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And now, let us visit Sleeping Beauty Castle, from a slightly different perspective....
Every visit usually has a couple of *photo safari* moments....areas or special items i purposely go looking for to photograph because i learned a story behind it and it now has some personal meaning.
These usually have to do with something related to Tony, particularly things of interest he has talked about in various presentations and interviews where he reveals a insightful story.
One can really gain a LOT of insight into all kinds of things if one takes the time to listen to what he openly tells you.
He is the *key* that unlocks the door to the hidden wonders of a much wider world.
During this most recent venture, my *photo goal* this time was inside the Castle walls....deep in the gothic darkness and within the delightful visions present there in the form of the charming *Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough*
A few months ago i learned something new about this marvelous display while listening to a recent insightful interview of Tony*s.
He told a great little story about the creation of one of the scenes there and after hearing it i knew i had to go back and see the particular scene again.
Perhaps something only a Tony Baxter fan would get excited about, but i love hearing the little stories about how things came to be.
It adds a entirely new dimension to something and makes you realize that it is individual people, with their own stories, who *make the magic happen* and not just some faceless Corporate conglomerate.
First, before i tell the tale, a scene setting photo showing a view of the back of the Castle where the entrance to the Walkthrough is located.
Notice the ray of light that seems to be shining down upon the bronze statue of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip.
I noticed this several days later when going through my pictures and found it to be kind of neat.
A little magical touch slipped in by Mother Nature -
And now, the story -
Once upon a time, the *Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough* was closed to all Guests.
In the post 9-11 security concerns gripping the nation at the time, it was decided to close this interior walk-through Attraction inside a well known, iconic structure.
There it sat, gathering dust and cobwebs, until some years later a key clicked a stubborn lock and a door creaked slowly open....
One day, Tony was talking to someone in the Parks division inquiring about possibly re-opening the Walkthrough.
The topic then turned to getting inside the Castle and seeing what was still there.
Were the scenes still mostly intact and presentable?
What condition was the hallways and staircases in for Guest use?
Later in the day, the two of them took a tour through the area to see what condition it was currently in.
They talked among themselves, and it was suggested that re-opening the Walkthrough would be a marvelous way to promote the upcoming 50th Anniversary Dvd release of the animated classic *Sleeping Beauty* which was scheduled for upcoming release.
So Tony was tasked to begin work on restoring the Walkthrough displays which he took to heart, as *Sleeping Beauty* is a favorite film of his and he rather liked the clever dioramas.
The catch, however, was that he had to have it ready to re-open in time for the upcoming Dvd release....which was coming up soon. Quite soon.
This meant that Tony and the small team that was gathered had little time and an even littler budget to complete the task....always a challenging way to work on a project.
The challenge was excepted, and work proceeded in earnest.
All of the diorama scenes were restored, and in some cases improved with additional effects or lighting.
Some needed a little *plussing* in Tony*s eyes...and here is one example -
See those roses in the final diorama scene above....?
This is the last window, where Prince Phillip is shown kissing Aurora and magical effects take place as she *awakens* from her sleep.
The story goes that while this particular window display was being placed back into it*s setting, the roses that were to fill the front area were too few and far between.
It looked too sparse and it was decided that a fuller appearance with more roses and more variety would look better.
So guess who took it upon himself to make sure that happened....
Yep.
Hopped in his car and drove down a few blocks to the local *Michael*s* ( a national chain of craft and hobby shops ) and proceeded to purchase every white silk rose in the place.
Bags full of fabric flowers in hand, he returns to the setting and the final window gets the fuller *bed of roses*.....and they all lived Happily Ever After.
So the next time you walk through the *Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough*, be sure to stop for a moment and admire *Tony*s Roses*.
They represent more then just a simple scene *plussing*....well, to me anyway.
They are a reminder of the difference someone who goes the extra step can make.
Sure, it might seem to be something small to some eyes..... but in the end it*s all those *small things* that end up making the biggest differences.
I should add that these roses really need to be seen under the Show lighting present in the actual scene.
It is a lovely effect.
This flash-photo was the only way to capture them in a picture that would help share a fun story during this chapter of the *Tony Baxter Tour of Disneyand*
Go see the *Walkthrough* for yourself if you have yet to....it is a nice experience.
I should also note that if you do not already own it, you should get yourself a copy of the 50th Anniversary Dvd of *Sleeping Beauty* that came out a few years ago...for the marvelous bonus features.
There is a special segment dedicated to the history and restoration of the *Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough* hosted by Tony himself.
Highly recommended viewing!
