Disney's Enchanted Vale

[Evilgidgit]

Hello, everyone. Welcome to my new project, which I've been working on for about six months. I've always loved the idea of a Fantasyland or a whole theme park based around the four seasons. This was the "seed" for the creation of this new park. It is purely blue sky, but a park I am very proud and passionate about, and I hope you enjoy the journey.

DISNEY'S ENCHANTED VALE

Once upon a time, the Vale of Knothollow was lost in shadow. Sorcerers who delved into the blackest magic waged battle against the Sylphs of the Deepwood. Elves of light and nature, the Sylphs had cared for the trees since before man could write. Even when aided by fellow fae, fauns, unicorns, and brave men and mice alike, the Sylphs could not hold back the storm of shadows sent by their enemy. Their light magic destroyed, the Sylphs retreated into the green, merging with the trees, stones, and moss to sleep until the dark sorcerers were banished. But, they did not fade without leaving a gift.

They were two humble objects, appearing commonplace and trivial, but the collective magic inside them would save the Vale. One was a seed, the other a multicoloured crystal. The last of the fairies planted the seed in the heart of the woods, with the crystal buried in a circular line of water around it. Seven days and seven nights later, the earth erupted. An enormous spiralling beanstalk rose out of the ground, rising higher and higher into the air until it towered over the Vale. Similar stalks and roots emerged from the forest floor, spreading in all directions, travelling deep into the ground, drawn by ancient magics.

The Beanstalk was the beacon to all those in the forest, to be a source of hope, life, and light who sought it. The dark mages, viewing this strange new plant as a threat to the power, tried to destroy it. They were repelled by the rainbow crystal, which had been undergoing its own transformation within the circle of water. It had spawned a vast crystal panoply to defend the Beanstalk and the Vale, sprouting out across the forest to neutralise the black magic. They had another purpose though. Faun smiths discovered the crystals had energies that allowed them to create magical bridges across vast reaches, binding the Vale to other magical locations across the realms, which had mystical connections to the four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Strangers from these distant realms stepped forth into the Vale, harnessing the enchantments of the seasons and the forest to aid in finally banishing the practitioners of evil to the furthest depths of the woods. The Vale of Knothollow was saved, but the Sylphs did not awaken as they had once promised. They had slept for too long, becoming one with their woodland home. Rumour had it though that they were watching, safekeeping the Beanstalk with their very energy.

Till this day, the Beanstalk towers protectively over the forest, channelling a stream of magic and light through its deep roots that curl and weave through the Vale and into the bridged realms beyond. The rainbow crystals stand firm, their glistening, polychrome colours bathing the trees and paths in multicoloured light during the dark nights.

Nowadays, the true origins of the Beanstalk and rainbow crystals have become shrouded in myth and fables. Some say that the Beanstalk sprouted from a magic bean dropped by sky giants, or that the crystals were created from the tears of a unicorn. The presence of shadows never left though. In the darkest corner of the Vale lies the Wicked Woods, the last remnant of the dark forces that once threatened the land. Many of the evil forces had perished, but those with the strongest wills lived, lurking within the ruined fort of Malachite.

The most powerful and wickedest of sorcerers, Malachite himself, had the patience of stone. He took great fascination in the rainbow crystals, bewitching their light to see if they would bend to his magic. After much trial and error, his collection of crystals turned a deep purple, pulsating with a new type of magic, one born of malice and hatred. Confident he would be able to regain power, Malachite and his shadowy allies would bide their time, corrupting more of the crystals. Only when all crystals in the Vale turned purple, and the Beanstalk was covered in thorns, would the woodland become captured by darkness once again.

A world of magic, wonder, and mystery awaits you, but do you dare to enter the woods...

Welcome to Disney’s Enchanted Vale!

...
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Disney’s Enchanted Vale is a park that embodies fantasy, celebrates the magic of nature, and explores a blending of familiar worlds and fairy tales. Set within the enchanted woods of the Vale of Knothollow, the park is encompassed by an overarching fable of light and darkness. Within this realm, the rainbow crystals that protect the realm have been melded together into cornerstones that bind the park’s other lands to that of the central forest. The Beanstalk sits here, serving as the park’s central icon and navigation point for all directions.

The park is aplenty with winding, secretive paths to find and explore, with emphasis on the wonders of our surroundings. This would be a garden park, with shows building hidden from view, and plenty of spots to merely just sit, rest, and enjoy the scenery.

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Enchanted Vale is split between six lands, with the Beanstalk serving as the central icon for the park, surrounded by a small lagoon and a ring of rainbow crystals. Four of the lands represent the four seasons, whilst the other two symbolise the light and darkness within the vale. These four lands are all based around popular IP, whilst the park is encompassed in an overarching story and world.

The six lands are:

KNOTHOLLOW: Enter the Vale and into a lush woodland full of secrets, hiding away the ruined kingdom of the Sylphs of the Deepwood, mystical crystals, and the gigantic Beanstalk at the centre of the forest.

CHERRY TREE LANE: Have a jolly holiday under the chimney tops and flying kites of Edwardian London, exploring the sights and delights of a spring-time park and picturesque countryside within a chalk painting.

SUNDROP SHADES: Wander through an enchanting sun-streaked glen, exploring the fairy tale surroundings of rivers, crooked taverns, and a forgotten tower, whilst glowing lanterns bring warmth the sheltered paths at night.

HUNDRED ACRE WOOD: Visit the charming neighbourhood of Winnie the Pooh and friends, revisiting childhood memories in the midst of autumn colours.

ARENDELLE & NORTHULDRA: The Kingdom of Arendelle with its chilly fjords give way to an enchanted forest once covered by fog, guiding guest to a realm of mischievous elements and singing glaciers.

THE WICKED WOODS: Beyond the dying trees and black thorns lies the realm of darkness and evil, a wicked wood home to unruly beasts, where danger and excitement lurk behind every shadow.

…

Hope you enjoyed the read and what is to come, hopefully tomorrow. To be continued!

 

[Evilgidgit]

Welcome to part two! Onwards to Knothollow!

KNOTHOLLOW
“An infinity of forest lies dormant within the dreams on one acorn.” – Wayne W. Dyer

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Old tales say that Knothollow was born from nature’s dreams, birthed from a single seed long before the Beanstalk rose to the heavens. Others says it was born on the breeze carrying leaves to the ground, from the gurgling of a stream, or born from rays of sunlight that shone through the clouds. Needless to say, Knothollow is one and the same with the Enchanted Vale, the former domain of the slumbering Sylphs. This fairy realm has long existed in man’s mind as a place of beauty and wonder, going by many names like Fiddler’s Green, or Tir na nÓg; a land of beauty, plenty, and magic.

The deep trees act as a berm for the park, using a combination of real plants and the occasional fantasy one to add to the park’s ambience. Although the Sylphs have become one with the green, the remaining fairies, fauns, and other such magical creatures have built new homes and establishments alongside the local humans (i.e. the cast members, referred to as Guides).

Guests themselves are referred to as “travellers”, having coming from beyond the forest to visit. It is the Festival of Seasons in Knothollow, celebrating the now mythical victory over Malachite and his shadowy forces. Stalls have been set up in a little market area to sell fresh food, trinkets, and goods to celebrate the forest festival, whilst decorations made from everyday objects found from the forest floor covering the tree branches, path fences, and lighting – the latter brought to life in the land by literal fairy lights, coloured lanterns containing glowing insects, and the rainbow crystals that protect the land.

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To get into Knothollow, guests pass through the turnstiles, under a canopy of trees, and find themselves walking into the vale, drawn to the preserved remains of a grand castle fort, made of ancient bark and stone. This is Knothollow Citadel, or Caer Sidi to the fairfolk, is our first stop in the park. Inspired by “tree-castle” seen in the concept art by John of “Disney’s Enchanted Forest” – a major inspiration for this project. Knothollow Citadel has seen better days in calmer ages, but is undergoing some “natural restoration” as the forest retakes it. Enormous red pines resemble turrets and spires, a waterfall spills down into a moat below, grand wicker structures make for open alcoves and balconies, even wrapping around visible stairways that have given over to ivy and moss. Imagine how this place must have looked in its heyday, though has a sense of rustic beauty to it.

Inside, guests can explore the citadel’s three levels, wander around the various halls and chambers which are halfway between restored and retaken by nature. On the ground floor are guest services (“Chamber of Beginnings”) and a medical centre (“Healer’s Workshop”), several lovely exhibits to explore, and a M&G area where guests can meet Mickey and friends, who appear as denizens of the world in relation to such cartoons like Mickey and the Beanstalk and The Brave Little Tailor. The first floor contains a walkthrough of beautiful murals depicting the Vale from myths and fairy tales, the other lands, and pieces of artwork showing key details and scenery from the Vale’s history. There are also balconies at the back of the citadel, giving guests breath-taking views of the park beyond.

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In the cellars lies the Vault of Secrets, a “secret” hideaway that is half-and-half – a boudoir that sells handy clothes like raincoats, umbrellas, and comfy shoes; and the Museum of Fables, a mini-museum full of iconic items from mythology, legend, and a few familiar Disney films, collected by the Vault’s curators. Such items include a used glass coffin, a formerly cursed spinning wheel, a red hooded cloak, a glowing sunlit flower, a pair of glass slippers, and a certain magic mirror which will speak to those who seek answers. Although primarily focusing on specific IPs and the original story, familiar Disney characters will appear wandering Knothollow, tying in to the overall themes of connected fairy tales and worlds.

Beyond the citadel lies the winding pathways and hidden trails of the forest. The lands will have planned out streets and paths, but must also feel like an enclosed wood or public gardens. Large trees would create a canopy overhead to create the illusion that the forest is vast, perhaps even infinite. Humans, fairies, and fauns have their own distinct sense of craftmanship as reflected in their homes, hovels, and businesses. Storybook cottages, Bavarian-esque houses, and even homes built into trees are dotted about the landscape. The waterfall from the citadel flows into a stream that rushes through Knothollow down to the hub where the Beanstalk stands tall and proud. There are plenty of hidden nooks, crannies, and spots to find around the land, and those with eagle eyes may notice the Sylphs watching from the trees, the undergrowth, under bridges, or in the rockwork.

After the Beanstalk, the most sacred and magical of places in Knothollow is Deepwood, hidden beyond a thick grove of trees and a rocky archway covered in flourishing flowers. Entering through the trunk of a vast, twisting tree, guests will find Deepwood: Secrets of Knothollow, the anchor attraction of the land. Curious guests board gigantic leaves that sail gently down a river into the depths of the Vale, discovering the long forgotten realm of the Sylphs and their fellow mythical kin. This is a highly atmospheric and magical indoor boat ride, combining the atmosphere of Na’vi River Journey, and Efteling’s superb dark ride Droomvlucht, which is similar in concept.

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Guests will sail deeper and deeper into the woods, losing sunlight in favour of beautiful twinkling lights and crystals that illuminate the trees, roots, and caves we pass through. Perhaps we have travelled back in time, witnessing the Sylphs in happier days, playing and enjoying tranquil times. Several scenes show how the Sylphs brought the change of the seasons to the Vale. Other fairfolk like snoring trolls, friendly woodland animals, and frolicking unicorns can be seen.

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But, shadows soon invade as Malachite’s minions take over the forest – giant spiders, spooky wraiths, creeping trees, brought to life through animatronics and projections. Several fauns, donning armour, take turns hammering away at armour and weapons, preparing for battle. The war that follows is only seen through silhouettes and scenery, until the leaves take a drop into a lower level, where the rainbow crystals first appear to brighten the path out of the darkness. The great Beanstalk sprouts and rises out of the ground, reanimating the forest back to life and banishing away Malachite’s forces. The Sylphs, as per legend, fall into sleep and become one with the forest.

As sunlight comes into view, we pass by a Sylph sage, who tells us that one day the forest will awaken again and the Sylphs shall return to the light, bidding us farewell and “good seasons”; a term of endearment and greetings in Knothollow. Guests will exit out to find themselves facing the Beanstalk, understanding what keeps the Vale safe from evil.

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Knothollow is the biggest of the park's six lands, so we'll continue onwards in further posts.

 

[Evilgidgit]

KNOTHOLLOW (cont'd)

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The Beanstalk has several branching roots that can be found slithering through the other lands, though blended with surrounding scenery to not look out of place. One root has pulverised a ruined farmhouse close to the exit of the forest. This house serves as the entrance to Mickey and the Beanstalk, a Kuka robocoaster dark ride loosely based on the animated short from Fun and Fancy Free. The queue takes us through the house, into the barn, and through a tunnel of beanstalk roots to rows of enchanted winged seats, the melody of a golden harp levitating them.

Through set pieces, animatronics, and wrap-around projections, guests venture up the Beanstalk, into the clouds, and discover the fabled land of the sky giants. Join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they traverse the home of the larger-than-life giants, trying to get food and then escape when spotted, with guests along for the ride. Not only is Willie the Giant here, but several new characters are introduced, taking a little inspiration from the cancelled film Gigantic along the way.

Perhaps the only thing more rare than a Sylph is a unicorn. Majestic, pure-blooded, and innocent, gazing upon such the horse’s grace is a blessing, but trying to harm one is sure to bring doom. Malachite’s forces hunted the unicorn’s for their magic hair and horns, driving them deep into the Vale. Grotto of the Unicorn – based on the unfulfilled Animal Kingdom attraction – is in a secluded corner of Knothollow, a labyrinth of magically grown pathways through caves and behind waterfalls. Guests can explore the winding paths, encountering magical creatures, following the song of the unicorns until reaching the centre to meet the ethereal unicorn and her foals, in an encounter similar to the Dragon’s Lair at Disneyland Paris.

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Nestled in the heart of Knothollow sits the Old Windmill, a copycat of the disused attraction from Paris, based on the atmospheric 1937 animated short. Once used for grain, the ramshackle windmill hosts a miniature ferris wheel that rises and rotates high enough to give riders a view of their surroundings, able to see the Beanstalk beyond. It is a short, sweet, and pleasant ride.

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The most unusual sight in the land are a pair of gigantic, conjoined, metal hammers, once used by faun blacksmiths to create weapons for battle. In this era of peace, these Sky Hammers are repurposed to harness the magical energies of the crystals. To add a little more “oomph”, the fauns request that guests sit inside the hammers themselves, believing that the emotional thrills can help further power the might of the Sky Hammers. These are pendulum “double-arm ranger” swings, which spin counter clockwise to one another, until the large crystals in the middle of the attraction illuminate.

(A. meets B. = You get the picture).
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The Cut-and-Thrust Theatre is a charming outdoor stage, made of the earth, with a magnificent wooden structure and a roof made of giant leaves. The theatre is covered in a roof to keep out the harsh weather and cold. Here, the Golden Leaf Troupe proudly present “Tales of the Woods”, comical but affectionate musical tributes to several Disney animated classics; including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen.

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Knothollow is home to several small but pleasant and welcoming restaurants and shops to dine and explore. Most can be found in the small village section of Knothollow, made up of fabled Bavarian townhouses, and thatched-roof cottages.

The most striking is Under Elmroot, a counter service set beneath the roots of an age old elm tree, within which fairies and animals live. Under Elmroot is a popular meeting place for the forest folk, though is akin to a bistro, with an intimate sense of a home or a friendly tavern. It borrows inspiration from Grandma Sara’s Kitchen found in Tokyo’s version of Critter Country, and something you might find in The Shire. Menu-wise, the restaurant has one of the larger choices for options, including both a vegetarian and vegan menu. Guests can enjoy such options like a full on roast, and a mixture of classic American and European meals.

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Nearby stands The Magic Bean Shoppe, a coffee shop themed around a renovated farmhouse that celebrates Mickey’s heroic exploits against the giants, offering small desserts and treats. Also offers every bean imaginable, not just for coffee, but to be used in ingredients or to even grow your very own beanstalks at home.

Close by is Pixie Profiteroles, a dainty, little cake and sweet shop, where guests can eat delicious treats fashioned after the local fairfolk, whilst the exterior resembles having a gingerbread house-esque design.

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Taliesin’s Corner, named after the Welsh bard and poet, is a welcoming book and art supply store. Guests can pick up various storybooks, encyclopaedias, adventure books, literature related to the park, and a large offerings of different art equipment and tools of the trade. There is a quiet reading corner for anyone who wishes to rest for a little while too, complete with a kiosk to buy tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

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Aunt Agatha’s Fine Threads, nestled down a pathway covered in great cobwebs, is the boudoir of a spidery old witch who sells a wide wardrobe of clothes, from princess gowns to elvish garments. Guests can bring their own low key cosplays, though there would be some rules to make sure they would not be mistaken for cast members.

Faun Forge is located adjacent to the Sky Hammers, an ancient blacksmith’s where guests can buy mystical and magical artifacts created by the Vale’s finest craftsmen. These include interactive toys, prop armour, fine jewellery, glassware, and unique character merchandise. Buy unusual stones and gems covered in runes, a magical wand made from twisted wood, or elegantly created weaponry.

Departing from Knothollow takes us into the Hub where the Beanstalk sits. From here, we can explore the remaining lands, each surrounding the park’s centre like the spokes of a compass. Guests can visit whichever lands they want in pinball fashion, though the layout is intended to represent the passage of time – Cherry Tree Lane in the southwest, Sundrop Shades in the northwest, The Wicked Woods at the northern twelve o’clock position to mirror the flourishing Knothollow, The Hundred Acre Wood in the southeast, and Northuldra in the northwest.

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[HomeImagineer]

this park u made of enchanted vale looks so amazing, two things i wanna tell you

1 - you should make/draw a park plan of what this disney's enchanted vale park looks like

& 2 - you know what attraction i would loved to see next in your enchanted vale park?

 

[Evilgidgit]

this park u made of enchanted vale looks so amazing, two things i wanna tell you

1 - you should make/draw a park plan of what this disney's enchanted vale park looks like

& 2 - you know what attraction i would loved to see next in your enchanted vale park?

Sadly, I am no good at drawing maps, but if someone would like to have a go, I'd be deeply honoured.

What attraction would you like to see? I do have everything planned out though.

 

[HomeImagineer]

Sadly, I am no good at drawing maps, but if someone would like to have a go, I'd be deeply honoured.

What attraction would you like to see? I do have everything planned out though.

well i would loved to see the Battle for Eire ride, like the one at Busch Gardens, so it could fit as an original disney attraction & not as IP.



But... instead as a VR Ride & since ur park is in better themed and style of ur enchanted vale park i was thinking the battle of eire could either be as a "full-scale dark ride" like a kuka-arm dark ride or maybe as a peter pan/spiderman/transformers-type dark ride with physical & special effects, so much good theming, screens & even audio-animatronics.

 

[Evilgidgit]

well i would loved to see the Battle for Eire ride, like the one at Busch Gardens, so it could fit as an original disney attraction & not as IP.



But... instead as a VR Ride & since ur park is in better themed and style of ur enchanted vale park i was thinking the battle of eire could either be as a "full-scale dark ride" like a kuka-arm dark ride or maybe as a peter pan/spiderman/transformers-type dark ride with physical & special effects, so much good theming, screens & even audio-animatronics.

I do have an attraction that has a similar feel to this coming up in the final part of my project.

 

[Evilgidgit]

CHERRY TREE LANE
Winds in the east, there’s a mist coming in,
Like something is brewing, about to begin.
Can’t put my finger on what lies in store,
But, I feel what’s to happen, all happened before…

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Departing from Knothollow takes us into the Hub where the Beanstalk sits. From here, we can explore the remaining lands, each surrounding the park’s centre like the spokes of a compass. Guests can visit whichever lands they want in pinball fashion, though the layout is intended to represent the passage of time – Cherry Tree Lane in the southwest, Sundrop Shades in the northwest, The Wicked Woods at the northern twelve o’clock position to mirror the flourishing Knothollow, The Hundred Acre Wood in the southeast, and Northuldra in the northwest.

In the story of the Vale, these four seasonal lands are anchored to the Hub by the magical crystals that protect the Beanstalk, acting as gateways between them. These crystals glow in colours matching the seasons – cherry blossom pink for spring, a bright orange for summer, a reddish-brown for autumn, and an icy blue for winter.

Our first port of call is to the land of spring, where a street lined with cherry blossom trees awaits us. The familiar sights and sounds of Edwardian London greet us as we step into Cherry Tree Lane, the setting for P.L. Travers’ beloved nanny Mary Poppins. The practically perfect nanny has never quite got a foothold in Disney parks. Tony Baxter’s concept for a dark ride never made it to fruition, whilst Epcot’s intended addition to the UK Pavilion - which turned out to be a teacups ride - was “shelved indefinitely”.

It only made sense to me to include such a land in my park to represent spring. Walt Disney’s 1964 classic comes to life like never before in this small but lovely land, bringing the merriness and charm of Mary Poppins’ magic to guests, stepping beyond the Vale into an urban setting, but never abandons its connection to nature.

The weathervanes blow constantly to the east, kites can be seen flying from the chimney tops, and the distant chime of Big Ben welcomes guests as they walk down the curving street. Cherry Tree Lane is split between two areas, the quaint street itself, which wraps around the local, quintessential British park; inspired by such London gardens like Hyde Park, Berkley Square, and Dulwich Park.

To our left sits the townhouses of the local, somewhat eccentric neighbours. A backdrop of London’s skyline can be seen beyond the street, creating the illusion that we have stepped in London. Miss Lark will be seen walking about with her beloved dog Andrew. Atop the rather shipshape roof of Number 16, Admiral Boom and Mr. Binnacle will fire off a cannon twice a day at 12pm and 6pm, so when a cast member suddenly shouts “Posts, everyone!”, cover your ears!

There is plenty of street entertainment to be found around Cherry Tree Lane. For instance, there is “Trip A Little Light Fantastic”, where the lamplighters appear to awaken the street’s lamps in a little musical number. Another daily performance is “Step in Time”, where Bert’s fellow chimney sweeps will stride into the street for a rip-roaring dance number, inviting guests to kick their knees up and step in time. One man bands, pearly kings and queens, and friendly food vendors can be found here and there down the street.

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Our major destination is 17 Cherry Tree Lane, home to George Banks, his wife Winifred, their children Jane and Michael, their servants Ellen and Mrs. Brill, and for the time being, their nanny Mary Poppins. Stepping into the Banks’ house serves as the queue to Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday, a suspended dark ride heavily based on the concept Tony Baxter created that led to his incredible career as an Imagineer. Weaving through the ornate rooms of the house, guests will see Mary Poppins’ reflection lingering in a hallway mirror, or when Admiral Boom fires his cannon from outside, the pictures will slant sideways. Guests exit out through the kitchen and pantry, finding a private, circular garden where a large carousel rotates. Perhaps Mary Poppins has magically placed this garden here.

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Upon approaching the loading area, cast members will ask if guests would prefer to ride on a horse or in a chariot. The chariots are designed to accommodate wheelchair users, family groups, other handicapped guests, etc. Depending on choice, guests will split off into two queue lines to board the carousel at specific points. The carousel will slow down for chariot riders to board. There are four horses per row. From there, Mary Poppins and Bert invite guests to join them for a jolly holiday in a chalk-drawn countryside painting. The horses and chariots magically leave the carousel, secretly on raised suspensions and attached to rails above, creating the illusion that the horses are bobbing up and down. They can also turn 360 degrees, which is an automatic process.

Guests travel through a raised chalk drawing, into a beautiful countryside park, reliving marvellous moments from Mary Poppins. They pass through a farm full of singing animals, before passing by a café where Mary Poppins enjoys a spot of tea whilst Bert dances with their penguin waiters. We pass by an animatronic fox, who makes it clear he won’t be chased by any “red coats”, revealing an aristocrat and his equally humiliated horse have fallen into a river, over which the horses and chariots “jump” over.

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Passing through a hedge, guests get involved in the middle of a horse race, brought to life through projections and forced perspective of miniature animatronics riding on either side of the horses, until Mary Poppins rides into view on her own horse to win the race. The next scene has the horses and chariots circling around a bandstand where Mary Poppins and Bert celebrate the victory by singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. A sudden rumble of thunder and flash of lightning brings rain, causing the chalk world to melt away, plunging guests briefly into darkness before emerging atop the rooftops of London, where Mary Poppins and Bert sing “Chim-Chim-Cher-ee”. A number of chimney sweeps leap out of chimneys to sing “Step in Time”, guiding us down the rooftops back to ground level. In a final scene, kites fly above us as Mary Poppins and Bert bid us farewell, telling us to “spit spot” as the horses and chariots reach the unload area, before they will return to the carousel and return to the street.

Admiral Boom’s Fishery is a counter service, the good admiral having turned his old boat house into a fish and chip shop, where guests can dine on some scrumptious seafood and take in the surroundings of the pride of the British Navy. Next door is Cherry Tree Bakery, stylised after a 19th century bakery, where freshly baked cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and other delectable treats await. At the other end of the street is The Little Kite Shop, a quaint, antiquated toy store, where guests will find not just kites, but plenty of Mary Poppins merchandise, but various and very British ideas for collectibles and curiosities.

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Beside the kite shop sits our next attraction, a slightly more rundown, crooked building that is home to Mary Poppins’ cousin Topsy, an eccentric Eastern European who runs a fix-it workshop. Topsy’s Turvy House is a highly themed Vekoma Madhouse, or a mystery swing, a concept first created in the 19th century. Guests enter the crooked building, passing through colourful rooms and a wonky warehouse, until guided into one of six rooms, taking seats opposite one another. An animatronic Topsy welcomes guests, needing their help to fix an antique bowl owned by the Banks. To do this, the room suddenly spins and whirls, as Topsy, played by Meryl Streep, performs “Turning Turtle” from Mary Poppins Returns. Protections and hidden screens make it look like the whole house is spinning, though the true magic lies in the Madhouse technology, turning the whole room whilst the guests’ gondola-like seats swing back and forth.

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Across from the street is the local park, a well-cared-for community space full of lovely gardens, a gazebo to meet Mary Poppins and Bert, and lawns where guests can sit to enjoy their surroundings. In the middle of the park is Mary-Go-Round, a delightful, early 20th century carousel that holds 60 horses, penguins, squirrels, and other animals, and 10-12 chariots for disabled guests. A pipe organ onboard plays both traditional British melodies, but also reorganised renditions of songs from Mary Poppins.

Also located in the park sits Penguin Parlour, an expansive table service café, resembling the Crystal Palace that once occupied Hyde Park in the 1800s. Here guests can enjoy a delicious menu of British, European, and American food, some tasty dessert treats, and the quintessential spot of tea (or coffee). Mary Poppins and her penguin friends will occasionally walk through the parlour to greet guests.

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Outside the park lies the Fidelity Fiduciary Emporium, the land’s major retail outlet, a two-story department store akin to Harrod’s. The shop borrows elements of grand stores at the turn-of-the-century, appearing quite elegant and classy, though open to all. Across the two floors of glass elevators and stylish display cases, guests can find an assortment of tools, food, drinks, toys, books, clothes, accessories, pins, and British knick knacks, as well as some exclusive Mary Poppins-themed merchandise.

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Our final destination in Cherry Tree Lane is the Royal Doulton Hall, a musical theatre resembling a mix of an opera house, and strangely enough, a gigantic, valuable bowl of the Royal Doulton brand. Within this 300 seat theatre lies a magnificent stage.

Twice a day, guests can view Believe!, an adaptation of the popular Disney Cruise show. A young girl named Jamie dreams of adventure and wonder from her bedroom window. This attracts the attention of Peter Pan, who fulfils her wish, by taking her on a magical journey across realms, meeting other British-based characters like Mary Poppins, Merlin, Alice, Robin Hood, Merida, Basil of Baker Street, Mr. Toad, and Winnie the Pooh. But, Jamie’s dreams threaten to turn into nightmares when familiar villains – Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook, The Queen of Hearts, Prince John, Madam Mim, and Professor Ratigan – try to control her dreams to fulfil their dark wishes. This show runs for 45 minutes, bringing enchantment, spellbinding special effects, and familiar music to audiences.

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With feelings of childhood whimsy in our hearts, warmer winds draw us back to the Beanstalk, and to our next destination of Sundrop Shades.

 

[HomeImagineer]

I do have an attraction that has a similar feel to this coming up in the final part of my project.

ok then ^^

but i mean just saying if this battle for eire attraction could be for future expansion at either what land would fit because of the music too.

 

[Evilgidgit]

ok then ^^

but i mean just saying if this battle for eire attraction could be for future expansion at either what land would fit because of the music too.

If I did put it in, it would probably best fit in Knothollow, though characters would have to be changed since I assume Eire is copyrighted.

 

[HomeImagineer]

If I did put it in, it would probably best fit in Knothollow, though characters would have to be changed since I assume Eire is copyrighted.

i see right so the story & music could be a bit of the same ^^, but just the characters would be different.

also best of all of this attraction i think this could had some hidden beastly kingdom stuff in this attraction too.

 

[Evilgidgit]

SUNDROP SHADES
Now, once upon a time,
a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens.
And from this small drop of sun,
grew a magic, golden, flower.
It had the ability to heal the sick,
and injured…

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Returning to the Hub, our tour takes us northeast to the next land, which represents the warm and welcoming season of summer. It seemed only fitting that we travel to the Kingdom of Corona, setting for Tangled, based on the 2010 film, following the lost princess Rapunzel and her extravagant long golden hair, as she tries to escape her imprisoning tower and find her place in the world.

Tangled is gaining a growing presence within the Disney resorts, beginning with the infamous toilets in the Magic Kingdom, a restaurant in Shanghai, a new, gorgeous attraction in Tokyo DisneySea’s expansion Fantasy Springs, and a planned ride at Walt Disney Studios Park. Tangled has become of Disney’s most popular modern franchises, so it is fitting that Sundrop Shades draws guests into a magical, fairy tale woodland that best represents summer. The setting of Sundrop Shades takes place some time after Tangled, with references to the animated series that served as a sequel.

Passing by glowing orange crystals, the Vale shifts to a more secluded European forest, one which looks like it jumped straight out of a storybook. Upholding the identity and theme of being a garden park, the forest feels vast, with many winding paths to explore. Guests may find a hidden corner where a certain golden, sun-like flower sits and grows, or a more sinister lookout point, where dark crystal shards sit – the opposite of Rapunzel’s magic flower, called the Moonstones, if are not familiar with the added law of the animated series.

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Guests can travel to the left of the entrance, finding an arching stone bridge that crosses over a small river. Said river runs through the woods, running out into a small lake where the Sonne Castle stands, a bit downsized than its film counterpart. It is built on a higher level like Disneyland Paris’ own castle, hiding catacombs and secrets.

Across the bridge, visitors are welcomed to the kingdom in the Summer Market, a sprawling market area which curves up and around up to the castle. Here, guests can browse and explore a variety of small stalls and shops, each offering a wide catalogue of collectibles, from lovely dresses, replicas of Rapunzel’s lost crown, books, arts and crafts, food, and the iconic golden lanterns which can double as candles or garden lights. Amongst the shops here is Corona Treats, a fanciful ice cream parlour, run by the merry Mister Monty, designed to resemble a homely front room or kitchen in bright pinks, purples, and gold.

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A large circular plaza can be found in the heart of the market. Here, several musical performances will occur, including the Ruffian Revue, a 10-minute jaunty performance involving the Hook-Handed Thug who plays “killer showtune medleys”; and the Dance of Flowers, in which a local dancing troupe invite guests to participate in a number of merry dances and waltzes in celebration of Rapunzel’s return to her family. Rapunzel and Flynn may show up to join the dancing.

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The Sonne Castle is a magnificent fairy tale summer palace, painted in sunshine yellow and creamy white shades, with reddish-brown turrets. The castle has three floors. The lowest is raised just above the lake’s edge, with a lengthy queue for the Lantern Lagoon boat ride, which we shall return to momentarily. The first floor is spacious, large, and beautifully crafted. Rapunzel has added her own artistic touch to the castle, with many wondrous murals in every corner. In the grand hall, guests can visit a restaurant: Golden Lantern Gardens is a table service restaurant within the castle, with a large, ornate stone balcony looking out across the lake. Here, guests can enjoy sumptuous meals of Central European origin, especially German cuisine.

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The castle is home to Rapunzel’s Princess Painthouse, a boutique, art shop, and unique meet and greet location all in one. All creative and artistic minds can express themselves here in this slightly messy but inviting workshop. Similar to Enchanted Tales With Belle, guests are welcomed to meet Rapunzel and Flynn, participating in a series of creative activities, including drawing, paintings, and playing with fabrics to create unique accessories. Due to the potentiality of crowds, there would be two-three chambers where guests can have fun with their friends and family. The attraction exits into a gift shop where lovely dresses, plenty of art and crafts, and other merchandise can be brought.

Outside the castle, nestled upon the lake itself is Lantern Lagoon, a fun “water dance” ride that recreates the magical “I See the Light” scene. Guests tour the lower levels of the castle, passing through the armoury, the dungeons, and the storehouses, until exiting into an interior dock where a line of wooden longboats sit. Each can seat up to about between 2-4 riders. In the middle of each boat is a replica of the Corona golden lanterns used each night to commemorate Rapunzel’s disappearance. The boats exit the loading area and will glide across the lake into a romantic dance of sorts.

(Imagine this but on water Aquatopia-style!)
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The boats on the water spin and sway around each other, on trackless turntables hidden under the water. There are around sixteen at a time, following a pattern from one of four sections to the next, frolicking around a central boat where Rapunzel and Flynn sit in a boat with a shared lantern. This watery waltz goes on in endless succession, but the boats will make their way from one end of the lake to the next, until locating an automated track that returns the boat to the loading area. There are always sixteen boats dancing at once, with one boat entering as another leaves. By touching the lantern in each boat, it will light up, covering the boat in spiralling golden patterns resembling Rapunzel’s hair. At night, this would be a truly spectacular attraction to either ride on or watch from afar.

Leaving Sonne Castle behind, we are free to explore the deep woods where Rapunzel lived for so many years. Through a once secluded path, where the trees are lined with wanted posters for one Flynn Rider (each with a misshapen nose on his mugshot), guests will find Rapunzel’s tower, in a state of abandonment. The imposing tower is the home of Tangled Tale, a suspended dark ride retelling the events of the movie. The show building is hidden behind a large sloping hills and waterfall, creating an incredible view and perfect photo op.

Guests venture through a series of tunnels to the side of the tower. The queue takes us into the tower’s base, where the loading zone reveals large lantern-shaped gondolas, which can house up to four-to-six people. Tangled Tale is presented as a story being told by Flynn and Rapunzel to a group of young girls, taking us into an imaginative, theatrical adventure. Passing by a short-haired Rapunzel and Flynn as they begin their tale to four red-haired girls, our gondolas passing through artistic recreations of key movie scenes.

Scenes include the origins of the sun flower and Mother Gothel’s cultivation of the plant, before an implied kidnapping of Rapunzel with the child fading from a painting with her parents. The dark ride is built on two floors, allowing the gondolas to rise up and down to create the illusion we are in the tower’s upper and lower levels. Our first stop through the tower takes us through Rapunzel’s routine, Gothel forbidding her from leaving home, and Rapunzel’s fortuitous meeting with Flynn. The gondolas magically exit the top of the tower, descending to the ground as Rapunzel spins around a tree with her hair, celebrating her newfound freedom.

The gondolas venture through the woods into the Snuggly Duckling, where one of the ride’s two big set pieces occurs, as merry thugs and barbarians sing about their dreams. Maximus and the royal guards appear on the hunt for Flynn, sending guests down through a trapdoor into a tunnel, where Rapunzel’s magic hair is revealed to Flynn. We exit the cave, passing Mother Gothel conspiring with the Stabbington Brothers, as the view of a nighttime Corona comes into view. On a projected background, the lantern festival begins, taking us into the major set piece of “I See the Light”, as Rapunzel and Flynn send their own lanterns into the sky.

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The lanterns are suddenly extinguished as Gothel lures Rapunzel back to the tower, where we return to. In final scenes, Flynn cuts Rapunzel’s hair, whilst Gothel’s demise is depicted via an elaborate animatronic “falling” out the window. Rapunzel magically heals Flynn afterward. In our final scene, the girls have painted a mural of Rapunzel and Flynn reuniting with the King and Queen.

Leaving the fabled tower behind, turning left from the exit takes guests into the heart of the forest. Tucked in a corner sits The Snuggly Duckling, welcoming on outside, and equally as jolly on the inside. The ruffians, thugs, and barbarians have opened up their hangout to guests, turning it into both a counter service restaurant, and an emporium of fanciful goods each contributed by the men. The food has a set menu, from big emu legs on the bone, to intricately prepared salads, but don’t forget to try to Attila’s sublime cupcakes for dessert. The adjoining gift shop is filled with knick knacks, including ruffian clothes, helmets, armour, and weapons, collectible wanted posters of Flynn (each with a misshapen nose), and various trinkets including Vladimir’s collection of ceramic unicorns.

Our final stop draws us to the sound of rushing rapids. The woods give way to a red rock canyon, the remnants of Corona’s old dam and mines. Here, Flynn and his ruffian friends have set up a little secret trading route, built within the heart of the old mines. Flynn Rider’s Dashing Adventure is a rip-roaring water rapids, sending guests spinning through flooded mine tunnels and down fast hills. Flynn’s operations get disrupted by the vengeful Stabbington Brothers, forcing him to send guests on a wild and very wet escape through the mines. Rapunzel, Maximus, and other ruffians aid in waylaying the brothers, leading to a big splashy finale down a steep hill into a musical finale, where Flynn loses his booty to the rapids, but is happy to be with Rapunzel, whilst the Stabbington Brothers end up in a prison wagon with the drunk dwarf.

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Sundrop Shades brings many thrills to guests, but a return to the Beanstalk's hub is in order, for a more tranquil woodland awaits us in the domain of the Autumn. Next time, we shall be meeting Pooh and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

 

[Evilgidgit]

HUNDRED ACRE WOOD
Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood,
Where Christopher Robin plays,
You’ll find the enchanted neighbourhood,
Of Christopher’s childhood days.

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For the land representing autumn, there was no doubt that Winnie the Pooh had to be the choice. The silly old bear has gained a growing presence at the theme parks, for better or for worse. Some still hold a grudge against the franchise for the removal of both The Country Bear Jamboree and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Pooh, however, remains very popular, especially in Tokyo Disneyland, where the incredible Pooh’s Hunny Hunt lives. It only made sense to include Pooh in the Enchanted Vale with a land of his own – I am surprised Imagineers haven’t considered yet.

The Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by Ashdown Forest, the woodland in East Sussex, England, which inspired A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepherd to create Pooh’s books. It is not as thick or enclosed as Sundrop Shades, with plenty of winding paths and leafy trails to follow. Wandering around the woods offers plenty of spontaneity, prioritising childhood games and exploration over the expected attractions, which are a little more gentler than others. Character meet-and-greets are a little more spontaneous, guiding guests on little escapades, such as trying to capture butterflies, or participate in a game of pooh sticks.

The land’s layout is based on the map of the Hundred Acre Wood as seen in the books and animated films. Christopher Robin has written all the signs, whilst the attractions and locations are slightly larger than life, giving us the impression we have shrunk to Pooh’s size.

Entering the land through a ring of trees and misplaced honey pots, guests find many paths to take, but can follow directions using the wonky signs and a friendly map. Taking a direct left from the entrance takes guests to Piglet’s House, an old beech tree, where guests can meet the nervous little piglet, and find a couple of stalls and carts selling food and charming toys made from the forest floor.

Going north will lead to Pooh’s Corner, consisting of a replica of Pooh’s house, where guests can meet Pooh, or even go butterfly catching with him. Next door is a large, time-worn cottage that is filled to the rafters with Pooh-related merchandise, from clothes, toys, plates, cutlery, kites, honeypots, costumes, and plenty of books.

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Going up the right path from the entrance draws us towards a large cluster of trees, including a large treehouse that has a rickety, thrown-together look. This is Owl’s Treehouse, a fully explorable attraction where guests can use staircases, elevators, and rope bridges to explore the wooded heights of Owl’s home. Within the main structure, guests can meet an animatronic Owl, akin to Mr. Potato Head in Midway Mania, who will interact with guests and answer their questions, often in long rambling tales concerning his wacky relatives. The treehouse will be accessible for handicapped visitors, who would use elevators to travel around.

The central point of land revolves around two attractions and two eateries. Kanga and Roo have opened up their home into a quaint little sit-in café, Kanga’s Kitchen, where hot teas, coffees, and delicacies like pastries and cakes are sold. Across the clearing, Rabbit’s Vegetable Hutch is a counter service for guests who want a fresh, homegrown meal, primarily made of ingredients grown within the park itself. Vegetable patches surround the area, where guests may stop, observe, and meet cast members who tend to the growing fruits and vegetables. The menu is primarily vegetarian, with alternate options available.

In the centre of the clearing sits Buzzing Little Bees, the park’s equivalent of the tea cups, where guests clamber into giant honeypots and spin themselves silly, under a canopy of buzzing bees and their twirling hives, which are dripping with honey. This is Pooh’s paradise, and will be too for those who have a wild side. The faster one spins their honeypot, the faster the bees and hives above spin as well.

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Across the way sits another attraction themed around honey pots. Heffalump Honeypot Heist is a spinning balloon-themed tower set around a large tree. Mischievous and colourful Heffalumps (i.e. elephants) sporting the wings and stripes of honey bees, having made off with Pooh’s beloved supper, circling around the tree, as Pooh and friends try to retrieve the pots. Guests add to the fun by clambering into the honey pots and going for a gentle spin around the tree in an attempt to weigh down the Heffalumps for them to put the honeypots down.

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Towards the back of the land lie the Hundred Acre Wood’s two anchor attractions. The first is Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, a modified replica of Tokyo Disneyland’s staple attraction. Drawn to Christopher Robin’s house, guests will venture through the grounds and greenhouse to reach the cozy honey pots for a fun frolic with Pooh and friends. Travelling through the trees during a rather blustery winds-day, the pots dance around as they are pushed about by the strong breezes encompassing the woods. Tigger soon appears to teach us how to bounce like Tiggers, causing the vehicles to actually bounce off the floor. All this excitement proves exhausting for Pooh, who returns home to sleep, only to suffer zany dreams about Heffalumps and Woozles, which guests are drawn into. Pooh soon dreams of more pleasant things like having a party with his friends, guiding guests back to the Hundred Acre Wood.

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The second is Blustery Brolleys, a river rapids based around the rain from the blustery day, which has flooded Pooh’s storybook, washing away the words and scenes. Guests board brightly coloured umbrellas, sailing on a fun ride through the coloured pages of the book, in a ride that slightly tames the expected wildness of the rapids. Guided by Pooh and friends, the umbrellas list and twirl through the flooded woodland as guests search for Eeyore, who has been swept away in the water, not that it particularly bothers him anyway. Tigger is successfully able to retrieve Eeyore by bouncing him out of the water, just as the flood is drained out of the book. The ride ends with Pooh’s friends celebrating with a party for Eeyore and Tigger.

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The aroma of honeypots and the buzzing of bees fill our ears, but we are called back to the Beanstalk to explore the land of Winter, where icy castles and standing stones await. Our next destination is Arendelle and Northuldra.

 

[Evilgidgit]

ARENDELLE & NORTHULDRA
Where the north winds meets the sea,
There’s a river full of memories.
Sleep, my darling, safe and sound,
For in this river, all is found.

​

Our representative for winter is rather obvious. The World of Frozen is becoming one of the “copy and paste” lands popping up around the world, currently open in Hong Kong Disneyland, being a part of the Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, and will appear as part of the ongoing expansion at Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to become Disney’s Adventure World). My money is on it being included in Disneyland Forward too. Frozen has become synonymous with anything winter related for Disney, so it would realistically find a place in such a park. Still, instead of just inserting the land as a direct copy from Hong Kong’s, I wanted to create a fresh take, blending the landscapes of Arendelle and Northuldra together, fittingly representing environments that are very close to the elements, seasons, and spirits that the Enchanted Vale are themed around.

A cold but harmless breeze welcomes guests as they pass through a grove of snow-layered trees and large runic standing stones. Stepping across a wooden bridge takes guests into the heart of Arendelle, a small but flourishing fjord kingdom with colourful houses and shops to explore. The land’s time period is set after the events of Frozen II, where Anna has become Queen of Arendelle, whilst Elsa rules from the glacier Ahtahollan as an elemental. There is a large statue of their parents, King Agnarr and Queen Iduna erected in the central square, whilst a nearby water fountain has been frozen solid in a beautiful art piece designed by Elsa. Every rooftop is covered in a sprinkling of snow.

(Concept art for a Frozen land at DisneySea.)
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To our immediate left stands the majestic royal castle, its rooftops covered in a lovely blue permafrost. Travelling across a stone bridge in view of a docked galleon, guests may enter the castle to explore the various halls and rooms. Guests may enter the throne room where Anna and Elsa can be met in one of many opportunities for M&Gs. The castle is home to the Arendelle Royal Banquet Hall, the park’s largest table service, housed within the grand dining hall, where guests can enjoy a scrumptious menu under the lavish baroque architecture of the ancient castle, complete with a diamond dust chandelier. The menu would reflect the setting, with Scandinavian cuisine and lovely desserts (including Anna’s favourite chocolate fondue!). Outside the castle sits Olaf’s Ice Rinks, a pair of rinks where brave guests can get their skates on for a some slippery fun.

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A winding path leads past the castle into the hills, but we shall follow that later. Heading back into town, there are plenty of sights to see and secrets to find. The buildings are painted all with bright colours, some sporting stave rooves with weathervanes depicting key characters and shapes from the Frozen movies. Although a fictional location, Arendelle should still feel like a living, breathing place in the fjords, so the shops should feature actual working businesses with the purchases made by professional crafters.

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Grovbrød Goods is a bakery where fresh bread, rolls, pastries, and cakes are offered, often straight from the oven, resembling a 19th century Danish family-run store. Next door is Fractals of the Fjords, a glassmakers where the owner has chosen to make glass and crystal ornaments inspired by Elsa’s magic. Guests can watch the creations being forged in an educational demonstration. Tick-Tock Toys is settled under the town’s eye-catching clock tower, with plenty of wooden and mechanical toys to play with. Northern Delights is the land’s main shop, selling a variety of Frozen merchandise from princess dresses, storybooks, or even a large replica of Elsa’s mountain castle. The Golden Crocus Inn, an age old inn-turned-restaurant that specialises in hearty traditional cuisine, which has been praised by the royal family (five star review from Olaf).

Travelling east through the town leads to a rocky, wooded path, where guests can wander through quiet paths and admire the Northern Falls. The North Mountain and Elsa’s ice palace tower over the region. Nearby, guests are welcome to Wandering Oaken’s Haberdashery, his latest business venture in leu of new visitors to Arendelle. Part restaurant, part shop, Oaken accommodates weary travellers with his “big Northuldran blowout”, offering warm beverages, humble meals, and a cozy series of rooms to relax in to get away from the hustle and bustle.

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Of course, most people will be eyeing Elsa’s castle. This takes us to the land’s first attraction, the Frozen Toboggan Tour, a fast-paced but fun roller coaster through the old mines and ice tunnels of the mountain. Elsa has opened her doors for guests to scale the mountain and visit her ice palace, enchanting carts to travel on ice rails up through the mountainside to reach it. The coaster is fast and exciting, but slows down to take in the beautiful, wintery scenery, passing by the characters as they welcome guests. At the highest section of the ride, guests enter Elsa’s palace where she sings “Let It Go”, sending them back down the mountain side, whizzing past Marshmallow along the way, who playfully chases the carts as they race by.

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Returning to the unexplored path that winds past the royal castle, guests will get lost in the old hills, finding four standing stones, each with symbols representing the four elements (air, fire, earth, water). These markers are entrance to Northuldra, the enchanted forest beyond Arendelle. Although there is a light mist in the air, the magical fog barrier that cut Northuldra off from the world lifted not too long ago. In the distance, guests can see the ruined dam.

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Within the middle of the Northuldran woods sits the small village of the local tribe, a quiet area for guests to sit in, and enjoy entertainment from Northuldran musicians. Guests can browse the Northuldra Trading Post, a small outpost where gifts crafted by the natives can be purchased, though there is a hidden, comical culture clash between the Northuldrans and the unseen Arendelle shopkeeper.

A sign points us to the reindeer woods, where our next attraction awaits. Reindeer Rush is a stylistic take on an aerial carousel, in which a circle of wild reindeer await. There are four in each row, which will individually bob up and down as the carousel goes round, mimicking a moving herd skipping around a field. Kristoff and Sven can be seen and heard observing the reindeer, whilst Olaf spins around in the centre of the ride with the fire spirit Bruni.

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Across the clearing stands the Woodland Playhouse, a rustic theatre built between the two peoples as a sign of unity and forgiveness. Elsa has used her magic to enchant the very structure of the building, allowing magic to cast beautiful imagery and illusions across the walls and beams. Anna, Elsa, and Olaf welcome guests into the theatre, singing familiar songs from the movies in order to attract the elemental spirits. Through the use of special effects, projections, puppeteering, and a little magic, the spirits will appear before guests for a magical experience. Each show lasts about twenty minutes, with a “B-mode” relying on projections and screens should practical elements be unavailable.

Our final stop in this land takes us through the trees towards a large rocky mound. The only problem is that the mound appears to be snoring. This is one of the earth spirits, taking an age old nap. However, his position has allowed the natives to find a cave system, leading to a calming river that carries a familiar song.

Journey To Ahtahollan is the land’s secondary anchor attraction, based on scenes from Frozen II, where Anna and Olaf travel by ice boat downriver and pass by sleeping earth spirits. The whole journey of the film is to reach Ahtahollan, the magical glacier that contains the truth about Elsa’s magic. This attraction invites guests to experience that journey, passing through Northuldra to reach the magical glacier to meet up with Elsa. Travelling through the cave system, guests can find interactive games with Olaf and Bruni, whilst passing by icy sculptures depicting events of the Frozen films.

Reaching a forgotten dock, guests will find large boats outwardly made out of ice, but they will not feel the cold much. Each boat holds up to sixteen passengers. Departing the dock guides boats out of the caves and down the Northuldran river, passing by Northuldran fishermen, a campfire where Honeymaren regales children with the legends of Ahtahollan, and a herd of reindeer are cared for Ryder and Kristoff. Yelena appears, telling guests that the spirits will guide them to the glacier, but warns them they can be unpredictable.

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We pass by Anna and Olaf as they are lifted up and down in the air by the air spirit Gale. Bruni appears, but his enthusiasm to see guests causes him to start setting trees on fire. Elsa, portrayed by an animatronic, extinguishes the fire with ice magic, covering the surroundings in snow, which Bruni frolics in. The river becomes a little choppy as the boats enter a ravine, only for the walls to start moving. They are the earth spirits taking a nap, but one is awoken, causing the boats to take an unexpected detour straight down a steep drop into a cave. The cave is filled with icy, reflective walls, revealing a short cut to Ahtahallan. We hear the song again, as the vocals of “Where All Is Found” echo around us. Just then, we see the water spirit, the Nokk, galloping through the frozen walls, until an animatronic of the horse appears, a little hostile and weary.

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The song grows louder as the boats finally behold Ahtahallan, but it seems that the Nokk distrusts us, for it has sent us down a dark route to the glacier. The boats fly down another waterfall, winding up in the dark, frigid underbelly of Ahtahallan (“Dive down deep into her sound, but not too far or you’ll be drowned”). The air turns colder and darker as it looks like the boats will freeze in the dim, only for Elsa’s voice to guide us up a hidden lift hill to the heart of the glacier. Elsa, in her dazzling white dress, performs “Show Yourself” with the voice of her mother, telling us that everything is fine and that sometimes we must see the darkness before the light. Using her magic, the boats are propelled out of the glacier, through another tunnel, and miraculously return to Northuldra. Elsa is seen riding on a tamed Nokk, whilst Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and the Northuldrans welcome us back to the unloading area.

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The realms of the four seasons are connected to the Beanstalk's magic, but for every beacon of light, there are those of darkness. Travel on, if you dare, to the last land of the Enchanted Vale - The Wicked Woods.

 

[HomeImagineer]

ohhh i can't wait for the wicked woods & i think i know what the wicked woods would bring up to, Villains right?

 

[Evilgidgit]

ohhh i can't wait for the wicked woods & i think i know what the wicked woods would bring up to, Villains right?

You won't have to wait long!

THE WICKED WOODS
“There’s nothing more frightening – and exciting – than getting lost in a forest. There is a journey towards the light, and you’ve got to go through the dark to get to the light. That’s what the forest is all about.” – David Farr

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The final land in the Enchanted Vale serves as the shadow to the light. The Wicked Woods is the lair of the evil forces that once fought warred with the sleeping Sylphs, vowing to bring their long shadows and poisonous words to Knothollow once more. Malachite the Gnarled, the leader of the Brotherhood of Gryngamore, rules over this haunted, desolate woodland, poisoning the very earth with his infectious malice and jealousies. Coming from a nameless village in a miserable hovel, Malachite regarded the Sylph with envious eyes; how beautiful and perfect they were compared to him, living in riches whilst he suffered. He vowed to take all from them, to lay claim to their magic and forest, and make all live in abject fear and misery as he did. Preying on the insecurities and spite of the weak and angry, Malachite formed an army of devoted soldiers, sorcerers, bone witches, goblins, and monsters to his cause.

The war against the Sylph raged for years, until the fairies grew tired and retreated into the trees. It was only when the Beanstalk rose and the crystals sparkled did Malachite’s brethren face defeat. Many fled or perished, or were consumed by the Beanstalk’s roots. Malachite nearly met fate, if not for the sacrifice of his arm, replacing it with made of silver and bronze. Retreating to his fort, Malachite again vowed revenge. It was by studying the crystals, eventually able to corrupt their light magic with his own dark influence. If the crystals could link to realms of heroes, then he could call upon villainous forces as well.

The Wicked Woods serves as the villains land, acting as the antithesis to the other five lands. Drawing inspiration from the forest scenes of Snow White and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the land is an eerie location; most of the trees are either dead or haunted, there are strange and disturbing noises all around but with no source, and even the backdrop of mountains seem to cast a sinister air when shadows are cast across them. The land utilises the corrupted, dark crystals to bring forth villains from other realms, allowing guests to meet iconic Disney Villains within the context of the realm’s story and theming. Malachite and his forces remain a constant presence and potential threat, his very face etched into rocks and trees. There is the opportunity to join his forces in the battle against the “green givers”.

The path to the Wicked Woods lies past the Beanstalk, across a stone bridge protected by sinister, crumbling gargoyles. Corrupted crystals are scattered about the woods, some cracked or broken, pulsating a dark, purple light that is unnatural. The trees used here are a mixture of props and actual plants, found in highly forested or swampy regions, like willows, climbing ferns, and others.

The central feature of the land is Malachite’s fortress, Angramelish, a tall, spiralling citadel at the centre of the sorcerer’s power. Crystals jut out of the walls and towers, further mutated by Malachite’s magic, turning the fort into a beacon to keep connections to unseen shadowlands open. Our first attractions lies here, but the fort itself offers several paths to walk about and explore, including touring the barricades.

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The Curse of Malachite is an interactive, trackless dark ride on the scale of Rise of the Resistance. Malachite his perfecting his magic to let him use the crystals’ energy to infect the Beanstalk and plunge the vale into darkness once more. His commanders are looking for new recruits to join his dark forces, assuming guests are such volunteers. The queue lines begins over a large portcullis covered in arrows, leading into the foyer of Angramelish. However, part of the ceiling has caved in from a battle long ago, so guests are redirected through stone corridors and through dungeons to reach a large chamber.

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Guests are greeted by Veylon, a goblin-spider hybrid, portrayed by an animatronic that hangs upside-down from a balcony. Veylon, Malachite’s chamberlain, who mocks guests, telling them that they will be tested, specifically by interacting with the crystals. Malachite’s booming voice interrupts them, instructing guests to enter the loading area, where chariots covered in the crystals await them. The true purpose of the crystals is to channel the fear of their riders, making Malachite grow stronger. Around six people can sit in each crystal chariot. With a little more taunting from Veylon, the chariots travel through the fortress, passing by scenes made up of eerie architecture and frightening monsters. The crystals react to the vehicles are they go by, but begin to regain their lost rainbow pallets.

Veylon (aka Nadiki from Bionicle)
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The chariots are drawn into Malachite’s workshop, where he is busy crafting potions in a large cauldron. However, the sorcerer quickly realises the effect that guests are having on the crystals, assuming they are from the light. Unwilling to take any chances against his plans being ruined, Malachite brands the guests as intruders, sounding out an alarm for his forces to eliminate them. So begins our escape through the fortress as goblins, monsters, sorcerers, and Veylon’s own spider corps give chase. Malachite joins the hunt himself, using magic to split up the vehicles and “push” them into trap rooms, but the regenerating magic of the crystals helps brake through the sorcery.

In a dramatic finale, Malachite confronts us, transforming into a large, nightmarish demon, brought to life through a combination of animatronics and Tokyo Disneyland-level special effects. A blast of magic sends the chariots fleeing, but the inferno follows down the hall. Malachite reappears, only for the crystals to flash a rainbow hue. Roots of the Beanstalk burst through the stonework, ensnaring Malachite and holding him back to allow the guests to escape to safety. The dark sorcerer’s enraged roars follow us even as we unload and exit the attraction.

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[Evilgidgit]

THE WICKED WOODS (cont'd)​

The land’s shopping district appears as a crumbling village called Noctis, made up of crooked houses straight out of Sleepy Hollow. A statue of a triumphant Malachite stands in the village square, shadowing the broken sculpture of a moss-coated fairy. Despite its eerie setting, the village is a lively place with several thriving shops to visit and lovely food to buy. The Disney Villains have made themselves at home, wandering the streets for M&Gs.

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The Last Hearth is the oldest establishment in the village, an old, rundown inn of former grandeur, now reduced a safe haven of sorts for those evading trouble. The name comes from the inn’s large hearth, run by owners unafraid to depict better times through their paintings and architecture. The intimate candlelit tables and hidden corners make this place an unusually charming place for dinner. The menu consists of specialises recipes and home-cooked meals for tired travellers. There are traces of resistance towards the villains hidden around the inn.

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In direct contrast in The Poisoned Apple, the local gathering place for Malachite’s lower-ranked enforcers and soldiers. Yet, the Disney Villains have taken over the pub, each refurbishing wings to accommodate their own devious sense of décor. The wings are devoted to Malachite himself along with the Evil Queen, Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook, Ursula, and Dr. Facilier. The villains themselves will grace guests with their presence in unique character dining experiences. The locals will appear to play jaunty tunes on the corner piano (with keys made from goblin bones). The menu is simple but tasteful, whilst guests can purchase a variety of colourful drinks from the barkeeps.

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Dungeon Master will be a fun visit to any of who favours RPGs, cosplay, or LARPing. A fine collection of costumes, suits of armour, weaponry, magic wands, props, books, and games await guests in this cluttered armoury of imagination and adventure. Owned by an eccentric local with a pension for obtaining mystical items and playing games, Dungeon Master is a must see locale for guests. There are three heavily themed rooms for costumes, weaponry, and other tools, and plenty of nooks and crannies to browse.

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Another boutique in the village is Shroud of Night, a gothic clothes store where all the available wardrobes are made up mostly of dark colours, beautiful, designed with finesse and passion by the shop’s owners. The truth is that this boutique is stylised for witches and sorcerers who serve Malachite. Guests can by their own dresses, robes, cloaks, hats, and even broomsticks to show their appreciation for the dark arts (or just looking fantastically dressed).

On the outskirts of Noctis lies a shady, dilapidated structure covered in torches and purple drapes. This is Dr. Facilier’s Parlour, a theatrical attraction that turns guests’ world upside down as they meet the Shadow Man and his friends on the other side. Through a special effects-laden performance, Dr. Facilier will materialise from the shadows to welcome and entice guests to strike a deal with him and his demonic cohorts. In Facilier’s parlour, guests are thrown into a realm of voodoo magic, tarot cards, and demonic forces as “Friends On the Other Side” are re-enacted in a mesmerising performance of magical tricks, special effects, projection mapping, and a little sense of disbelief.

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A small lagoon sits close to west of the land on the path to Northuldra. There is the distinct smell of seawater and hydrothermal vents in the air, revealing the surrounding lagoon is covered in coral and barnacles. Ursula’s Cauldron Spin is a highly themed octopus spinner, conjured up by the sea witch herself to challenge guests to see if they have the nerve to tangle with her tentacles. Up to eight guests board large shells wrapped in Ursula’s tentacles as she spins them around her domain much to her own wicked glee.

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The Wicked Thicket is a secluded magical grove that serves as a counterpart to the Grotto of the Unicorn. The origins of the thicket is unknown, but has been subjected to Malachite’s evil intent. The thicket is an indoor-outdoor walkthrough attraction, subjected to so much magical alterations and experimentations that spells run wild. Now, fears and nightmares thrive, almost as effigies of the villains who tainted the woods. The dark thorns of Maleficent, red-painted rose bushes of the Queen of Hearts, Dr. Facilier’s voodoo masks, the marching shadows of Scar’s hyenas, and the watchful face of the Magic Mirror are amongst the sights and sounds to be found in the woods. The walkthrough is split up between several indoor scenes disguised as caves, containing interactive games where guests can ward away the villains’ spells.

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At the back of the land lies the charred ruins of Blackstone Hall, the former estate and meeting place for sorcerers in the vale, before Malachite corrupted the land and built his monstrous fort. What many didn’t know what that Blackstone was built on vast caverns, home to a dragon who slept on a vast horde and had magic that would rival the greatest of mages. As with everything else in the woods, Malachite desired the dragon’s magic and treasure, chaining it up with thick shackles made of fireproof alloys. As a rather arrogant incentive, Malachite ordered that the dragon’s home be levelled, and a small clutch of eggs destroyed. Though unable to escape its chains, the enraged dragon unleashed an inferno that blew Blackstone from its foundations, leaving only ruins behind. Malachite’s forces fled, later constructing Angramelish, leaving the dragon to its grief and rage.

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This tale is the basis for The Dragon’s Tower, a thrilling suspended roller coaster based on yet another unused concept from Beastly Kingdom. Guests journey through the ruins, where murals depict their tragic backstory, until a mesmerising painting in the loading area reveals the true ferocity of the dragon’s wrath. After boarding the black-coloured coaster, guests head out around a corner, where a bedraggled old man mocks them for their bravery, believing they can view the dragon without enraging it. His words prove true as the tracks head straight down into the dragon’s catacombs, awakening it. A blast of fire launches guests out of the catacombs and skyward on a spiralling ride through the ruins and caves, as the dragon makes attempts to snuff out the intruders.

The ride takes an extra thrill when the dragon finally escapes its chains, appearing before the tracks, unleashing fire as the coaster plummets to safety. There is the indication of a happy ending for the dragon, as we will catch a glimpse of a new batch of eggs just before reaching the unloading area. Upon leaving the ruins via the exit, one might look back and catch a glimpse of the freed dragon hidden amongst the shadows.

A glimmer of light in the darkness...

We escape the shadows of the Wicked Woods to the Beanstalk, but our journey is not quite over yet. We have to cover the grand finale for each night, as well as the daily parade of the Enchanted Vale.

 

[HomeImagineer]

pretty awesome, hey maybe one day or if i feel like drawing plans again then i can make u an master plan of what the park looks like of your enchanted vale park

 

[Evilgidgit]

ENTERTAINMENT​

The park has a daytime parade, Seasons of Magic Parade which occurs twice daily, celebrating the wonders and music of Disney, though the floats feature colourful characters and an original score. The parade route begins from within Northuldra, ventures into the central hub, circles around the Beanstalk, and departs through Knothollow. The parade has a theme song called “Celebrate the Seasons”, as well as a soundtrack of familiar songs and melodies. The Sylph have snuck their way into the parade, their faces visible amongst the wood and flowers of the floats.

The floats are based around Mickey and the Beanstalk, Flowers & Trees, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas, Tangled, Moana, Winnie the Pooh, Brother Bear, Bambi, and Frozen.

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The night-time spectacular show, Forest of Light, serves as an end to a day’s fun and adventure. Through a combination of water effects, magical projections, beautiful lights, and amazing fireworks, the show brings the park’s central story to life. The people of the Vale celebrate the Festival of Seasons in relation to the Beanstalk’s magic, with various Disney characters coming together to share their joy, music, and magic with each other.

But, Malachite hijacks the celebrations, using his magic to corrupt the crystals, turning them black and purple, summoning Disney Villains to cover the vale in fear and nightmares. The Beanstalk is subsequently poisoned and withers as evil forces invade. The hope and love collected in the forest illuminates the whole park, rejuvenating the Beanstalk. The Sylph briefly awaken to aid the various heroes in defeating Malachite, banishing his forces back to the shadows, as the Vale is saved.

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And so, our journey through Disney's Enchanted Vale comes to an end. I hope you have enjoyed this project of mine. I am quite proud of the end result. For more grounded info, this would be what they call a boutique park, with one or two hotels (not included here). I know it is important to flesh out a resort, but coming up with the stuff beyond the parks has never really been of interest to me. As for a second gate, I do have ideas, perhaps one based on the Nine Realms of Norse myths to tie into the magical forest theme. Expansions are a little trickier, as the lands are rather self-contained to accommodate the overarching story - additional attractions are feasible, but not common.

If you have any ideas or comments, I'd appreciate feedback.

Anyway, thank you for reading my adventure in Knothollow. Who knows? Perhaps a whistling breeze or the rustling of leaves will guide you into the Enchanted Vale, if you know where to look.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

Well not sure if there’s any more room, but there’s Pixie Hollow, Asgard (set in the Marvel theme park universe), and the world of Percy Jackson.