News Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Historical Construction/Impressions

[smile]

I noticed several things. There was a deterioration of the pace of enjoying the park. Instead of pacing the visit based on how many tickets (especially E tickets), passports led to families running from ride to ride to cram in as many as they could. There was less time spent perusing the quaint shops in NO Square and Main St. or enjoying smaller entertainment offerings. When I was young, we would buy senior admission tickets for my grandparents when they visited from Oklahoma. Today, we wouldn't pay $150 each for them to sit on a park bench, ride the train, Mark Twain, Carousel of Progress, Lincoln, and Circlevision.

It was an essential change in the culture of Disneyland and Magic Kingdom (coinciding with the opening of EPCOT). But they're making money hand over fist.

great insight - thank you!

 

[The Mom]

Just a reminder - this is a discussion about construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at DL. Not movies. Thank you.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I saw that in a nickelodeon once and I always wanted to do it.

 

[sirstude]

After being there this week, the thing I most noticed is just how BIG the mountains and construction is from within the park. All the pictures are great, but just don't give a real feeling of the scale.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

It's stylistically designed to be that way and we can't undo that, but we can diminish the effects of it.

 

[TROR]

I wish we had some more information on Galaxy's Edge already. Anyways, here's a new update from SILA.

 

[TP2000]

Our favorite lady blogger heads into Independence Day week with a Star Wars update that starts with the Sailing Ship Columbia.

Disneyland's Columbia, an almost exact replica of the original Columbia which was the first American-flagged vessel to circle the globe before our young nation even dreamed of a global Navy, is truly one of the "hard facts that created America" that Walt mentions in his opening day speech for Disneyland. One of those things that only exists at Disneyland USA, because... Walt.

 

[Curious Constance]

Our favorite lady blogger heads into Independence Day week with a Star Wars update that starts with the Sailing Ship Columbia.

Disneyland's Columbia, an almost exact replica of the original Columbia which was the first American-flagged vessel to circle the globe before our young nation even dreamed of a global Navy, is truly one of the "hard facts that created America" that Walt mentions in his opening day speech for Disneyland. One of those things that only exists at Disneyland USA, because... Walt.

To be honest, I'm much more interested in updates from our favorite, lady neighbor. Bake her something for crying out loud!

 

[Old Mouseketeer]

Our favorite lady blogger heads into Independence Day week with a Star Wars update that starts with the Sailing Ship Columbia.

Disneyland's Columbia, an almost exact replica of the original Columbia which was the first American-flagged vessel to circle the globe before our young nation even dreamed of a global Navy, is truly one of the "hard facts that created America" that Walt mentions in his opening day speech for Disneyland. One of those things that only exists at Disneyland USA, because... Walt.

Don't confuse company hype with historical fact. DL's Columbia is nowhere close to being an exact replica of Columbia Rediviva because no plans of the original or refurbished ship exist. There are a couple of engravings and there are plans of comparable contemporary vessels. DL's replica is a decent approximation and very well executed for what it is. It is an inspiring and under-appreciated piece of Disneyland in the age of Walt. But far from exact.

 

[TROR]

Don't confuse company hype with historical fact. DL's Columbia is nowhere close to being an exact replica of Columbia Rediviva because no plans of the original or refurbished ship exist. There are a couple of engravings and there are plans of comparable contemporary vessels. DL's replica is a decent approximation and very well executed for what it is. It is an inspiring and under-appreciated piece of Disneyland in the age of Walt. But far from exact.

It's as exact a replica as DHS's Galaxy's Edge is of Disneyland's. Close, but smaller.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Our favorite lady blogger heads into Independence Day week with a Star Wars update that starts with the Sailing Ship Columbia.

Disneyland's Columbia, an almost exact replica of the original Columbia which was the first American-flagged vessel to circle the globe before our young nation even dreamed of a global Navy, is truly one of the "hard facts that created America" that Walt mentions in his opening day speech for Disneyland. One of those things that only exists at Disneyland USA, because... Walt.

Don't confuse company hype with historical fact. DL's Columbia is nowhere close to being an exact replica of Columbia Rediviva because no plans of the original or refurbished ship exist. There are a couple of engravings and there are plans of comparable contemporary vessels. DL's replica is a decent approximation and very well executed for what it is. It is an inspiring and under-appreciated piece of Disneyland in the age of Walt. But far from exact.

Gonna play off this a little bit with some of my own commentary.

I've always thought that the hard facts line in the opening address is a bit more for show then an actual guide, in the same way a film will be "inspired by true events"

The frontier as depicted in Disneyland isn't an accurate depiction of the American frontier, but a romanticized depiction of the 1950s perception of the American frontier- which was heavily influenced by the westerns of that era. The Golden Horseshoe was almost a direct ripoff of the saloon in Calamity Jane, a Fox film (not even Disney *gasp*)- and much of the building facades feel more like the set of a western film, then an actual depiction of the American frontier.

I've seen folks elsewhere suggest that Frontierland wasn't influenced by film or IP (I once got into an argument elsewhere on whether Davy Crockett that was referenced in Frontierland was a reference to the Disney character, or the historical figure.), claiming it to be far more historically minded then it is- citing, which is something that's always bothered me about the way some people romanticize Walt and park history. That somehow Walt was above corporate and brand synergy.

So yes, while Disney likes to talk about how awesome it is that there's a replica of the Columbia, it's far more accurate to say that it's a romanticized approximation of the Columbia, less grounded in history then I've seen the Disney corporation suggest- and that Disney perhaps should have said "soft facts" or "romanticized idealization" in the opening address.

 

[TP2000]

Well, party poopers, here's some hard facts for you compliments of our favorite lady blogger.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Gonna play off this a little bit with some of my own commentary.

I've always thought that the hard facts line in the opening address is a bit more for show then an actual guide, in the same way a film will be "inspired by true events"

The frontier as depicted in Disneyland isn't an accurate depiction of the American frontier, but a romanticized depiction of the 1950s perception of the American frontier- which was heavily influenced by the westerns of that era. The Golden Horseshoe was almost a direct ripoff of the saloon in Calamity Jane, a Fox film (not even Disney *gasp*)- and much of the building facades feel more like the set of a western film, then an actual depiction of the American frontier.

I've seen folks elsewhere suggest that Frontierland wasn't influenced by film or IP (I once got into an argument elsewhere on whether Davy Crockett that was referenced in Frontierland was a reference to the Disney character, or the historical figure.), claiming it to be far more historically minded then it is- citing, which is something that's always bothered me about the way some people romanticize Walt and park history. That somehow Walt was above corporate and brand synergy.

So yes, while Disney likes to talk about how awesome it is that there's a replica of the Columbia, it's far more accurate to say that it's a romanticized approximation of the Columbia, less grounded in history then I've seen the Disney corporation suggest- and that Disney perhaps should have said "soft facts" or "romanticized idealization" in the opening address.

The original fact based concepts that formed the inspiration for Tomorrowland and Frontierland are perfect examples of how poorly equipped an entertainment company like Disney is to portray serious topics in a theme park intended for a mass audience. I admire Walt's ambition, but Disneyland has proven to be a far better vehicle for delivering fantasy to the public than it has been at telling "hard facts".

 

[fctiger]

Gonna play off this a little bit with some of my own commentary.

I've always thought that the hard facts line in the opening address is a bit more for show then an actual guide, in the same way a film will be "inspired by true events"

The frontier as depicted in Disneyland isn't an accurate depiction of the American frontier, but a romanticized depiction of the 1950s perception of the American frontier- which was heavily influenced by the westerns of that era. The Golden Horseshoe was almost a direct ripoff of the saloon in Calamity Jane, a Fox film (not even Disney *gasp*)- and much of the building facades feel more like the set of a western film, then an actual depiction of the American frontier.

I've seen folks elsewhere suggest that Frontierland wasn't influenced by film or IP (I once got into an argument elsewhere on whether Davy Crockett that was referenced in Frontierland was a reference to the Disney character, or the historical figure.), claiming it to be far more historically minded then it is- citing, which is something that's always bothered me about the way some people romanticize Walt and park history. That somehow Walt was above corporate and brand synergy.

So yes, while Disney likes to talk about how awesome it is that there's a replica of the Columbia, it's far more accurate to say that it's a romanticized approximation of the Columbia, less grounded in history then I've seen the Disney corporation suggest- and that Disney perhaps should have said "soft facts" or "romanticized idealization" in the opening address.

Frontierland always strike me as an overly romanticized view of how a white person looked at it back then, no offense to anyone here. But I'm sure everyone not white during that time wouldn't have viewed it so stirring and heartfelt. But its a theme park for people to take pictures with oversize foam head characters, not a museum. You enjoy it for what it is and pick up your FP for BTM.

 

[fctiger]

The original fact based concepts that formed the inspiration for Tomorrowland and Frontierland are perfect examples of how poorly equipped an entertainment company like Disney is to portray serious topics in a theme park intended for a mass audience. I admire Walt's ambition, but Disneyland has proven to be a far better vehicle for delivering fantasy to the public than it has been at telling "hard facts".

Agreed! And why I have no problem with something like SWL going in because for me its the fantasy stuff I like in the park. I tend to overlook all the American stuff in there. I mean its fine for what it is but none of that draw me to the park anymore than California drive me to DCA. But the park doesn't really focus on American history so it makes it easier to just see it as a fun movie set type experience and don't think about it anymore than that. The 'hard facts' leave out a lot of facts of America a place like DL probably shouldn't touch anyway.

 

[TROR]

The Americana theme is the best thing about Disneyland. If it was based on any other nation it would suck.

 

[fctiger]

The Americana theme is the best thing about Disneyland. If it was based on any other nation it would suck.

Nobody said it had to be based on another nation. I'm just saying that's the least important aspect of the park for me. But I understand why it was done of course.

 

[dweezil78]

I've seen folks elsewhere suggest that Frontierland wasn't influenced by film or IP (I once got into an argument elsewhere on whether Davy Crockett that was referenced in Frontierland was a reference to the Disney character, or the historical figure.), claiming it to be far more historically minded then it is- citing, which is something that's always bothered me about the way some people romanticize Walt and park history. That somehow Walt was above corporate and brand synergy.

People tend to forget that the entertainment industry was simply different back in 1955 and the idea of 'IP' based stuff (or entertainment franchises in general) was just different/non-existent as well until DL opened.

All those lands were designed to prop up whatever Disney was pushing back then. Between 1955 and 1956 alone, Disney released two Davy Crockett features, Davy Crockett TV episodes, 'Westward Ho, The Wagons!,' and 'The Littlest Outlaw' -- and that's just stuff that related to Frontierland.

Davy Crockett literally started as part of the 'Disneyland' TV show. Walt had a whole Disney IP synergy eco-system in motion before the park even opened, it was really impressive even by today's standards.

 

[TROR]

You put it as if Frontierland was used to promote Davy Crockett. Davy Crockett promoted Frontierland. I don't care about synergy or promotions, I just want good quality attractions, lands, and theme parks. If a TV show or movie lazily promotes a theme park, people can see right through that. But if a theme park lazily promotes a TV show or movie, no one calls them out because people are stupid when it comes to theme parks as an art. How is it that people can look at movies and video games and the like as art, but not theme parks?

 

[dweezil78]

You put it as if Frontierland was used to promote Davy Crockett. Davy Crockett promoted Frontierland. I don't care about synergy or promotions, I just want good quality attractions, lands, and theme parks. If a TV show or movie lazily promotes a theme park, people can see right through that. But if a theme park lazily promotes a TV show or movie, no one calls them out because people are stupid when it comes to theme parks as an art. How is it that people can look at movies and video games and the like as art, but not theme parks?

I agree, bad attractions are bad attractions. I'm not talking about attractions, I'm talking about the general 'I Hate IP' thing going on from a lot of people. You are fooling yourself if you think both didn't co-exist to promote each other. Walt saw Disneyland as a platform to promote the company's work, and the company's work to feed back into the Disneyland.