly café in Europe. The only difference is the change in theming, going from weird architecture jigsaw pieces to resembling a 1950s coffee house.

The Steakhouse (kept)

This classy but strangely narrow restaurant remains, sporting the theme of a Chicago gentleman’s club. Once a meat-packing warehouse, the business went under in the Great Depression, but has had a colourful history, such as being used to smuggle whiskey during the Prohibition, and to store ammo during World War II. In was in 1948, that J. Walker opened his steakhouse here, turning the rusting warehouse in a high class joint, serving a menu of juicy meats and a varied platter for more picky guests.

Galleria ’55 (new-ish)
The Disney Gallery and the tacky Disney Fashion get fused together into the Galleria ’55, an expanded shop and art gallery. Split across a wide shop floor, and a quiet series of exhibition galleries on the first floor, this addition is a pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle. On the floor, artwork and merchandise collectors will find a wondrous selection of items to buy. The upper floor features a rotating series of art exhibits, from Disney film artwork, to those by professional artists. The centrepiece is an enormous model of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The Lego Store (kept)
The World of Toys is scrapped, becoming an extended wing for The Lego Store. Although Lego did not start selling products in North America until the 1960s, we can bend history a little bit to avoid losing this imaginative store. The store’s theme would change slightly, resembling Danish 1950s architecture from Billund, the location of Lego’s headquarters and the original Legoland.

Columbia Breakfast Hall (new)

Café Mickey gets a major revamp, now resembling a colonial town hall with the clock tower and steeple of Independence Hall. Inside the regal chambers of this two-story building, guests can enjoy a delicious menu of American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (pancakes!). On the first floor is the Liberty Gallery, a small exhibit about the American Revolution, featuring a replica of the Declaration of Independence. The true highlight of the hall are the breakfast encounters with various Disney characters, primarily Mickey and friends, Winnie the Pooh and friends, and even Duffy Bear.

McDonalds (kept)
I really considered bulldozing McDonalds out of pure snobbery, but realised that some people on a tight budget or just want a quick bite may be drawn to the golden arches. Though park’s McDonalds is very clean, it does need to conform to the overall 1950s theming of the village. Fast food restaurants were a new concept in America during the fifties, so McDonalds would transform into a then state-of-the-art dining establishment, doubling as a museum of sorts to McDonalds’ past, complete with the return of Ronald McDonald and friends, and a highly themed indoor play area.

The Adventurers Club (new)

Both the Rainforest Café and Earl of Sandwich are sacrificed for the resurrection of an attraction like no other. The Adventurers Club makes its triumphant return in a new shape. Although its Floridian counterpart was bulldozed, another chapter of S.E.A. sought to preserve their dying traditions, even if it meant building their club in the heart of an American town. Adventuring and exploration had long changed since the days of Lord Henry Mystic. The exploration of Antarctica, the deepest depths, and the possibilities of outer space are the new reaches.

Doubling as an attraction and as a restaurant, The Adventurers Club is set within an old 1920s Queen Victoria-style manorhouse, made up of two stories, though is made to look larger through forced perspective. There are several wings in the club that are themed around not just the different regions of the world, but also the methods used to explore them. These include a tropical rainforest wing (canoes and kayaking), a Polynesian wing (use of Moana-esque ships), snowy mountains in Eastern Europe (sleighs and climbing equipment), exploring beneath the sea (turn-of-the-century diving equipment), and a wing dedicated to 1950s conceptions of space travel.

The Adventurers Club continues the comical, zany traditions of the original, featuring animatronics, puppets, and a host of colourful characters. A lot of the humour is more adult, full of innuendo, and there is plenty of guest interactions with the cast members. The club has two bars, Jock & Reggie’s, and the Liki Tiki, which sell drinks until 11pm. The rest has a mix of international cuisine, primarily American, Western European, and Mediterranean.

PanoraMagique Balloon

At the end of Disney Village, perched on a dock on Lake Disney awaits the PanoraMagique Balloon. This gigantic balloon will lift up into the sky, giving guests fantastic views of the resort and the beautiful French countryside, even able to see the heights of Paris in the distance. Trips on the balloon must be booked in advance at customer services, or at the kiosk in front of PanoraMagique’s dock. Naturally, it won’t take flight during days with bad weather.

FINAL ROSTER

Entertainment:
-PanoraMagique Balloon
-Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show
-Gaumont Cinemas and IMAX
-Litwak’s Penny Arcade
-Adventurers Club

Dining:
-Annette’s Diner (TS)
-Carlo’s Milkshakes (CS)
-The Sports Bar (CS/TS)
-Planet Hollywood (TS)
-King Ludwig’s Castle (TS)
-Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon and La Grange (TS)
-A Taste of Little Italy (CS)
-Starbucks (QS)
-The Steakhouse (TS)
-Columbia Breakfast Hall (CS)
-McDonalds (CS)

Shopping:
-World of Disney (merchandise)
-Blast Off (sci-fi toys, books, and merchandise)
-Galleria ’55 (art store)
-The Lego Store (toys)

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Cool. Sorry if this a entire month late, but with the Tim Burton area did you get to see the Beetlejuice maze at Universal in case it gave you well ideas of a expansion.