Mirror Walt Disney World

[DisneyManOne]

Happy New Year, everybody! It's finally 2021, and as all Disney fans know, that means that Walt Disney World will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! And since it's such a big occasion, I thought I'd mark the occasion with something very special. As I'm sure many of us know, for the past two years, @MANEATINGWREATH has been working on a unique project called "Mirror Disneyland", basically offering his hypothesis on what Disneyland Resort could have been like if WestCOT was built. And that inspired me to do something similar, but for my home resort. I've been working on this concept since last summer, but I specifically waited until 2021 began to start posting it here. And now that the year has come, let us begin!

Welcome, one and all, to...

Mirror Walt Disney World

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Introduction

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

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

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

There is a place where magic lives...

Welcome to Walt Disney World.​

As all Disney park fans know, these words opened the 2002 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning video, and never before have words so perfectly described the feeling of being at Walt Disney World. If you ever had a dream, and had that dream come true, then you already know about the magic Walt Disney World provides its guests. It is a magic that dates as far back as the founding of the Walt Disney Studios. Walter Elias Disney was many things: an animator, an entertainer, a family man, a pioneer in movies, television and in the modern-day theme park. But above all else, Walt was the very definition of inspiration. Time after time, this man has inspired people to follow their dreams and shoot for the stars, no matter what the circumstances. To this day, thousands of people continue to be inspired by the legacy of Walt, particularly the legacy he left that is Disneyland.

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

And on July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates to the world, and welcomed its people into a place like any other amusement park. Disneyland was never meant to be just another “county fair” or traditional amusement park. Instead, guests found themselves immersed into a land of three-dimensional fantasy. It was - and remains - a place where the world of today was left in favor of yesterday and tomorrow, fantasy and adventure.

But, old Uncle Walt was always looking for ways to “plus” his craft. He had heard that only 5% of people east of the Mississippi River (75% of the country’s overall population at the time) came to Disneyland. Plus, he disliked how other businesses were springing up around Disneyland, and wanted control of a much larger area of land. And so, in 1959, they began to look for land for a second theme park/resort to supplement its Californian brother. In November of 1963, Walt flew over Orlando, Florida. Seeing the well-developed network of roads, including the planned Interstate 4 and Florida’s Turnpike, with McCoy Air Force Base (which would later become the Orlando International Airport) to the east, Disney selected a centrally located site near Bay Lake. Although they used fake company names in order to get cheaper prices on the land, the news soon was made public, and on November 15th, 1965, Walt announced that Disney World was being built.

However, thirteen months after the announcement was made -- December 15th, 1966 -- Walt passed away from cancer. But his brother, Roy O. Disney, did not want to see his brother’s final dream fade away, so he deliberately postponed his retirement to oversee construction of the resort’s first phase. He even had the resort's name change from Disney World to Walt Disney World. In his own words: “Everyone has heard of Ford cars. But have they all heard of Henry Ford, who started it all? Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here.”

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Although the resort opened on October 1st, 1971, the resort’s official dedication would take place twenty-four days afterwards on October 25th, 1971. On that day, all eyes turned to Town Square as Roy dedicated his brother’s final dream.

“Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together.”

— Roy O. Disney, October 25, 1971​

Today, Walt Disney World continues the legacy of Walt’s dream, bringing joy and laughter into the hearts of those who wish to unlock its magic. Here we find acres upon acres of vacation paradise, where endless enjoyment, fascination, illumination and a lifetime of happy memories are less than a dream away.

The following is, for your enjoyment, a virtual tour of “Mirror Walt Disney World”. In this fictional reality, we will look into the four parks of Walt Disney World -- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywoodland and Disney’s Animal Kingdom -- as well as a yet-to-be-explored potential fifth park: Port Disney. Plus, there will be plenty of other points of interest to see along the way, as well as quite a few surprises. But for now, I invite you to sit back, relax, and make sure your hands, arms, feet and legs are inside the Internet at all times, because our time in “The Most Magical Place on Earth” is just about to begin...

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Disney Square

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The date is October 1, 2021. This date is remarkable, for today marks the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. Our time in “The Most Magical Place on Earth” begins amidst the color and excitement of Disney Square. Formerly known as the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney Square is an accessible, spectacular port of transportation and travel. The air is filled with wonderful atmospheric music of the Disney canon. Lush gardens, fountains and trees set an inspired threshold to the exciting worlds of make-believe that lie just beyond its borders.

North, we find the Magic Kingdom; south, the Parking Center; southeast, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywoodland, Port Disney and Disney Springs; southwest, Disney’s Animal Kingdom; west, the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, in addition to Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and the Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses; east, the Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, River Country, Athel Island and the world-class Contemporary Resort.

The Walt Disney World Monorail, WEDWay PeopleMover, elaborate Ferries, moving walkways and electric Trams offer simple, sophisticated transportation throughout the Resort; not to mention the Walt Disney World Skyliner that serves EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywoodland and the Caribbean Beach Resort. This high-tech transportation network, once thought to be that of science-fiction, is now in line with science-fact, free accommodations for all guests, save those who wish to explore by foot or by automobile.

A small but beautiful set of walking trails and man-made woods look to the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon, a staple since the resort was built. The 200-acre lake is home to real beaches and water sports; fishing, parasailing, and water skiing among others, activities which can also be found on its sister lagoon, Bay Lake.

Here in this square, beauty is the thing that is stressed the most. Almost every remnant of the original, outdated Transportation and Ticket Center has been demolished; the sole survivors being the Monorail Station, the Ferryboat Landing, and the Parking Center. The Parking Center offers parking for guests eager to spend a day at the Magic Kingdom. It’s divided into two distinct lots: the Mickey & Friends Lot and the Seven Dwarfs Lot. Each lot has eight sections to it. The Mickey & Friends Lot has sections named after Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale and Huey, Dewey & Louie; and the Seven Dwarfs Lot has, of course, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, Dopey and Snow White. Altogether, the Parking Center can host 12,000 cars!

Now, there are two methods of getting to Disney Square from here. We can either walk from the parking lot (if we were lucky enough to park close enough to the entrance), or we could take an electric Tram, the latest in green transportation methods. They make stops at every section of the two parking lots. As we approach Disney Square, we can see those electric Trams drop guests off at the entrance to the area. First stop in Disney Square: the Gateway.

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The current crop of ticket booths have been demolished in favor of a new Victorian style, similar to the ticket booths found at Disneyland’s Main Gate. The Gateway is where one can purchase tickets or Annual Passes. There's even a special will call booth for those who purchased reserved tickets.

Likewise, the Gateway is also home to security checkpoints, metal detectors and bag checks. If you come to the Magic Kingdom by car, or by public transport, this is where you will have your bags checked before you enter the resort. (If you stay at a Disney resort, the checkpoint is near the parks’ PeopleMover station, and if you stay at a resort connected to the parks by monorail, a checkpoint is set up before you reach the monorail station.) There are two entrances to the Gateway -- one from the Parking Center, and one from the Transportation Station. Old-timey fans whir over guests’ heads, to help alleviate the hot Florida heat. Video screens over these checkpoint gates provide engaging songs from Disney films, showcase Disney trivia and games, and show previews for attractions throughout the resort. For as efficient as Disney security can be, these elements will help entertain guests in line.

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Once past the Gateway, the beauty of Disney Square really starts to kick in, and helps set the stage for what lies ahead. In the dead center of Disney Square, a bronze statue of Sorcerer Mickey conducts the waters of the Fantasia Fountain, an ornate “compass” of sorts. With its marching broomsticks and jumping fountains, the four cardinal points of the Fantasia Fountain direct us toward the various points of Disney Square.

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To the east of the Fantasia Fountain, Disney Square Imports sells all matter of merchandise and necessities. If you forgot to bring something with you, or if you’d like to pick up a last-minute gift for a loved one, this is the place to do it! Disney Square Imports is designed and decorated with crates and suitcases--the latest “imports” to arrive. In this circular gift shop, the walls are decorated with exotic locales as seen in the Disney movies (ex. Peter Pan in London, Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii, Tarzan in Africa, Carl and Russell in Venezuela), done similarly to the artwork at the World of Disney store in Disneyland Paris. Likewise, the ceiling is designed to look like the night sky, with the images of classic Disney characters formed like constellations. Disney Square Imports also serves as the home of Lost & Found, and there are ATMs found just outside.

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The western half of the complex consists mainly of the Gardens of Magic, a beautiful garden filled to the brim with gorgeous landscaping and vegetation and features many different Disney character topiaries and hidden “Easter eggs” that guests can enjoy finding. At night, the gardens transform as they glow with the recently patented bio-luminescent technology, making the landscaping, vegetation and pathways glow with a magical vibe. Along the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon near these Gardens is the ornate, Victorian Ferryboat Landing, offering ferry and water taxi rides to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom.

Also found here is the Village Market, a restaurant/bistro that usually opens about an hour and a half prior to park openings. Held within a beautiful wooden building, this is a good place to go if you want to get breakfast in before you head to one of the parks for a day of fun. Coffee, pastries, eggs and bacon are on the menu; and during the day, salads, fruit, sandwiches and desserts are provided for lunch and dinner. The Market also features an outdoor eating garden and picnic area, offering dramatic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, with the Main Street railroad station and Cinderella Castle in the distance.

Art by @TheDesignPirate ​

The most prevalent aspect of Disney Square is the Transportation Station, a combined hub for almost any and all transportation access; marked by its blue, white and silver color scheme and Mediterranean style architecture, adding another sense of elegance to the Square. Inside, skylights and lush tropical plants soften the asphalt and concrete. Covered seating areas are available for waiting guests, also done in Mediterranean styling. The Transportation Station is a two-floor structure, with each floor servicing different forms of transportation. The ground floor services the following…

• Public buses​
• Private vehicles (this includes taxis, ride-shares like Uber, Lyft, and Disney’s own Minnie Vans, and personal drop-offs from friends and family.)​
• Self-driving vehicles​
• Disney’s Magical Express, the service offering complimentary transportation and luggage delivery to on-site hotel guests coming from Orlando International Airport or Orlando-Sanford International Airport​

Elevators, escalators and moving walkways bring guests up to the second floor of the Transportation Station, servicing the Walt Disney World Monorail, the stations for which remain where they are now (except for the ramp, which is removed due to the new access methods) and the WEDWay PeopleMover, which takes off directly above the ground-floor area.

“Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.”​

The Walt Disney World Monorail is the original -- and many would say, definitive -- mode of Disney transportation. The “highway in the sky” mainly serves the area surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon, though the futuristic transport also services the other parks of Walt Disney World (with the notable exception of Disney’s Hollywoodland), the resort’s entertainment district, Disney Springs, as well as a select few of the resorts, as well. There are five lines on the Monorail. Three are accessed from the Transportation Station:

• The Express Line takes guests directly from Disney Square over to the Magic Kingdom.​
• The Resort Line begins at Disney Square, then makes a counter-clockwise trip around the Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at the Polynesian Village, the Grand Floridian, the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary.​
• The EPCOT Line offers direct service from Disney Square to EPCOT and back again.​

And the other two lines are accessed from EPCOT’s Transportation Hub. Like with the EPCOT Line, there are switch spurs on the tracks leading to the two stations, located on either side of the Transportation Hub. Anyway, the two lines accessed here are as follows:

• The Port Disney Line, accessed on the left-hand side of the Transportation Hub, makes three stops. The first stop services Port Disney, Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The station is located in-between the Village Marketplace and the entrance to Port Disney, its architecture blending in with the American Craftsman style of the Marketplace. From there, the monorail makes a stop at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort then takes guests back to EPCOT.​
• The Animal Kingdom Line, accessed on the right-hand side, takes guests from the Transportation Hub to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and then over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom before a quick return to EPCOT.​

There are twenty monorail trains in service, each one marked by -- and named for -- the stripe that runs along the train: Red, Crimson, Coral, Orange, Peach, Yellow, Lime, Green, Teal, Blue, Indigo, Purple, Lavender, Pink, Brown, Tan, Black, White, Gold and Silver. To help differentiate themselves from Monorails Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple and Brown, Monorails Crimson, Coral, Lime, Teal, Indigo and Tan have white deltas along their stripes. Furthermore, Monorail White has black deltas along its stripes to help it stand out more.

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The WEDWay PeopleMover, put into service in 1991, serves as the primary mode of transport around the resort. Like the Disneyland original, this track can rise and fall if need be, soaring over and under the track of the Monorail. Unlike both the previous PeopleMovers, however, this PeopleMover is fully enclosed, allowing for quick and efficient travel even in inclement weather. For this, Disney revived Herb Ryman’s design for the PeopleMover, discarded when the EPCOT city idea was scrapped.

There are two “sides” the PeopleMover services. The Right Side begins by servicing the Magic Kingdom, then goes to the Wilderness Lodge, back to Disney Square, then on to EPCOT, Port Orleans Resort--Riverside, Port Orleans Resort--French Quarter, Saratoga Springs, Port Disney, Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, and then making a stop at Caribbean Beach before returning to Disney Square.

The Left Side begins, of course, at Disney Square, then travels to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, the Swan and Dolphin, the BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Hollywoodland, the Coronado Springs Resort, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. With that final stop, it’s back to Disney Square.

In fact, here is a map detailing the route the WEDWay PeopleMover takes. Keep in mind, at certain points, the trains run along side-by-side, much like they do on the Tomorrowland PeopleMover.

Now, each side of the PeopleMover has eight trams to it, each containing seven sections (112 sections in all!). Why so few compared to the Monorails? Well, much like the Magic Kingdom’s PeopleMover, all the trains here are in a state of constant motion, allowing for swifter service compared to a Monorail… and for that matter, compared to a bus. What’s more, each train has its own unique color scheme, with each train being painted a different color. The first four trains are decked out, as @Suchomimus suggested, in the official colors of Walt Disney World: Pumpkin Orange, Lagoon Blue, Lavender and Mint Green. The other four utilize a unique “palette design”, with each section of the train in a different color, and they are as follows: Grayscale (gradually going from black to white), Seasons (forest green for spring, orange-yellow for summer, red-orange for autumn, white for winter, sky blue, golden yellow for the sun and light yellow for the moon), Emblem (colors representing the five parks of Walt Disney World -- midnight blue for the Magic Kingdom, silver for EPCOT, Hollywood cerise for, naturally, Disney’s Hollywoodland, green for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and aquamarine for Port Disney -- book-ended by two golden sections) and Rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet).

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But that’s not the only mode of transport found here. Although the WEDWay PeopleMover has reduced bus service meaningless, there’s still one area of Mirror Walt Disney World where bus service remains the norm: Fort Wilderness. Since the place is so big, and since the PeopleMover would ruin the immersion of being in the wilderness, bus service takes guests around the resort, with stops throughout the area -- the two biggest being the Settlement Outpost (where the restaurants, shops, the pathway to River Country and the marina are) and the other being a stop at the Wilderness Lodge, where guests can hop aboard the PeopleMover from their station.

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In addition, a recent addition to the Walt Disney World transportation scene is a station for the Brightline rail route, connecting Disney Springs to various locations throughout South Florida: specifically, Aventura, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami -- and for that matter, PortMiami -- and West Palm Beach. In addition, this station is also accessed from Orlando International Airport, thus allowing an alternative to Disney’s Magical Express.

With our excitement mounting, we rush inside the Transportation Station and hop aboard the next monorail, which has just pulled in. Where are we heading?

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That is a question that will be answered tomorrow. This is where the journey will stop for now.

A few addendums: First of all, I must credit @D Hulk for being the creator of the Gateway and most of the Transportation Station, both of which were concepts borrowed from his incredible DisneySky concept; so thank you very much, D Hulk!

Second, if you're wondering why Monorails Indigo and Brown don't have pictures, that's because these two monorails I created myself. With extended monorail service, I felt that the monorail fleet needed a few more members. Also, in this Mirror universe, the 2009 crash does not occur, so Monorails Pink and Purple remain in service.

 

[spacemt354]

Looking forward to this!

 

[Solaris Knight]

Ooh, I loved Mirror Disneyland a lot so Mirror WDW is gonna be a favorite too!

 

[Suchomimus]

I've really missed your personal projects DM1 and this is a great entry as usual; even giving a better usage of the Peoplemover, having them be more for inaccessible resorts than be used as alternatives for the monorail going from Disney Square to the other three parks ( I really do believe that long distances are more better handled for the monorails). That being said there are some questions that I do need to ask.
You posted in this quote that Disney Springs was one of the locations at WDW not to be serviced by the monorails.

The Walt Disney World Monorail is the original -- and many would say, definitive -- mode of Disney transportation. The “highway in the sky” mainly serves the area surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon, though the futuristic transport also services the other parks of Walt Disney World, with the notable exception of Disney’s Hollywoodland, the resort’s entertainment district, Disney Springs, as well as a select few of the resorts, as well. There are five lines on the Monorail. Three are accessed from the Transportation Station:

But then put it as a stop on the Port Disney Line, so is it supposed to have be served by the monorail or not? And you also said there are three stops on the PDL but added 2 more with the Caribbean and EPCOT?

The Port Disney Line, accessed on the left-hand side of the Transportation Hub, makes three stops. The first stop services Port Disney, Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The station is located in-between the Village Marketplace and the entrance to Port Disney, its architecture blending in with the American Craftsman style of the Marketplace. From there, the monorail makes a stop at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort then takes guests back to EPCOT.

You have five lines with about a combined total of 18 stops. I honestly don't think 16 is really enough, maybe a couple of more could be added?

There are sixteen monorail trains in service, each one marked by -- and named for -- the stripe that runs along the train: Red, Coral, Orange, Peach, Yellow, Lime, Green, Teal, Blue, Indigo, Purple, Pink, Brown, Black, Gold and Silver. To help differentiate themselves from Monorails Pink, Orange, Green, Blue and Purple, Monorails Coral, Peach, Lime, Teal and Indigo have white deltas along their stripes.

 

[DisneyManOne]

I've really missed your personal projects DM1 and this is a great entry as usual; even giving a better usage of the Peoplemover, having them be more for inaccessible resorts than be used as alternatives for the monorail going from Disney Square to the other three parks ( I really do believe that long distances are more better handled for the monorails). That being said there are some questions that I do need to ask.
You posted in this quote that Disney Springs was one of the locations at WDW not to be serviced by the monorails.
But then put it as a stop on the Port Disney Line, so is it supposed to have be served by the monorail or not?

That must have been poor wording on my part. Disney's Hollywoodland is not serviced by the monorail, but Disney Springs is. I'll have to go back and edit that bit to make things clearer. And honestly, I tried to find a way to get Hollywoodland on that line, but every way I tried had it end up getting entangled with the Skyliner route.

And you also said there are three stops on the PDL but added 2 more with the Caribbean and EPCOT?

There are indeed three stops -- Port Disney, Caribbean Beach and EPCOT. The Port Disney station itself services three places in one -- Port Disney, Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs -- hence why I lumped those three into one station.

You have five lines with about a combined total of 18 stops. I honestly don't think 16 is really enough, maybe a couple of more could be added?

You have a point there: There could be more monorails. However, I had 16 initially because, frankly, it was hard to come up with additional colors beyond Brown and Indigo, the two I added. Maybe I'll look up some more colors and edit the post to include them, as well.

 

[Suchomimus]

There are indeed three stops -- Port Disney, Caribbean Beach and EPCOT. The Port Disney station itself services three places in one -- Port Disney, Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs -- hence why I lumped those three into one station.

Oh, I get it now. It was actually confusing when I read the second sentence of the PDL but now I get it.

That must have been poor wording on my part. Disney's Hollywoodland is not serviced by the monorail, but Disney Springs is. I'll have to go back and edit that bit to make things clearer. And honestly, I tried to find a way to get Hollywoodland on that line, but every way I tried had it end up getting entangled with the Skyliner route.

Well, we may not be able to see the monorail glide into Hollywoodland station but I for one still look forward for what you've done with the Skyliner.
And two more question; what will the pastel(s) for the WEDWay Peoplemovers look like and what are exactly are deltas here?

 

[DisneyManOne]

And two more question; what will the pastel(s) for the WEDWay Peoplemovers look like and what are exactly are deltas here?

I haven't honestly considered doing a color scheme for the PeopleMover. I'll have to see if I can think of anything.

As for deltas, let me show you what I mean.

Deltas are those white sections in the middle of the coral stripe on each section of the monorail. And as I said before, Monorail Coral here has these deltas to help monorail conductors identify it, because Monorail Orange (and for that matter, Monorail Red) has a similar color tone to it.

 

[Suchomimus]

I haven't honestly considered doing a color scheme for the PeopleMover. I'll have to see if I can think of anything.

Maybe they can be pumpkin orange, lagoon blue, lavender and mint green like the official WDW colors or lime and blue as an homage to the original monorail pilot uniform?

 

[DisneyManOne]

Maybe they can be pumpkin orange, lagoon blue, lavender and mint green like the official WDW colors or lime and blue as an homage to the original monorail pilot uniform?

That is a brilliant idea! I posted some color ideas to the Disney Square post, based mainly on the rainbow and of the original Disneyland PeopleMover, but I like this much, much better!

 

[Suchomimus]

That is a brilliant idea! I posted some color ideas to the Disney Square post, based mainly on the rainbow and of the original Disneyland PeopleMover, but I like this much, much better!

In fact, here is a map detailing the route the WEDWay PeopleMover takes. Keep in mind, at certain points, the trains run along side-by-side, much like they do on the Tomorrowland PeopleMover.

Now, each side of the PeopleMover has eight trams to it, each containing seven sections (112 sections in all!). Why so few compared to the Monorails? Well, much like the Magic Kingdom’s PeopleMover, all the trains here are in a state of constant motion, allowing for swifter service compared to a Monorail… and for that matter, compared to a bus. What’s more, each train has its own unique color scheme, with each train being painted a different color. The first four trains are decked out, as @Suchomimus suggested, in the official colors of Walt Disney World: Pumpkin Orange, Lagoon Blue, Lavender and Mint Green. The other four utilize a unique “palette design”, with each section of the train in a different color, and they are as follows: Grayscale (gradually going from black to white), Seasons (forest green for spring, orange-yellow for summer, red-orange for autumn, white for winter, sky blue, golden yellow for the sun and light yellow for the moon), Emblem (colors representing the five parks of Walt Disney World -- midnight blue for the Magic Kingdom, silver for EPCOT, Hollywood cerise for, naturally, Disney’s Hollywoodland, green for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and aquamarine for Port Disney -- book-ended by two golden sections) and Rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet).

I’ll tell you this D-Man, if I had artistic skills, I would be more than happy to draw you concept art of the Peoplemover trains and route plus the monorails, stations, and Disney Square here.

 

[DisneyManOne]

I’ll tell you this D-Man, if I had artistic skills, I would be more than happy to draw you concept art of the Peoplemover trains and route plus the monorails, stations, and Disney Square here.

Thank you very much for the offer. I admit, my artistic skills aren't the best, either, so that's why I use those crudely-done Paint images. You'll be seeing quite a few more of those as we continue on.

Now, let us resume our tour of Mirror Walt Disney World. As I said at the end of the last post, we have just stepped aboard a Monorail, and our destination is none other than...

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Magic Kingdom

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The crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom is where the magic of dreams coming true begins. Inspired by, and building upon, the legacy of its Californian counterpart, the Magic Kingdom is a remarkable design in immersion and focus on the Guest Experience. If there’s one thing that the Magic Kingdom prides itself over, it’s the fact that everything is a form of storytelling. We, the audience, will physically experience one adventure after another, seldom as spectators, but almost always as “participants” in the drama. In contrast to the county fair or carnival known the world over, the Magic Kingdom, like its fellow parks, is a seamless, thematic epic. The harmonic blend of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy act in compliment of the wild animals, alien creatures, and storybook castles waiting beyond the front gate.

For 50 years now, the young and the young-at-heart have loved to explore the seven cardinal realms of the Magic Kingdom…

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

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

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

New Orleans Bayou
“Here is the ‘Paris of the Old West.’ The bewitching bayous of the Old South are home to adventure after adventure. Amid the sights of Basin Street, the sounds of jazz, and the sensations of Mardi Gras, New Orleans Bayou encourages all who visit to ‘dig a little deeper’ and make their own dreams come true.”

Liberty Square
“Here is a time in history when a new nation was destined to be born. This is the time of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the time when colonists made known their intentions to rise up against tyranny, the time when freedom was on everyone’s minds. Liberty Square is based upon the spirit of America and the ideals of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’”

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

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

Within these seven lands are a host of unique attractions, dining, shopping and experiences unique only to Disney. The Magic Kingdom truly is Disney magic at its finest.

Main Street, U.S.A.

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What was America like at the turn-of-the-century? Perhaps it was something like this recreation of everyone’s hometown. The nostalgia of Main Street, U.S.A. hits us right out of the gate… literally. Once through the ornate turnstiles, we glimpse the sight of a turn-of-the-century train station, fronted by a beautiful flower bed, complete with a floral depiction of Mickey Mouse’s smiling face right in the middle. Suddenly, we hear the familiar call of a steam whistle. A beautiful steam engine chuffs its way along the track, halting with a hiss. The beauty and grandeur of steam travel is captured in the romance and excitement of the Walt Disney World Railroad, a grand-circle tour of the Magic Kingdom.

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From aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad, we view the many sights and sounds along the rails, giving us a sneak peek at what the Magic Kingdom has in store. All the things we see are pointed out to us by a heard-but-not-seen old-timer, who fully embodies the traveling vagabond “everywhere-I-hang-my-hat-is-home” spirit. The train takes us past wonders we'll see once we get inside the park: an ancient jungle, a metropolis of the future, a burning settler's cabin. Along the journey, we’ll make stops in Frontierland and in Fantasyland.

Excitement mounting, we pass underneath the train station through one of two tunnels located on either side of the flower bed. A plaque above each tunnel bears the inspired phrase:

“Here You Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy.”​

An iconic attribute to any Magic Kingdom, posters line the tunnel walls, offering a taste of the coming attractions and adventures. Beyond these tunnels is Main Street, U.S.A. itself.

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

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

Our time on Main Street, U.S.A. begins in Town Square, the civic hub of transportation and gathering. In the center of Town Square is Elias Park. Well-kept lawns and vibrant planters surround a tall flagpole, from which the Stars and Stripes proudly wave. A Magic Kingdom tradition since 1971 is the moving, yet understated, Flag Retreat Ceremony held every evening, just before sundown, at the base of the flagpole. Sat beneath the cool shade of tall trees, aptly placed benches provide ample seating for the ongoing entertainment throughout the day. Of course, no Town Square would be complete without an appearance or two from the world famous Disney characters. Throughout the day, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m., Mickey and the gang -- Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale -- are there, eager to welcome guests to a day of fun and excitement here at the Magic Kingdom.

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In Town Square, the Main Street Vehicles are the major ways to get around. We can board an old-fashioned Fire Engine, Horseless Carriage, Omnibus, or Horse-Drawn Trolley, for a one-way trip to the center of the Magic Kingdom via Main Street, U.S.A. To choose a mode of transportation, each vehicle has a designated stopping zone marked by a decorative sign. The Chamber of Commerce offers Disney’s “Package Pickup” service. City Hall is the home of Guest Relations. Friendly cast members are always on hand to answer questions, provide touring tips, make reservations and assist visitors with special needs. The adjacent Fire Station provides a glimpse at a period facility of the sort, housing a real fire engine. A Locker Facility can also be found in Town Square, on the first floor of the train station.

Like the various Main Streets of the real world, Main Street, U.S.A. is populated with “real,” believable people. The so-called Citizens of Main Street walk the street in stride, a living snapshot of the optimism, humor and pride of the American Dream. Among the many Citizens, the ever-friendly Mayor is always ready with a smile and a joke; the local Fire Chief and Police Chief are always looking out for danger (although in the Magic Kingdom, the only dangerous thing is someone not having fun); and a Suffragette frequently marches the streets, rallying people to support the cause. A band concert in the park was a common civic diversion of small town American life at the turn-of-the-century. The Magic Kingdom Philharmonic hearkens back to that time with their daily concerts in Town Square. The iconic program includes energetic musicians, synchronized marches, popular songs of the early twentieth century, and songs of the Disney Canon. The world-famous Dapper Dans often perform in Town Square to welcome us as we enter the park. Their four-part harmonic repertoire includes barbershop ballads as well as many memorable tunes from the world of Disney. At certain times throughout the morning, the Main Street Trolley Show makes its way “right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.”, as a chorus of energetic youths set the mood for the fun and excitement ahead of us.

On a morning like today, when Main Street is open early to guests, we are invited to leisurely wander through Town Square and experience its shops, exhibits and attractions, as we anxiously await for the remainder of the Magic Kingdom to open, including round trips on the Walt Disney World Railroad and the first showing of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream.

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Walt Disney might have done more to touch the hearts and minds of millions of Americans than any other man in history. He brought joy, happiness, and a universal means of communication to people of all nations. Certainly, our world shall know but one Walt Disney. In 1973, two years after the Magic Kingdom first opened its gates, The Walt Disney Story, a film created by Jack Boyd and Bill Bosche, opened within the walls of the Town Square Exposition Hall. This was a film in which Walt’s life story was illustrated via a living photo album, complete with Walt himself narrating! But in 2001, for the “100 Years of Magic” celebration, it was announced that the nearly 30-year-old film would be replaced with a newer film, and the attraction itself would receive a whole upgrade!

Just beyond the entrance, a number of scale models, statuettes and artwork harken to the man behind the mouse. The teal and white color scheme of The Walt Disney Story has been replaced by red carpeting and golden walls. Even the plaques detailing the exhibits have changed to fit the theme, with wooden panelings and old-timey fonts. And speaking of, there’s a vast wealth of unique things on display: models, artwork, costumes, authentic movie and theme park props, awards (including the special Academy Award Walt won for Snow White), even a few working animatronics -- for example, there’s a bird from the Enchanted Tiki Room you can try your hand at controlling, and there’s even the famous “Dancing Man” display that inspired Walt to make Audio-Animatronics in the first place! At the rear of the museum is the entrance to the theater; warmly-lit, with curtains hanging over the automatic doors. As a nod to the building’s former tenant, the elaborate mural Bill Justice painted, a mural featuring the various animated characters from Walt’s time in animation, is still prominently featured!

Basically this, but without the characters from The Rescuers onward (that includes Pete’s Dragon, The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron and The Great Mouse Detective).​

It is here in this theater, of course, that we watch a film about the life of the man who started it all, narrated by Julie Andrews and Walt himself!

But that’s not all! When the film switched from The Walt Disney Story to One Man’s Dream, they also turned the Disneyana Collectibles shop held within the building into The Disney Gallery. In a private collection of portraits, paintings, caricatures and sculptures, The Disney Gallery serves as a showcase for the artwork of Walt Disney Imagineering and Animation, past and present. Special displays show rare storyboards from the Walt-era films, and Q&A sessions with Imagineers and artists happen on the occasion. Plus, if your wallet’s fat enough, you can purchase some of the items on display! Among the items on sale are paintings, limited-edition prints, cels, figurines and the much-coveted Walt Disney Classics Collection.

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Located to the left of the Exposition Hall is Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. To many Disney fans, this name may sound familiar. This is because this restaurant is inspired by the same Tony’s restaurant that served as the setting of one of the most iconic scenes in Disney history: the moment when Lady and Tramp fell in love on that “lovely bella notte.” Inside this beautiful restaurant, you'll find all sorts of Italian treats--pizza, paninis, antipasto, sausage, Italian wedding soup, salads, scampi, chicken parmesan, fettuccine, and, of course, spaghetti and meatballs. Plus, there’s plenty of vino and birra to spare; and quite a few authentic Italian desserts.

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

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As with every other Main Street in the Disney pantheon, we begin with the lavish Emporium, the largest mercantile in the park. Owned and operated by Osium “Osh” Popham (the character Burl Ives played in the lesser-known Disney musical Summer Magic), this superstore evokes the charm and elegance of a turn-of-the-century department store, with stained-glass decor, gas chandeliers and sweeping rotundas in presentation of the goods and wares of a childhood dream. The clanging of cash registers matches the measured pace of the passing Main Street Vehicles. Countless clothing racks and near-infinite rows of display cases line the tiled floor. Per tradition, storefront windows display vignettes from animated classics of Walt’s time: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Come Christmastime, these displays are swapped out with displays telling the story of Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Moving further down the street, Sherman Music Co. is unique in its display of phonographs, radios, grand pianos, and brass horns. This shop displays a surplus of music-themed wares. CDs --and even old records -- can be found here, as an old phonograph plays some classic music from the turn-of-the-century, mixed in with a ragtime arrangement of the occasional Disney tune here and there.

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The Nikon Camera Center sits opposite the Emporium. The storied camera store offers hour-long film development, cameras for rent, and on-site photo experts. Patrons can also pose for a souvenir portrait in early 20th century costumes in the attached photo parlor. The music of a restored, antique player piano carries into The Chapeau, found right next door, a haberdasher’s paradise of hats and headgear, most notably the famous “mouse ear” hats, as designed by famous artist Roy Williams and first worn by the Mousketeers of The Mickey Mouse Club.

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Moving further east from The Chapeau, you’ll find the southern entrance to the Discovery Arcade. Running the length of Main Street’s eastern side, this glass-roofed arcade is an eternal tribute to those who had imaginative, and sometimes bizarre, ideas and inventions for the future. From ingenious patents to dreams of a utopian world, it’s all here to see, with startling posters depicting what prominent American cities could look like in the future and display cases filled with visionary gadgets. The turn of the century gave those of the time a feeling that anything “can, and will” be achieved by man. The Discovery Arcade pays homage to these great minds, from their ingenious yet humble patents to their wildest dreams of futuristic cities. Furthermore, the Discovery Arcade is a nod to the never-built Edison Square concept made for Disneyland in California. While less ambitious, it does portray the charm of early 20th century living and offers a fun glimpse into what people of the time were using to improve their lives. It also acts as a nice sister attraction to the Carousel of Progress just minutes away in Tomorrowland, which Edison Square ultimately morphed into.

Among the items on display here are a player piano, an x-ray machine, a brownie camera, a projection camera (like the one they use at the Main Street Cinema), an early vacuum cleaner, a gas turbine, a bicycle, laminated glass, a wind turbine, a ballpoint pen, a Marconi radio, and models of a zeppelin and the plane used in the historic Kitty Hawk flight. Not only that, but there are also relics and models from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, which piqued the imagination of a young Walt Disney, given that his father worked for it. But perhaps the most beautiful element of the Discovery Arcade is the Winter Garden. Accessed from Center Street, directly in the middle of the arcade, this natural arboretum includes trees, bushes and fountains.

Heading up Main Street from the Camera Center, the intoxicating aroma of sugar, vanilla, butter and caramel leads all eager nostrils to the Main Street Confectionery, the place to go to satisfy your sweet tooth. Freshly baked treats, caramel apples, gargantuan candy bars, chocolate rabbits and more decadent delicacies line the shelves of this confectionery dreamworld. Front and center, a large replica of Cinderella Castle is displayed, built entirely from gingerbread. The glass-walled kitchen looks into the live “performance” of skilled candy makers at work.

Nearby, the distinctive sound of cartoon merriment can be heard in all its ragtime charm from inside the Main Street Cinema. Beneath a vibrant, lightbulb illuminated marquee, make your way inside an elegant Victorian-inspired brick building that recalls the great motion picture houses of yesteryear. Inside the theater, you can enjoy some classic Disney shorts that play on a never-ending loop, such as Steamboat Willie, Plane Crazy and Flowers and Trees. A recent addition to the theater is a small concession stand, so you can indulge in those standard movie-time treats of popcorn, candy and soda while you watch. It’s the perfect way to get away from the crowds and just take a load off for a while! Moving on from the Cinema, we have Uptown Jewelers and the adjoined Cup ‘n Saucer, which sell fine jewelry, china, clocks, Disney figurines and pins.

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The soft glow of gas-lit street lamps mark Center Street, the dead-center of Main Street, U.S.A. Center Street offers a great, out-of-the-way place to relax and enjoy a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street. Center Street also helps give the illusion that Main Street is bigger than it actually is, adding some depth to the area. Here, the streets are wide open and merchants take use of the beautiful weather to sell wares outside. Along the western side of Center Street, you’ll find perhaps the most beautiful sight in all the Magic Kingdom: the outdoor wares of the Greenhouse Flower Shop. There isn’t a wilted petal in sight. The flowers are always fresh. And yes, you can purchase your own flowers and plants here. Although most business occurs within the Greenhouse store, many people are more familiar with the vibrant colors of this outdoor marketplace.

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Also located along West Center Street is the Harmony Barber Shop. This real, working barbershop is the place to go if your hair needs a little trimming. It's also quite the popular place to go for “baby’s first haircut”. Founded by the Dapper Dans themselves, they’ll often pop by to serenade those awaiting, or getting, a haircut of their own. East Center Street, meanwhile, is the place where silhouette designers and portrait drawers are located to create a drawing for you. At the end of this alcove, a small seating area is available for you to rest a spell.

Moving on from West Center Street, we come across Disney Clothiers, boasting the largest Disney wardrobe in town. A seamstress is always on hand to make repairs and special souvenirs from scratch. Next door, the Penny Arcade features a number of vintage arcade cabinets from the turn of the twentieth century, including the turn-the-crank kinetoscope movies, mechanical fortune tellers, and various other tests of strength and skill. One will not find a single video game inside the Penny Arcade. All the coin-operated conveyances are of the mechanical variety. Next door to the Penny Arcade, House of Magic acts as Main Street’s leading purveyor of fine magic, tricks, gags and novelties; and master magicians are often seen performing sleight-of-hands and other tricks for passers-by.

Walt Disney was passionate about the value of books, so it is only natural that The Storybook Store take up residence on Main Street. This is your small, friendly neighborhood bookstore of yesteryear. The reading selection includes bestsellers, classics, magazines - and perhaps the world’s finest assortment of Disney-related books anywhere: Walt Disney World travel guides, books about Imagineering, history books, Walt Disney biographies, Japanese manga, behind-the-scenes documents, photo books, and books for children and adults about Disney films.

On the edge of the northwestern side of Main Street, overlooking the Hub, is Casey’s Corner, a tribute to the golden age of baseball. In this candy-striped place, classic baseball-themed shorts play as servers serve up classic ballpark fare: hot dogs, soft pretzels, French fries, peanuts, Cracker Jack, you name it, in addition to desserts and fountain drinks. Casey’s extends into an outdoor eating garden, where guests can enjoy their food under candy-striped umbrellas. A ragtime piano player is often on hand, playing the latest rags and ragtime arrangements of classic Americana and Disney songs.

Back on the other side of the street, moving northwards from East Center Street, Crystal Arts sells exclusive Disney statuettes, glass miniatures, crystal castles, snow globes, dishware, music boxes, ornaments, and stylized silverware. Here, a talented glassblower creates hand blown souvenirs in full view of patrons, an attraction all its own. Crystal Arts is flanked on both sides by two unique stores. On the right-hand side, towards East Center Street, familiar-looking dolls are displayed in the storefront windows at Davis, Crump, Gibson & Blair -- Toymakers to the World, a shop named after the five people responsible for giving us the iconic look of “it’s a small world”: Marc and Alice Davis, Rolly Crump, Blaine Gibson and Mary Blair. Here at Toymakers to the World, we find an offering of turn-of-the-century toys, as well as contemporary toys, children’s books, music boxes and stuffed animals.

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On the left-hand side is the Market House. Marked by a pot-bellied stove, this old-style shop offers all sorts of treats and snacks: cookies, candies, pretzels, cheese-flavored crackers and saltwater taffy. But the Market House’s biggest claim to fame is jar after jar of jellies and jams, all courtesy of Smucker’s. Not only that, but it’s here in this store that inquisitive guests can use an old-fashioned telephone to eavesdrop on the other end of a “party line”.

The Main Street Bakery is yet another good place to escape the hustle and bustle of Main Street, U.S.A. What’s on the menu here? Well, this is the in-park home of Starbucks Coffee, and in addition to that, the bakery offers a charming selection of dining options and bakery items. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor takes up residence next door. In this old-fashioned eatery, ice cream is the name of the game. Specialty sundaes, ice cream sodas, root beer floats and triple scoop cones abound. Serving as a fitting neighbor to the ice cream parlor is the Plaza Restaurant. With tufted velvet furnishings, silk woven draperies, ornate floral carpets, beveled mirrors and polished brass fixtures, the Plaza recreates the elegance and refinement of the Victorian age. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, mouthwatering lunch, or a family dinner with decadent desserts, you’ll discover something for everyone on the Plaza’s vast menu.

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And that's where we'll stop for now. By the way, I'd like to point out that the concept for the Storybook Store came from @MANEATINGWREATH's Mirror Disneyland. It was too good not to use for this Mirror Walt Disney World, so all credit to him!

 

[Suchomimus]

New Orleans Bayou
“Here is the ‘Paris of the Old West.’ The bewitching bayous of the Old South are home to adventure after adventure. Amid the sights of Basin Street, the sounds of jazz, and the sensations of Mardi Gras, New Orleans Bayou encourages all who visit to ‘dig a little deeper’ and make their own dreams come true.”

That's a shame, I actually thought NOB did well as a part of Port. But still, I'm interested in knowing as to how it was implemented into the MK when NOS was not initially planned to come with the other 5 lands back when WDW was under being planned out and Liberty was chosen to serve as its replacement and what; if anything; would be taking its place at Port.

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

I think D-Man chose to add NOB because of the Princess and the Frog attraction. I know most likely you’ll be against characters from 20th Century Studios in the Disney Parks except for Pandora in AK, but do you know which characters & attractions from 20th Century Studios will be in the parks like for example having Anastasia be in a meet & greet with the Disney Princesses or a Summer overlay of the Enchanted Tiki Room with Blu & Jewel are temporarily taking care of the Tiki Room while their friends Jose, Pierre, Michael, and Fritz are on vacation?

 

[DisneyManOne]

That's a shame, I actually thought NOB did well as a part of Port. But still, I'm interested in knowing as to how it was implemented into the MK when Liberty was initially was meant to serve as its replacement and what; if anything; would be taking its place at Port.

Well, in the past, I have used the expansion pad north of Tom Sawyer Island as an excuse to ... well, let's just say it ties into something big about Mirror Frontierland. All I can say is, Splash Mountain is not part of this Mirror Magic Kingdom, so I decided to use the expansion pad to give The Princess and the Frog a home in the park. Plus, given that the space I have Port Disney on is kinda small (If you couldn't tell on the WEDWay map, Port Disney uses the space that, in the real-life WDW, is occupied by Hotel Plaza Boulevard), I had to cut a few things here and there.

I think D-Man chose to add NOB because of the Princess and the Frog attraction. I know most likely you’ll be against characters from 20th Century Studios in the Disney Parks except for Pandora in AK, but do you know which characters & attractions from 20th Century Studios will be in the parks like for example having Anastasia be in a meet & greet with the Disney Princesses or a Summer overlay of the Enchanted Tiki Room with Blu & Jewel are temporarily taking care of the Tiki Room while their friends Jose, Pierre, Michael, and Fritz are on vacation?

None will. In this Mirror universe, 20th Century Fox remains its own independent studio (I like to think that Fox kicks Rothman out before the damage really starts getting bad). Needless to say, Disney absolutely, positively, definitively, does not end up as a budding monopoly. Sure, they still own ABC, Marvel and Lucasfilm, and in this Mirror universe, the 1990 deal with Jim Henson does go through (because he remains alive here), but they don't own Fox, ESPN, A&E or Hulu.

Surprise! The next area of the park is kinda on the short side, so I figured... the heck with it; I'll post it today! Two-for-one!

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Central Plaza

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Like Disneyland before it, Main Street, U.S.A. leads into the heart of the park: Central Plaza, also known as “The Hub”. Shooting out from here like the cardinal points of a compass are paths leading to the other six magical realms of the Magic Kingdom: Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Bayou, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The popular tunes from the expansive Disney songbook provide an orchestral backdrop for the color and excitement of the Plaza. Lush fountains, a calm river, which surrounds the Plaza in its entirety, colorful gardens, spacious lawns, and shaped topiaries provide a quaint atmosphere. And with no shortage in picnic tables, benches or giant, shaded trees (which are equipped with “twinkle lights” that provide a dream-like effect at night), the Central Plaza is an ideal place to relax and take in the scenery.

Central Plaza is an off-shoot to turn-of-the-century Main Street, U.S.A. Several musical groups associated with Main Street often perform in the Hub, including the Dapper Dans, Magic Kingdom Philharmonic and the Main Street Trolley Show. The Dapper Dans often travel past on their bicycle built for four, appearing throughout the Hub for impromptu performances. The Plaza Popcorn Wagon is one of several colorful snack wagons stationed throughout the Magic Kingdom. Like the Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, Japan, each popcorn wagon is unique for its special flavoring. Such flavors include Butter (Main Street), Rocketship Ranch and Venus Vegan (Tomorrowland), Garlic Parmesan and Barbecue (Frontierland), Jambalaya Spice (New Orleans Bayou), Caramel and Red, White and Blue (Liberty Square), Honey and Cinnamon (Fantasyland), and Ghost Pepper and Curry (Adventureland).

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Standing proudly in the dead-center of Central Plaza, Partners is a storied tribute to Walt and his most treasured creation, Mickey Mouse. Walt and Mickey, hand-in-hand, look down Main Street, U.S.A., a timeless capture of a “man and his mouse”. A plaque at the base of the sculpture reads “We believe in our idea: a family park where parents and children could have fun — together.” - Walt Disney.

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Another quadrant of the Plaza, the upper-right quadrant, heading towards Fantasyland, plays host to the famous Plaza Rose Garden, a peaceful and tranquil path, where hundreds upon thousands are in bloom, chief among them roses. In fact, among these roses is one named for First Lady Barbara Bush! Not only that, there are shady trees, topiaries shaped like Mickey and Minnie, and an elaborate lawn, the perfect place for couples to exchange nuptials come nightfall.

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The lavish Crystal Palace overlooks the western half of Central Plaza, nestled quietly between Casey’s and the entrance to Adventureland. Inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, the Crystal Palace brims with light, topiaries and tropical palms, not forgetting a collection of crystal-chandeliers and whirring ceiling fans. The Crystal Palace offers elegant buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all of which offer a chance to dine alongside the gang from the 100 Acre Wood: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.

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On the other side of Central Plaza, just in-between the Central Plaza entrance to the Discovery Arcade and the entrance to Tomorrowland, is Walt’s: An American Restaurant. Walt’s is one of the most acclaimed restaurants to come out of Disneyland Paris. This is a luxurious restaurant featuring upscale American classics in an upscale setting inspired by the original Disneyland. It’s pretty much Club 33 in everything but exclusiveness. As such, the Imagineers decided to bring the restaurant state-side, replacing the Plaza Pavilion in 1993. It turned out to be a good idea in the end, because it helped to give Main Street a bit of feng-shui, with both this and Crystal Palace flanking the street.

Drenched in dazzling décor, this two-story Victorian manor offers the finest in upscale American fare. Upon entering Walt’s, you find yourself in an extravagant lobby, decorated with a grand piano, a bust of Walt, as well as a small boutique named after Walt’s beloved wife, Lillian. As you can see, the lobby alone is gorgeous and has a ton of cool details. Even if you aren’t able to score reservations, it’s worthwhile to pop inside to check out the various pieces of Disney history on display. You probably won’t be able to go upstairs without dining at Walt’s. But once you get upstairs, it’s a whole ‘nother ball game. Within the fanciful estate, silk draperies, ornate floral carpets, crystal chandeliers, silk woven draperies, beveled mirrors, polished brass fixtures and tufted velvet furnishings compose a lavish sight for the senses, all within five rooms with décor based around one of the original five lands of Disneyland in California. Live musicians often accompany a luxuriant dinner by candlelight, often intertwined with a hint of romance.

Right next door to Walt’s, located at Number 33 Main Street, U.S.A., is one of the Disney Parks’ “best-kept secrets”. A simple green door with “33” marked in gold next to it has long since been a place of wonder and mystery for Disney park fans around the world, for beyond that door lies… Club 33.

Thank you to @spacemt354 for this amazing concept art!​

In the late 2010’s, it was decided to bring Club 33 to other Disney parks around the world. To that point, Walt Disney World’s Club 33 would, fittingly enough, be in the Magic Kingdom. Now, to have it in New Orleans Bayou would simply be unoriginal; hence, the Imagineers decided to put it right next door to Walt’s namesake restaurant. After all, Club 33 was one of the last ideas Walt had for Disneyland. The private, two-story club is exclusive to members only, and has a waiting list that runs well past a decade in length. Members pay a mere $25,000 just to sign up -- not to mention yearly payments anywhere from $10k to $15k -- entitling themselves entrance to the five parks of Walt Disney World (and not to mention an annual dose of 50 Park Hopper tickets to give to their loved ones), exclusive entertainment amenities, access to a private bar and dozens of other unique privileges. In addition, there are large windows in the lounge area of Club 33, providing excellent views of Central Plaza and Cinderella Castle -- a view only amplified by the nightly fireworks (as seen in the picture above).

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By day, we line up at the curb to see and hear the astonishing sights and sounds of the Remember the Magic Parade, a traditional cavalcade of favorite Disney friends, colorful floats and high-stepping dancers. Created in 1996 for Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary, the Remember the Magic Parade is a celebration of all magic and imagination, ever evolving and changing through the years. The unbridled enchantment and vivid pageantry of fantasy winds its way through the park in a thrilling spectacular. The beloved parade features glorious, state-of-the-art floats, colorfully costumed performers on stilts, audience participation… and even a steampunk, mechanical, fire-breathing dragon!

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As night falls, we line up at the curb once more for the illumination, mystery and illusion of SpectroMagic. Since the original Main Street Electrical Parade debuted in 1972, the world famous concept of an “electric light parade” has since entertained audiences the world over. In fact, this vivid spin-off of the original Main Street Electrical Parade concept has been delighting guests now for 30 years, having debuted in 1991 for Walt Disney World’s 20th anniversary. In this all-electric pageant hosted by Jiminy Cricket himself, over a half a million twinkling lights enthrall the senses in a “glimmering, shimmering, carouseling” world of vivid dreams, familiar characters and spectacular music.

But that’s not all -- two very special shows serve to end a day at the Magic Kingdom. First, in Once Upon a Time, Mrs. Potts, the matronly teapot from Beauty and the Beast, shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The show uses projection-mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that appear almost three-dimensional. Now, of course, what’s “Once Upon a Time” without “Happily Ever After”?

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Yes, the Magic Kingdom’s latest nighttime spectacular truly lives up to its name, showing guests just how magical and emotional that fairy tale ending can be. Utilizing the finest in pyrotechnic and digital technology, Happily Ever After captivates spectators of all ages in a street-to-sky spectacular beyond imagination. One minute, we're standing on Main Street, U.S.A., the next, we're transported into the timeless tales of Disney, from classics like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, to modern hits like Moana and Zootopia. Characters and scenes from more than 25 Disney films are featured through state-of-the-art projections, enhanced by more than 50 choreographed spotlights, brilliant lasers and plenty of awe-inspiring fireworks. Paired with an emotional score, the new spectacular will drive the message home that anyone can grab hold of their dreams and make them come true as long as they are brave enough to listen to what guides them and bold enough to pursue their destiny. Happily Ever After celebrates the magic of Disney in an immersive, harmonious spectacular.

Here in Central Plaza, the stage is set before Cinderella Castle, a focus for the wonder that is the Magic Kingdom…

​

Cinderella Castle is a fairytale world resplendent with pomp, circumstance and pixie dust. It is a fanciful icon with its roots engraved in pure fantasy, an everlasting symbol of peace, friendship and the power of imagination. The architectural style is a composite of French and Bavarian influence from the Middle Ages. The 189-foot tall spires appear to be even higher through the visual technique of forced perspective, with larger stones placed near the base, and progressively smaller ones toward the top. Hues of white, blue, silver and gold illuminate and reflect in the sunlight, a tasteful complement to the spiraling-turrets and vertical orientation. A magnificent stained-glass window reflects upon the surrounding landscape. The lush greenery and peaceful waterways of the Central Plaza help to make Cinderella Castle even more picturesque.

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

 

[Twilight_Roxas]

So I guess we won’t be seeing the Fantastic Four, the X-men, Deadpool, the original Star Wars films, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians in the parks.

 

[DisneyManOne]

So I guess we won’t be seeing the Fantastic Four, the X-men, Deadpool, the original Star Wars films, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians in the parks.

Being honest, I also like to think that Disney is able to buy them back from Fox at some point. Maybe at the point where they buy Fox in the real world, they simply buy back those properties in the Mirror world...except for Percy Jackson, given that that is not Marvel or Lucasfilm.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adventureland

​

Primeval, exotic and mysterious, Adventureland is a wonderland of both fact and fantasy. In this timeless realm of exploration and discovery, we leave the everyday world far behind, for here the atmosphere is filled with the sights and sounds typical of an isolated trading post on some hidden jungle waterway. Our senses are stirred by the sights of lush jungle foliage, the harrowing sounds of not-too-distant wild animals, and the aromas of tropical blossoms. We answer the call to adventure via a rickety-old footbridge lined with décor reminiscent of pulp adventure films of the ‘30s and ‘40s; Polynesian masks and tikis, African shields and spears, primitive arrowheads, and...human skulls impaled on spikes... The giant thatched-sign welcoming us to the land glows eerily at night as bamboo torches illuminate the surrounding darkness. In the intense foliage below, unseen creatures snarl and screech. Our adventure is about to unfold...

​

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

​

As the legend goes, in 1930, notable archaeologist Dr. Henry Jones, better known as Indiana Jones, reunited missing fragments of a map scroll of parchment documenting the precise location of an ancient Bengalese temple. The Temple of the Forbidden Eye, containing countless intriguing artifacts buried beneath silt by a flood of the nearby rivers over two thousand years ago, is undergoing excavation for archaeological research. The temple deity, Mara, seems to conditionally offer one of three gifts to all who come to the hallowed site: earthly riches, eternal youth, or visions of the future. The only condition is that one must never gaze into the eyes of Mara. Although Jones’ discovery has set the archaeological community abuzz, his funding has run out. It wasn’t until Indy invited his good friend Sallah to the temple that the Forgotten Kingdom Exploration Team (F.K.E.T.) was formed and Sallah decided to capitalize upon the popular mythology of the temple to fund the excavation. Much to Indy’s dismay, Sallah opened the temple to tours from random visitors, such as you and I, with promises of riches unlike any other.

Soon enough tourists began flooding into the place, turning the desolate jungle into a luxurious tropical resort--the “Paradise Kingdom”, as it came to be called. Tourists spent millions upon millions foolishly exploring the temple in search of treasures the likes of which no man had never known. Good fortune has come to many of the tourists who survive, but others have not returned. With this success came a whole slew of hopeful entrepreneurs and shysters, ready to make quick money off the tourists. From all corners of the world they came, setting up their own restaurants, tacky gift shops and tourist traps, each one branding the style of their home turf. One notable visitor to the Paradise Kingdom was Dr. Albert Falls, a major member of S.E.A. (the Society of Explorers and Adventurers), who famously discovered Schweitzer Falls and who founded the Jungle Navigation Co. He set up a special branch of his Navigation Co. to transport visitors into the jungles where they’d pay witness to a wonderland of nature’s own design for just a small fee. All was well until 1934 when Indy mysteriously disappeared into the depths of the temple. Locals believed the misfortune to be the work of ancient spirits and fearing the worse, tourists and residents alike fled from the jungle, slowly turning the town into the “Forgotten Kingdom”, as it came to be called.

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

Amidst architecture reminiscent of the colonies of French-Polynesia, British-Colonial India and the Caribbean, we first come across the entrance to the Adventureland Veranda. This is a restaurant blending together multiple styles -- Caribbean, Indian, African, Chinese, Polynesian -- all representing the various people who have come to the Paradise Kingdom. The veranda itself is located to the east of the restaurant, built along the edge of the Central Plaza waterways. Inside, you’ll find the veranda to be rather sophisticated, marked by design choices like wooden paneling and brass chandeliers. Trace, yet noticeable, signs like suitcases and excavation equipment prove that the F.K.E.T. frequent this restaurant. The gentle strains of steel guitar provide a soothing ambience for hungry travelers. The melting pot of cuisine is distinctly in influence from Hawaii, China and the Middle East. The outdoor veranda has interspersed detail that hints at an ongoing excavation in the surrounding vegetation.

Heading back across the way from the Adventureland Veranda, we come across Bwana Bob’s merchandise stand, which boasts a full range of chic-jewelry to prepare you for jungle fashions, as well as offerings such as sunglasses, flip-flops, toy guns, and straw hats. Right nearby, we find a path leading towards an old cave hidden deep among the dense jungle vegetation. According to the locals and historians of the Forgotten Kingdom, this cave is where the shamans of jungle civilizations past gathered to weave the tales of the jungle. Some say these tales are still told even today…

​

In this cave, we are invited to relive the Legend of the Lion King. This show, which opened in Adventureland on July 8, 1994 -- almost a month after the film first came to theaters -- makes use of an expansion pad located near the Crystal Palace, an expansion pad just big enough to hold a theater. Stepping inside the cave, we notice the walls are decorated with drawings, inspired by real-life African cave drawings. One corner of this cave has a rock protruding out from it. When the time comes, the rock separates itself in two and pulls itself back to reveal Rafiki, the wise mandrill. Utilizing the “articulated head” technology found the resort over, Rafiki introduces us to the story he will tell. After his spiel, a screen closes in around the small stage and plays the film's iconic “Circle of Life” sequence. Once that concludes, we are led into the main theater.

The main theater also has cave drawings along its walls, but what separates this from the pre-show area is the fact that this section of cave has been taken over by the vegetation. Vines, moss and branches are prominently present across the theater. The theater holds 500 people, who watch the show unfold across a 125-foot stage. In fact, the stage is bigger than the seating area in order to use gigantic sets, including an 18-foot Pride Rock. Of course, the main show re-tells the story of Simba, the little lion cub destined to be king, and his struggle to find his place in the “circle of life”. In a style similar to Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney-MGM Studios, the show utilizes large puppets, known as “Humanimals”, to help tell the story. The show also makes use of clips from the film, and in-theater effects, like wind and rain. The theater even rumbles during the infamous stampede scene! All together, the show runs 23 minutes (7-minute pre-show, 16-minute main show).

Continuing further down the paths of the Forgotten Kingdom, we find Aloha Isle Refreshments, a next-door neighbor to the Adventureland Veranda. What’s so notable about Aloha Isle? Well, among many Disney fans, Aloha Isle is sacred ground, for it is here that you can enjoy the one and only Dole Whip.

​

From the pages of Jonathan Wyss’ novel Swiss Family Robinson came the 1961 Disney film of the same name. And from the film, the Swiss Family Treehouse literally “grew” to life-size in Adventureland. The tree used six tons of reinforced steel and 110 cubic yards of concrete in construction. With over 300,000 handmade vinyl leaves and blossoms, the 60-foot high wonder is known as a Disneyodendron eximus, which means “out of the ordinary Disney tree.” “The world is full of nice, ordinary little people who live in nice, ordinary little houses on the ground...but didn’t you ever dream of having a house up in a treetop?” Resonating from a pipe organ salvaged from a shipwreck, we hear the memorable “Swissapolka” throughout our climb and descent of the famous treehouse.

Steps away, we find a walkway leading towards Frontierland and Liberty Square, as well as a restroom area. Nearby this walkway is Island Supply, the first of three major stores found in the Forgotten Kingdom. Among the wares on sale are Hawaiian shirts and paraphernalia, shrunken heads, rubber snakes and insects, tiki totems, masks and shields, toy machetes and pop-guns, plush jungle animals, and other rare trinkets and curios from the South Pacific. But that’s not the biggest draw here. No, the biggest draw here is Shrunken Ned. The obvious victim of a foul headhunting accident, this “jungle witch doctor” is Adventureland’s only self-service practitioner, offering useless medical advice at the drop of a coin. “Oh no”, Ned proclaims from his perch, a rusted meat hook, as you display your tongue for examination. “It is worse than I ever imagined - we’ll have to remove the entire head! Luckily, in your case, you won’t miss it! Ha ha! Yes, a bit of jungle humor there, eh, what?”

Right next door is Colonel Hathi’s Safari Club. Inspired by The Jungle Book, this shop offers Disney character merchandise -- particularly characters from films like The Jungle Book, The Lion King and Tarzan -- and sundries and other “bare necessities” in an old temple setting, with lush trees, a small indoor waterfall and murals depicting scenes from the classic animated feature. The militant elephant often joins Baloo, Mowgli and King Louie for meet and greets across the way from his shop; while Rafiki and Timon meet guests nearby the bridge leading towards Legend of the Lion King, and Tarzan, Jane and Terk near the entrance to the Jungle Cruise.

​

Continuing past the store, the guests arrive into the heart of the Forgotten Kingdom: a lush oasis of swaying palm trees and colorful tiki gods. The oasis evokes the ambience of a South Seas paradise, with lush foliage, cascading waterfalls and exotic blossoms. Truly, this is a world untouched by human interference. The music of the ‘30s fades away in favor of music with a more exotic flavor--music of Arabian, Polynesian and African descent. Moana can often be seen meeting guests in a grove nearby.

​

Surrounding the oasis on the right is the Adventureland Bazaar. This is an elaborate Arabian marketplace, complete with Oriental carpets, brass fixtures, and colorful canopies. Adding to the ambiance, the atmosphere is filled with haunting musical sounds evocative of One Thousand and One Nights. This is a fascinating maze of winding lanes, little squares and exotic gardens, where merchants beckon and barter, craftsmen sit cross-legged plying their trades, and musicians play to the seductive trickle of a quiet fountain. This indoor shopping arcade features a central alley and a number of distinct boutiques under one roof.

Oriental rugs and fringed shawls hang from the rough adobe walls, while below sit dresses of the finest Egyptian cotton, Indian tablecloths, bags of scented Moroccan leather, and costume jewelry gathered from across Persia. A king’s ransom of exotic jewelry spills out into the streets from the Bazaar. East African tribal artifacts, handcrafted baskets, gaily painted pottery and strange wooden figures line the stone shelves. Mosaics and murals portray the icons and legends of One Thousand and One Nights (or as it is more commonly known, Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales compiled in Arabic in the Islamic Golden Age. Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, Genie, and even Jafar make their homes along the Bazaar, often wandering about or staying put nearby the oasis or nearby one of the bazaar’s rarest finds -- the magic lamp!

​

You know, as you walk through the Forgotten Kingdom, you may just get a spring in your step and feel that happy feeling one gets while adventuring. Maybe it's just a trick of the atmosphere...or a trick of the wonderful side-effects given by the delicious Citrus Swirl sold at Sunshine Tree Terrace (the home of the famous Orange Bird), which is a neighbor to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, where the “birds sing words and the flowers croon.” The colorful macaw hosts of the show - Jose, Michael, Fritz, and Pierre - welcome you into a tropical Polynesian display, to witness a musical extravaganza of songs and wonder. An extravagant feast for the eyes and ears, this theater-in-the-round show invites spectators to experience a land of joyous song and wondrous miracles - the beauty and magic of the Pacific Islands. The show has won the hearts of millions, and for over a half a century. The soundtrack is among one of the most beloved in Disney theme park history. Across from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is the Liki Tikis water feature, a Polynesian-inspired water playground for explorers looking to relax, refresh and enjoy a break from the dreadful weather of the mighty jungle.

​

Past the ramshackled bazaars and small cafes, we make our way down a flight of stairs toward the near-reclaimed stronghold of an old boathouse, worn from years of monsoon damage, now rotted and entangled in rich foliage and exotic fungi. What lies ahead is anyone’s guess… Tribal masks, hanging cargo nets, storied photographs, timber canoes, and preserved specimens stand out among the interior decor of this ominous explorer’s launch. This is what else but the world-famous Jungle Cruise. As we leave the last outpost of civilization, we venture out into the exotic heart of darkness, where beautiful plants, fearsome beasts and other remnants of a pulp fictitious yesteryear reside… Aboard one of sixteen 30-passenger riverboats, we travel down twisted, “danger-filled” rivers through impenetrable jungles and mysterious waterways, where mischievous monkeys, bathing elephants and charging hippos roam. A band of exuberant gorillas invade a deserted safari camp, while a frenzied rhinoceros attempts to teach a misguided band of safari-goers the point of “location, location, location.” Per tradition, waiting around the final bend is the headquarters of salesman Trader Sam. After all, what would a Disney ride be without a gift shop at the end?

“Dateline: Paradise Springs, 1935. TOURISTS FLOCK TO MYSTERIOUS TEMPLE!

The remote jungles of a Forgotten Kingdom - from all over the world they are flocking here, following the strange story of a mysterious temple and gifts from the gods. The story begins, one year ago, world famous archaeologist ‘Indiana Jones’ follows a tattered map to an ancient edifice. Could this be the fabled Temple of the Forbidden Eye? According to Jones, the temple contains a Chamber of Destiny - where an ancient idol lured visitors with promises of gifts - eternal youth, earthly riches, or visions of the future. But, many who looked into the eyes of this double-dealing deity took a detour to doom! A chilling tale indeed... But not chilling enough to cool off the hot pursuit of thousands of greedy globe-trotters! They're ready for a supernatural shopping spree…”​

An overgrown bamboo forest and canyon of volcanic rock lead us well past the last outpost of the Forgotten Kingdom and into the midst of an archaeological dig. Crumbling relics and fallen artifacts lead our trail inside the clifftop Temple of the Forbidden Eye...

​

Within the mysterious tombs of this long-lost temple, we follow Indy’s footsteps and encounter intricate booby traps, decayed skeletons, and the flutter of unseen vampire bats... Carvings and frescos tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures - and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes. The unearthed artifacts and shimmer of lanterns lead our steps to a rusty motor pool for Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The rugged troop transport vehicles will not only carry us down a well-hidden track, but also act as a self-contained motion base complete with audio system and safety apparatus - and looks for all the world like it belongs in the “Forgotten Kingdom” in the 1930s. Given the unique enhanced vehicle motion system that was developed for this attraction (EMV), Imagineers were given free rein to create an adventure right out of the movies. Setting off aboard our transport, we enter into the Chamber of Destiny... Someone, probably you, foolishly looks into Mara’s eyes and, in no time at all, we are thrust into the midst of inconceivable dangers - screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, spear-throwing wraiths, collapsing bridges, slithering snakes, and a massive, two-ton rolling boulder.

Indiana Jones Adventure is often perceived as one of the pinnacles of modern Imagineering. Its unique ride system, attention to detail and feeling of epic adventure have made it a beloved classic among Disney park-goers. When Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition opened in Disneyland, it didn’t take long at all for plans to begin to take it over to the Magic Kingdom. Alas, they realized that they didn’t have enough space to do the full expedition, so they decided to just clone the EMV ride. But, they refused to let this budget cut stop them from going all-out with it. Therefore, when it was announced that this ride would be coming to the Magic Kingdom on March 4, 1996, they made sure to specify that not even the tiniest detail would be spared. The only major change the Florida equivalent received is an even more impressive temple facade that can be seen throughout Adventureland, enticing guests to come and explore the secrets of Mara for themselves. Indiana Jones Adventure is one of the Magic Kingdom’s major attractions, and unless you have no tolerance whatsoever for thrill rides, this is a “must do” attraction. This is a fantastic ride that does not disappoint.

​

Leaving the temple behind and heading back to the Forgotten Kingdom mainland, we notice something new regarding the landscaping. The waterways of the Jungle Cruise have spilled out and formed a river that separates the Forgotten Kingdom from the other sub-area of Adventureland. From our standing point we can smell the scent of “paradise”, a very nice tropical smell of fruit, fresh foliage, and clean seawater. On the other side of the path we can see the looming figures of various works of architecture. Walking down the trail, we leave the jungle-like atmosphere of the Forgotten Kingdom behind. The jungle has become a tropical paradise, lining both sides of the path (which turns out to be a bridge). A crystal-clear waterfall pours down into a rushing stream. Nearby, a band of Hawaiian shirt-wearing musicians play a collection of steel drums and maracas. This encourages us to move forward and towards the other side of the bridge. As we continue a sign appears reading “WELCOME TO CARIBBEAN PLAZA.”

No longer are we in the dense rainforests of the Forgotten Kingdom. We are now in the tropical paradise that is the Caribbean. Spanish-style architecture overtakes the plaza as dock-side shops and taverns line the streets. The smell of saltwater and all the delicious foods of the nearby restaurants fill the air and further strengthen the atmosphere. Tropical music fills the air, a nice departure from the swinging sounds of the 1930s music we’ve been hearing. Along the mainland, you may come across quite a few interesting entertainers. The Bootstrappers, a motley band of musical pirates, bring a sense of atmospheric charm to the seaport. JP and the Silver Stars is a Hawaiian-shirt clad steel-drum band, providing tropical tunes to all who care to listen. Inches away is La Fuente de la Fortuna (“The Fountain of Fortune”), a fountain where you can toss pennies in to make a wish. All the pennies and coins thrown into the fountain are donated to charities.

​

Dominating Caribbean Plaza is Castillo del Morro, an empowered stronghold meant to protect the thriving seaport from unwanted visitors. A telescope can be seen from the top of the Torre del Cielo watchtower. Inside the fortress, you can take off to face these rogues yourselves, aboard one of Disney’s most beloved theme park attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean.

​

As we step foot inside Castillo del Morro, we hear the sounds of footsteps running overhead, voices yelling commands in Spanish, and the deafening sound of cannon-fire. Unlike its Disneyland counterpart, we’re not going back in time to the days when the pirates attacked Port Royal. We are there. In fact, as we approach an escape route, we can see a ship on the horizon. The pirates are coming…

There is an escape route ready for us, and a boat is on the water ready to take us out of the fort before the pirates arrive. Sailing silently through the mysterious caverns in the underbelly of the Castillo, we are greeted by several eerie reminders of past pirate attacks. The thunder of rampaging waterfalls can be heard on every side, skeletons hold sway over a mountain of pirate treasure, and a haunting voice issues an ominous warning of danger lurking ahead…

​

Making our daring escape via a waterfall, we find ourselves lucky to have escaped when we did. That pirate ship we saw in the queue, the feared Wicked Wench, has made its presence known; and we are suddenly caught in a crossfire between a stone-walled fortress on the right and the Wicked Wench on the left, the latter complete with bellowing Audio-Animatronics buccaneers and gunfire aplenty. After avoiding a barrage of flying cannonballs that land too close to our boat for comfort, we sail next into a seaport town where a few rum-fuddled looters ransack and burn the community, chase after and auction off valuable treasure, and sing and laugh to the iconic chantey, “Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.” And finally, with the sight of pirates trapped in jail, jealously watching their companions enjoy the vast wealth of treasure, we sail quickly away before the pirates can break out.

When our pirate adventure comes to an end, we make a quick detour through the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, where glittering jewels, treasure chests, gold doubloons and treasure maps hint at the loot within. Toy rifles, fool’s gold, plastic cutlasses, hook-for-hand replacements, miniature telescopes, pirate hats, and eye patches are all for sale. Nearby is the Caribbean Arcade, home to one-of-a-kind, pirate-themed arcade games in beautiful wooden cabinets with rope edges. Such “retro” games include “Freebooter Shooter”, a shoot-em-up game with drunken pirate-targets, and “Whack-a-Croc,” inspired by the pesky crocodile that follows Captain Hook. Fortune Red, a mechanical pirate soothsayer with a disgruntled grin and finger pointed at the X on an unfurled treasure map, offers to tell our fortune at the drop of a coin - no doubloons necessary. Located just across the way from the entrance of Castillo del Morro is El Pirata y El Perico (“The Pirate and the Parrot”), a quick service Spanish-inspired restaurant themed to an old tavern. The bill of fare is Mexican and Spanish-influenced entrees, including chicken, beef, tapas, vegetarian burritos, taco salad, empanadas and nachos.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

And there we have Adventureland! Two lands down, five more to go! And as always, I must credit @MANEATINGWREATH for coming up with the Forgotten Kingdom backstory.

By the way, I mentioned the Lost Expedition because, as I was working on this project over last summer, I utilized a conversation with MEW for feedback and ideas, and he allowed me to set Mirror Walt Disney World in the same universe as Mirror Disneyland.

 

[Suchomimus]

Right nearby, we find a path leading towards an old cave hidden deep among the dense jungle vegetation. According to the locals and historians of the Forgotten Kingdom, this cave is where the shamans of jungle civilizations past gathered to weave the tales of the jungle. Some say these tales are still told even today…

​

In this cave, we are invited to relive the Legend of the Lion King. This show, which opened in Adventureland on July 8, 1994 -- almost a month after the film first came to theaters -- makes use of an expansion pad located near the Crystal Palace, an expansion pad just big enough to hold a theater. Stepping inside the cave, we notice the walls are decorated with drawings, inspired by real-life African cave drawings. One corner of this cave has a rock protruding out from it. When the time comes, the rock separates itself in two and pulls itself back to reveal Rafiki, the wise mandrill. Utilizing the “articulated head” technology found the resort over, Rafiki introduces us to the story he will tell. After his spiel, a screen closes in around the small stage and plays the film's iconic “Circle of Life” sequence. Once that concludes, we are led into the main theater.

The main theater also has cave drawings along its walls, but what separates this from the pre-show area is the fact that this section of cave has been taken over by the vegetation. Vines, moss and branches are prominently present across the theater. The theater holds 500 people, who watch the show unfold across a 125-foot stage. In fact, the stage is bigger than the seating area in order to use gigantic sets, including an 18-foot Pride Rock. Of course, the main show re-tells the story of Simba, the little lion cub destined to be king, and his struggle to find his place in the “circle of life”. In a style similar to Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney-MGM Studios, the show utilizes large puppets, known as “Humanimals”, to help tell the story. The show also makes use of clips from the film, and in-theater effects, like wind and rain. The theater even rumbles during the infamous stampede scene! All together, the show runs 23 minutes (7-minute pre-show, 16-minute main show).

Would I be correct in guessing that you were a big fan of this show back when it was around?

 

[DisneyManOne]

Would I be correct in guessing that you were a big fan of this show back when it was around?

Being honest, I only saw this show once and have very little memory of it. Hence, I had to rely on YouTube and what little memories I had, and yes, I do think it's quite a good show. I always had the idea of bringing it to Adventureland, but in this Mirror universe, this is a decision made right from the get-go. Let's face it: The Lion King doesn't really belong in Fantasyland.

BTW, If anyone's interested, I've gone back and edited my Central Plaza post to include a new offering. You see, in finding pictures for Adventureland, I was made aware of a certain new addition coming to the Magic Kingdom, and I wanted my posts to reflect that new change. I'm sure you'll know what I'm talking about...

 

[DisneyManOne]

Frontierland

​

The year is 1885 as a proud sternwheeler makes its way up a muddy river. Stagecoaches and covered wagons make their way up the street, as simple townsfolk and Native Americans walk side by side. Gold miners sail out on makeshift rafts to the mines across the river, while music and laughter emits from the local saloon. And from the dense wilderness comes the whistling of trains and the lonely howl of a coyote, longing to be with its companions. The realm we have entered is an amalgam of sights and sounds that authentically conjure up images of America’s expansion. In Frontierland, the United States during the era when it was still a floundering young nation has been recreated and preserved for all generations to explore and appreciate. In this land of historical fact and fiction, wooded natural surroundings give way to a rustic frontier town. We have been whisked from the modern day and transported back to the dust-swept, horseshoe-scarred streets of a western settlement, circa 1870. The triumphant orchestral theme of a classic Western film fills the air as we explore the little boomtown of Thunder Mesa.

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

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

Today we visit Thunder Mesa just a few years past the great quake, warned and inspired by the various wood-carvings and relics of the Native Americans and the mountain’s curse found throughout town. The entrance into town is marked a representation of a Civil-War era stockade turret. The American flag billows from atop the log-built turret, while poised-and-ready rifles peer over the walls of the fort, ready for battle. A hand-carved sign reading “Frontierland” hangs from the turret. Across the way from the turret is the town's official welcome sign...

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

Yikes! Judging by the amount of times the town’s population count has been crossed out and replaced by a significantly smaller number, Thunder Mesa truly lives up to its “ghost town” status. Past the promenade and down the main thoroughfare, we feel as if we have stepped into the reels of a classic western, where cacti and tumbleweeds are the local flora. A cigar store Indian Chief stands guard from a shaded porch. Weary travelers seek refuge in quaint rocking chairs and a creaking hammock. Humorous wanted posters and aged advertisements (i;e “Pain for Less Dentistry”) line the sand-kissed facades and signposts, pulling our adventurous spirit deeper into this romanticized vision of the pioneer age.

Immediately to your left is the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, a good old-fashioned shooting exposition, where interactive elements and triggers make one feel as if they conquered the West. Nearby is the Frontier Trading Post, Thunder Mesa’s general store. Marked by its antler-covered rooftop (an old trick to attract cowboys), this shop -- owned by “Texas” John Slaughter -- is our go-to for any and all souvenirs of the Old West, from hard candies and knick-knacks to coonskin hats and sarsaparilla.

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

The Country Bear Jamboree changes its repertoire throughout the year, keeping things fresh and giving guests an incentive to “come again”. From January to May, the original 1971 Country Bear Jamboree entertains guests. And when June and summertime begin, the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown, which premiered in 1986, takes over Grizzly Hall. When September rears its head, the latest incarnation of the show -- Country Bear Halloween Hootenanny, which debuted in 1993 (the creation of our own @MANEATINGWREATH) -- scares up some smiles, and come November, the show’s very first seasonal overlay -- 1984’s Country Bear Christmas Special -- is a delight.

The musical motifs of the Country Bear Jamboree provides a natural transition to what happens outside Grizzly Hall throughout the day. Let me tell you, it’s always somethin’ to see when Thunder Mesa comes alive with the sound of the Frontierland Hoedown! Accompanied by a live band of country musicians, some of our favorite frontier friends -- the likes of the Country Bears, Woody and Jessie, Pocahontas and Meeko, as well as the classic Disney characters in their best Western attire -- join a troupe of four dancing couples in a rowdy barn dance that really puts the “kick in country”! After a few rehearsed pieces from the musicians and dancers, we’re invited to come and join them on the dance floor, learning how to box step, pivot, and so on.

But that’s not all: the center of Frontierland is also home to the Frontierland Stunt Show. At certain points throughout the day, an epic battle between bandits and sheriffs takes place on the streets and along the rooftops of Thunder Mesa. Expect to see falling ladders, flips and other acrobatics, and even a few dumb jokes in this thrilling Streetmosphere event.

Built from a converted Conestoga wagon, Big Al’s is the ultimate store for fans of the Country Bear Jamboree, with toy instruments, plush critters, specialized t-shirts, and a dramatic portrait of a much younger (and skinnier) Al on a journey down the Missouri. Moving along through Thunder Mesa, we come across Prairie Outpost & Supply. This is a rather unique store as it sells authentic western wares such as Native American-made blankets, figurines, and artwork.

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Next door to Prairie Outpost, an old saloon plays host to the Mile Long Bar. Named for its opposing mirrors that create the illusion of an infinitely long counter, the Mile Long Bar is a full-service bar of the Wild West, where all weary travelers can whet their whistles with decidedly non-alcoholic beverages: Coca-Cola products, apple cider, lemonade, in addition to delicious treats like frozen bananas, ice cream and other baked goods. Among the lively patrons of the bar are Max, Buff and Melvin, who have a second home here. They’re located above the entrance to the bar, and they're known for welcoming all diners with a hearty rendition of “Come On In.”

And next door to the Mile Long Bar is Pecos Bill Café, a quick-service restaurant that serves southwestern foods, hamburgers, onion rings, ribs and a complete salad bar, amongst many other things on the menus. The quick-service restaurant features both seating indoor, as well as an outdoor seating area, which makes for a prime seating location during the parades. If guests enter Frontierland from Adventureland’s Caribbean Plaza, it’s safe to say that this is the first thing they’ll see. It’s not uncommon to see guests enjoy a meal at Pecos Bill’s, then head over to the Mile Long Bar for dessert. Speaking of, it’s not uncommon to see Pecos Bill himself and his beloved Slue Foot Sue meeting guests nearby the café.

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At the farthest edge of town is the last major part of town: the Frontierland Railroad Station. This quaint, farm-like station serves as the second of three stops for the Walt Disney World Railroad.

In 2014, as New Orleans Bayou was nearing the end of construction, a path was being set up that would take guests to the new expansion. But, as work was starting on this path, it was decided that there should be something along this path for guests to do as they prepared to walk over to New Orleans Bayou. Hence, as the summer came that year, two new experiences were added to Frontierland.

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Held within the confines of an old barn is Woody’s Roundup. Inspired by Toy Story 2, this live, interactive show invites any willing young volunteers to become cowboys. Taking place entirely on the floor of the barn -- no stage required for this show -- join Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Sam the Singing Cowboy and a whole troupe of friendly cowpoke as they teach one and all the ways of a cowboy. From learning cowboy lingo, to trying your hand at riding, and even a yodeling lesson courtesy of Jessie herself, this is one show guests will be saying “Hey-Howdy-Hey” to time and time again!

Originally, this show took place on the streets of Frontierland from 2006 to 2008, under the name “Woody’s Cowboy Camp”. Then, once work began on the path to New Orleans Bayou, it was decided to bring this show back and “plus” it, adding in elements from Disneyland’s own Woody’s Roundup show. For example, the yodeling lesson part came from that show!

Naturally, a barn needs to have animals, so Jessie’s Critter Corral is set up along the side of the barn. In the spirit of Disneyland’s former Big Thunder Ranch, this petting zoo offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, horses and various other farm animals. And of course, one can meet Woody, Jessie and Bullseye right outside the Roundup Barn!

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Past this ghost town and further into the Great Southwest, we come upon what might be the largest and most fantastical sight in any Disney Park today: Thunder Mesa. Rugged peaks, soaring rock walls, towering cliff tops, and thundering waterfalls are among the scenery of this massive mountain range, where a collection of attractions, hiking trails, Conestoga wagon and stagecoach rides and stunning views of the Magic Kingdom take up residence in this seamless amalgam of Bryce Canyon, Utah and Monument Valley, Arizona.

Intrigued (and intimidated), we head south to the foreground of the sprawling mountain range, first discovering the Thunder Mesa Railroad. Aboard a weather-beaten train of rickety ore cars, we ascend through the pleasant hills and buttes of Thunder Mesa, overlooking the serene prairie landscape. A steep incline, however, brings our journey to a jolt, as we scale the mountaintop and race through a narrow labyrinth of collapsed caverns… It’s clear the earthquake did a number on these mine trains, and the track starts to creak and move ominously… Will we be able to escape before the mine fully collapses?

Below the Thunder Mesa Railroad station is the dock for the Beaver Brothers Rafting Co., a flume ride that simulates the unique sensation of white-water rafting. The journey begins with boarding a wooden canoe, followed by passing into a cave at the foot of Thunder Mesa, and into the famous Rainbow Caverns.

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The caverns are dark inside, illuminated only by the pools and waterfalls of brightly colored, glowing water. The original, almost ethereal music from the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland at Disneyland fills the air. Through illuminated dyes, and under black light, the magic of Rainbow Caverns comes to life, a brief conclusion to our fantastic journey through the Old West. The many stalactites, stalagmites and weird rock formations are illuminated only by the omnipresent glow of the supernatural waters.

After this serene cruise through one of nature’s greatest landmarks, a lift hill takes us up to the top of Thunder Mesa, offering stunning views of Frontierland and Adventureland. However, this is where the white-water aspect really kicks into gear. We slip down through a valley of saguaros, followed by a rapid plunge down a long canyon river and some pretty intense white-water rafting. No bones about it: with the Beaver Brothers, you’re guaranteed to get soaked!

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Having just survived a wild ride, the trains of the Thunder Mesa Railroad amble past the Mesa Terrace Restaurant. Basically the Western equivalent to Disneyland’s Blue Bayou, replacing the bucolic bayous of New Orleans with the gentle splendor of the Western wilderness at night. Remember the “Blue Shadows on the Trail” sequence that began the “Pecos Bill” segment of Melody Time? That’s the kind of mood we’re going for here. The entrance to Mesa Terrace is marked by a great many buildings, making up a small Western town. But in actuality, the interiors of these buildings are one, continuous whole, serving as the lobby and dining area of the restaurant.

The Mesa Terrace is perhaps the Magic Kingdom’s most elegant dining location -- second only to Cinderella’s Royal Table -- a timeless capture of the romance, beauty and elegance of a bucolic desert in the glow of moonlight. Here we might dine under the moon and stars while trains carrying passengers aboard the Thunder Mesa Railroad silently drive by, just before charting their course back to the station. We are surrounded in the essence of the Old West as overhead strings of lanterns cast an ethereal glow, dotting the darkness where crickets chirp, coyotes howl and fireflies wink. Elegant takes on classic Western barbecue await: steak, marinated chicken, pork chops, ribs, roasted gambas, and more.

On the outskirts of Thunder Mesa, overlooking the Rivers of America, is Lookout Dock. This is the place to go in Frontierland if you want to meet some beloved Disney characters. Throughout the day, three different character groups -- Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear; Pocahontas and Meeko; and Woody, Jessie and Bullseye -- rotate doing meet and greets at Lookout Dock and in front of the mighty Thunder Mesa.

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Hiking Trails, Conestoga Wagons and Stagecoaches are among the “scenic” attractions of Thunder Mesa. Past rushing rivers, natural arches, the rickety tracks of the Thunder Mesa Railroad, and all the desert flora and fauna we could hope for, we explore the sandy trails and canyons of the soaring mountain range by foot, by Conestoga wagon or by stagecoach, almost blurred from the lines of reality. Thundering waterfalls and shaded tunnels lead our trail to a tabletop plateau, setting the stage for breathtaking panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom. The paths and vehicles continue down the mountainside.

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The star attraction of Thunder Mesa - if not the entire Magic Kingdom - is none other than the legendary Western River Expedition, the crowning achievement of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Western River Expedition is an exhilarating flume ride through the legendary days of cowboys and Indians. In the vein of the classic Pirates of the Caribbean, this spectacular voyage of the Old West brings forth a fantastic production of Audio Animatronic figures, groundbreaking special effects, an original musical score, and the tallest, wettest drop ever conceived in a Disney Park. At 80 feet tall, the climactic drop of Western River Expedition is the greatest thrill in Frontierland, rivaling the climactic conclusion of the Thunder Mesa Railroad only mere yards away.

Entering through a cave in the base of the old Thunder Mesa Mining Co., winding tunnels and abandoned mines pour into a fantastical canyon at twilight. From aboard a logger’s sailing barge, we embark on a spellbinding adventure beneath the stars, past constellations and clouds in the shape of western icons. The wise owl Hoot Gibson is our narrator as we drift through a cowboy camp at nightfall. Singing cattle lead into a stagecoach robbery by noon, where masked banditos and their masked horses take aim at their unsuspecting victims. Boisterous cowpoke, dancing showgirls, disapproving townsfolk, and vile outlaws take the little town of Dry Gulch by storm, most drunk on the spoils of a successful cattle drive.

As we relive the fateful earthquake that brought the mining town to its knees, a deadly wildfire engulfs the surrounding forest, sending our boat uphill and into further danger - the banditos have returned, and this time we’re the target. Amid crackling lighting, monstrous flames and rushing waters, we narrowly escape via waterfall - 80-feet down with a tremendous splash!

The town of Thunder Mesa borders a Magic Kingdom staple: The Rivers of America. Marked by the majestic sternwheeler, the Liberty Belle Riverboat, as well as the Sailing Ship Columbia, a full-size replica of Columbia Redivivia, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe, the Rivers of America represent the many great rivers of the North American continent: the Missouri, the Mississippi, the Rio Grande, etc., as they appeared in the time of American expansion. This eight-shaped river serves as the centerpiece of Frontierland.

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The Rivers of America is bustling with activity, with various vessels gliding across the water. Among these vessels are old rafts that take us to the fun and adventure of Tom Sawyer Island. Here on this island, the works of Mark Twain come to life. This is an island where the likes of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huckleberry Finn might have played. Dusty dirt roads lined with sycamore and oak trees and creaky suspension bridges mark this natural haven. You may even stumble upon secret mined caves and uncover an age-old fort. Stepping foot on Tom Sawyer Island recalls the bygone days of youth in the 1800s, a vast forest, unremarkable to the adult eye, but to the eye of a child, a world where imagination can transform anything into a grand adventure.

The island is filled with suspension bridges to cross, tree houses and rocks to climb, trails to survey, caves to explore and an authentic replica of a frontier log fort: Fort Langhorn. Fort Langhorn was constructed from logs hewed by hand and trucked in from nearby mountains. The timber was floated across the Rivers of America and hoisted up to dry land, where it was assembled to create the realistic 19th century army fort. The fort stands perched on a lookout hill with a view of both the island interior and the river bend, which heightened its realism and sense of place. Another major point of interest is Harper’s Mill stands to the island's southern shore, a mysterious beacon of exploration and discovery. Marked by the large waterwheel to its side, the creaky wheels and cranks still turn inside this place, since long-abandoned. And Disney nerds, take good notice here: a nest of birds is lodged between the wedges of one of the wheels inside the mill...not unlike a similar set of birds in the Academy-Award winning short The Old Mill. Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn offers home-style comfort foods and a seating area under a beautiful wood-carved gazebo, overlooking the Rivers of America.

Heading back to the mainland, we notice an activity occurring at the dock nearby Thunder Mesa. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes are setting off! Aboard the Explorer Canoes, guests with a host Cast Member, can set off and canoe their way down the Rivers of America, taking in the sights of Tom Sawyer Island, a secret mine cavern on the outskirts of Thunder Mesa, the settlement of a Plains Indians campground and an even closer look at a dark cemetery nearby a foreboding manor…

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[Suchomimus]

Below the Thunder Mesa Railroad station is the dock for the Beaver Brothers Rafting Co., a flume ride that simulates the unique sensation of white-water rafting. The journey begins with boarding a wooden canoe, followed by passing into a cave at the foot of Thunder Mesa, and into the famous Rainbow Caverns.

Wouldn't it make more sense for it to be a river rapids attractions instead of a flume, especially as it would help differentiate itself from its neighbor WRE?