Skyway Station Area Redesign

[SeaCastle]

Also, I think this explains one of the motivations behind the re-worked Haunted Mansion queue. Look where that new path lets out! It's running right into the area of overflow HM queue, which would be a traffic nightmare on peak crowd days.

Excellent work on this and the pictures, and to everyone else that has helped.

Both skyway stations demolished for RESTROOM purposes!! What is this blatant disregard for original theming, park history, classic attractions! It's truely sickening

Whoever makes these executive decisions should be OVERTHROWN. Disney desperately needs to get back to basics!

How do you know what the tnew restrooms will look like? You know for a fact that they won't be themed? Or that the Tomorrowland Skyway had restrooms for all of its existence (not just after its demolition), or that both Skyway stations were abandoned hulks of building before demolition?

 

[inluvwithbeast]

This site really needs a facepalm emoticon. Steve?? :wave:

Anyway, good work, masters of all things map/permit related. This is exciting news to me. I always thought that from FL to LS was so congested and crowded. Hopefully this will open things up and easy crowd flow. AND Next Gen for Pan would be lovely. That queue is pretty rough. One of the few in WDW where I actually feel like I'm waiting in line for a ride like at any ole amusement park.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Notes on site work plans boring!? This is what I do for a living! Ah, well. I love this kind of stuff.

For those of you having trouble interpreting the plans, I'm working on a simple Illustrator overlay which will at least clarify what's going on at the basic level.

That would be much appreciated, thank you. I've looked at the artwork others have done here for us (and thank you guys very much), but I'm still confused. If the show buildings could be clearly labeled on your overlay, that would help a lot.

I'm excited by the idea of a new Peter Pan queue. Actually the whole ride needs a makeover in my view, but a next-gen queue would be great, if it's done as well as Haunted Mansion's appears to be (can't wait to see that in person!)

 

[The Duck]

I hate it when they make changes like this. Replace beautiful with toilets. UGH :shrug:


What? You've never heard of a beautiful toilet? I just got a new one today and it's a sight to behold! I wouldn't worry. With all of the new theming going around MK these days, I'm sure that the restrooms will be just as impressive as well as practical.

 

[disneyWX]

How do you know what the tnew restrooms will look like? You know for a fact that they won't be themed? Or that the Tomorrowland Skyway had restrooms for all of its existence (not just after its demolition), or that both Skyway stations were abandoned hulks of building before demolition?

I don't know what it'll look like. But if the TL station rebuild is any indication, it'll be a lackluster shell of it's previous form.

TL skyway did previously house restrooms underneath...so then what was the reason for the renovation again? (I honestly don't recall.) And what was the water feature and old skyway queue space bothering that it also had to be removed? Did they simply want to deter us from trespassing? :lookaroun

Yes, both were abandoned...and that's precisely part of the problem. If they didn't intend to use the stations in their current forms (which I'm sure they realized early on), they should have dealt with them after shutting down the skyway in '99.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel the whole plan is a slap-in-the-face of a replacement. One of the most visually pleasing structures in FL is being scrapped for a common bathroom...Can we at least get something of equal or greater value?

 

[GrumpyFan]

It's weird, but I'm kind of excited about this. Not, necessarily because it's bathroom-related, but it is something new, and they're finally doing something with the old skyway building. Naysayers and traditionalists can moan and complain, but I really don't know that they could have done a lot more with this property except maybe turn it into a meet n greet. I like the idea that they're relieving some of the path thru their as well. I would love to the exterior design of what they're planning, but I'm confident what they do will fit well with the theme.

The only question I have about it is where will they put all the strollers now?

 

[eilie]

As promised, here is a rendered plan of the proposed Skyway changes - one with labels, one without:

Many thanks to SeaCastle for the original plan (and all the hard work on the permit thread)!

This drawing is just my best interpretation of the grading plan. Those green areas may or may not all be vegetated, but they are landscaped areas separate from the new paths (shown here in white). As for those light green areas (immediately adjacent to the new restroom buildings) - your guess is as good as mine.

 

[Rob562]

So one thing I've noticed on these plans that no one has commented on are the trio of tank-like objects under the pathway in front of the new bathrooms.

To me, they look like large air tanks. Does the AVAC or other air-pressure systems in the park use local tanks? Perhaps they're air tanks for some kind of effects or special air-powered water features?

I'd also say that there will be a pond or stream under the bridge south of the men's room, running down under the bridge to the low point behind the Yankee Trader store.

-Rob

 

[marni1971]

The first time I heard of this the trader was in danger of being removed. Thankfully this seems it isn`t the case now.

 

[WDWFigment]

Reading the sentiment expressed in this thread makes me understand why Disney largely disregards the desires of fervent fans.

You guys seriously want old, vacant buildings that clearly are remnants of former attractions just sticking around indefinitely? That seems more than a little ridiculous to me. Did you honestly expect the Skyway to come back or something? I know the building is far from the eyesore that River Country is, but people seem to be clamoring for RC's removal because it no longer has a purpose and doesn't fit the area. Likewise, a Skyway building with a large opening in it, while pretty, no doubt, doesn't fit.

There are ways to embrace the past without having relics of it around that obstruct future progress. The Skyway buildings (are and) will be missed, no doubt, but does anyone honestly think that the best use of the limited Fantasyland real estate in this area is for an old attraction building that serves no purpose beyond that of an aesthetic reminder of days past? These changes will open up this area, allow for much needed expansion of the PPF queue, and allow for a better use of the space. Saying that the Skyway is being replaced with a bathroom, and that's disgusting, is reducing this to overly simple and misleading terms. The Skyway is being removed to allow for important infrastructure changes to Fantasyland that will allow for PPF to have a better queue, will facilitate traffic flow in this area, and will also bring newer restrooms to the area.

Plus, who knows, the new building design might actually be quite gorgeous.

 

[BrightImagine]

I come here because of the fantastic research skills of the people here but I didn't know there were also fantastic graphic artists as well. Thank you from a lover of maps and informational graphics

Those Peter Pan area restrooms are (were) my favorite in the park because they never seemed too busy and were convenient to Fantasyland and the Mansion (my two favorites). I am going to miss them, but Peter Pan does deserve a better queue.

The Skyway station has been decoration for a decade now.... Visual ornamentation and a sad reminder of something we've lost. While it's beautiful, I can't help but think that their removal will also remove some of the sadness from that area, for me. Kind of like the removal of the 20k lagoon... If you can't experience it any more why dwell on it? At the same time I hope that the new restrooms will keep the color scheme and ornamentation of the skyway building, unique and gorgeous and so Fantasyland.

And lastly, I'm pleased that the planned Ladies is so much bigger than the Mens

 

[Disneybear]

One question:

Where are they going to park all those bloody strollers now?? :hammer:

 

[RSoxNo1]

There have been discussions to ease congestion in that area for quite some time. This sounds like a more than reasonable solution.

 

[aladdin2007]

I hope they retain the trees that hide the mansion showbuilding and such, from that plan overlay though its looking like they are but not sure.

 

[devoy1701]

Well, that just DISGUSTS ME. That Skyway station is so beautiful and fits in so nicely with the area. Why do they have to knock it down. They could easily use the existing structure and add and move walls around to make it work. It makes me sad to see this thing go. I was hoping to contact management to get in there (yes, its been done) and get some awesome shots for a project I'm working on. I need those pictures, but won't be able to get them as I'm only going down there in May. :hammer: I'm sure by then it'll be halfway done into bathrooms. :fork:

I hate it when they make changes like this. Replace beautiful with toilets. UGH :shrug:

But I mustn't get too angry as no official plans have been released. But if they do level the top of that building it will be sad. Its just so pretty. Last remnants of a Fantasyland that was. It's changing so much. I'm surprised IASW hasn't been demolished (insert sarcasm here) :ROFLOL:

As much as I'm anxious to see the new expansion of Fantasyland, I hate the fact that their now gonna demo 2 original 1971 attractions (Skyway & SWSA). Here they are celebrating 40 years and they're getting rid of 40 year old buildings. Kinda ironic.

Seriously? It's a vacant building and has been for 10 years. It serves no purpose besides being a nice looking backdrop and taking up valuable space in an area that constantly bottlenecks. The plans for this looks pretty nice.

Reading the sentiment expressed in this thread makes me understand why Disney largely disregards the desires of fervent fans.

You guys seriously want old, vacant buildings that clearly are remnants of former attractions just sticking around indefinitely? That seems more than a little ridiculous to me. Did you honestly expect the Skyway to come back or something? I know the building is far from the eyesore that River Country is, but people seem to be clamoring for RC's removal because it no longer has a purpose and doesn't fit the area. Likewise, a Skyway building with a large opening in it, while pretty, no doubt, doesn't fit.

There are ways to embrace the past without having relics of it around that obstruct future progress. The Skyway buildings (are and) will be missed, no doubt, but does anyone honestly think that the best use of the limited Fantasyland real estate in this area is for an old attraction building that serves no purpose beyond that of an aesthetic reminder of days past? These changes will open up this area, allow for much needed expansion of the PPF queue, and allow for a better use of the space. Saying that the Skyway is being replaced with a bathroom, and that's disgusting, is reducing this to overly simple and misleading terms. The Skyway is being removed to allow for important infrastructure changes to Fantasyland that will allow for PPF to have a better queue, will facilitate traffic flow in this area, and will also bring newer restrooms to the area.

Plus, who knows, the new building design might actually be quite gorgeous.

Amen, hopefully the redone PP queue will also allow the area between IASW and PP to be widened just a tad as that area is always difficult to get through.

I also like that instead of putting in a simple sea of concrete that they are breaking it up with some planters and greenery. This area should do great in easing traffic problems while still looking aestetically pleasing and not look like the other side of fantasyland currently does.


EDIT: Dozens of Kudos to not only the detective work done here, but also the photoshop abilities to provide doctored up satellite imagery and also a colorized sketch overlay to make those plans readable. I really appreciate it!

 

[Thrill Seeker]

I'm guessing the stroller army will still be parked in that general area, hopefully with the restrooms having paths that lead up to them away from the strollers. I'm all for this plan. Expanding Peter Pan's queue is a good thing and getting new restrooms in exchange for an old skyway station is also perfectly fine with me. I'd rather that land be used for restrooms than watch that station sit there and rot away...

 

[ryanduggers]

Reading the sentiment expressed in this thread makes me understand why Disney largely disregards the desires of fervent fans.

You guys seriously want old, vacant buildings that clearly are remnants of former attractions just sticking around indefinitely? That seems more than a little ridiculous to me. Did you honestly expect the Skyway to come back or something? I know the building is far from the eyesore that River Country is, but people seem to be clamoring for RC's removal because it no longer has a purpose and doesn't fit the area. Likewise, a Skyway building with a large opening in it, while pretty, no doubt, doesn't fit.

There are ways to embrace the past without having relics of it around that obstruct future progress. The Skyway buildings (are and) will be missed, no doubt, but does anyone honestly think that the best use of the limited Fantasyland real estate in this area is for an old attraction building that serves no purpose beyond that of an aesthetic reminder of days past? These changes will open up this area, allow for much needed expansion of the PPF queue, and allow for a better use of the space. Saying that the Skyway is being replaced with a bathroom, and that's disgusting, is reducing this to overly simple and misleading terms. The Skyway is being removed to allow for important infrastructure changes to Fantasyland that will allow for PPF to have a better queue, will facilitate traffic flow in this area, and will also bring newer restrooms to the area.

Plus, who knows, the new building design might actually be quite gorgeous.

Most common sense thing I have read on here in a while.

 

[jakeman]

Reading the sentiment expressed in this thread makes me understand why Disney largely disregards the desires of fervent fans...

Well said Tom. I agree that Disney disregards it's most loyal fans because of knee-jerk reactions such as these.

More on topic, I would speculate that Peter Pan would be slotted at some point to get Next-Gen features added to its queue. Perhaps this is the first step towards that?

 

[acr123]

Reading the sentiment expressed in this thread makes me understand why Disney largely disregards the desires of fervent fans.

You guys seriously want old, vacant buildings that clearly are remnants of former attractions just sticking around indefinitely? That seems more than a little ridiculous to me. Did you honestly expect the Skyway to come back or something? I know the building is far from the eyesore that River Country is, but people seem to be clamoring for RC's removal because it no longer has a purpose and doesn't fit the area. Likewise, a Skyway building with a large opening in it, while pretty, no doubt, doesn't fit.

There are ways to embrace the past without having relics of it around that obstruct future progress. The Skyway buildings (are and) will be missed, no doubt, but does anyone honestly think that the best use of the limited Fantasyland real estate in this area is for an old attraction building that serves no purpose beyond that of an aesthetic reminder of days past? These changes will open up this area, allow for much needed expansion of the PPF queue, and allow for a better use of the space. Saying that the Skyway is being replaced with a bathroom, and that's disgusting, is reducing this to overly simple and misleading terms. The Skyway is being removed to allow for important infrastructure changes to Fantasyland that will allow for PPF to have a better queue, will facilitate traffic flow in this area, and will also bring newer restrooms to the area.

Plus, who knows, the new building design might actually be quite gorgeous.

I AGREE! I am sentimental but wanting to keep the empty Skyway building instead of better traffic flow in a REALLY congested area is crazy. The plans and improvements in the pictures above are excellent and needed. Who knows we may get an awesome interactive Q for Peter Pan in what are now restrooms! Im all for this!

 

[Vernonpush]

I will miss the lively polka music that was played in those old restrooms.