The fabulous 'Tony Baxter Tour of Disneyland' - a venture

Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thank you!
I do enjoy adding in some details where appropriate.
:)

Speaking of such, the last scene from the larger design I will share a close up view of is packed full of such little details.
Enjoy!

It's 'Indiana Baxter' off on another adventure to acquire rare antiquities....
In the background, bats flutter from a crumbling cave while cobra snakes slither about.
Snakes....why did it have to be snakes...?






As I have probably mentioned in this thread previously, Tony is a huge fan of Indiana Jones and the original film trilogy.
The 'Indiana Jones Adventure' is still one of his favorite Attractions, and he has a impressive collection of memorabilia related to the character on display in his home.
He has often been seen dressed as the character at special Park Events, the most recent to fans likely being the special 20th Anniversary AP Event held at Disneyland in March of 2015.

Getting to place him in this scene, dressed the way he is, was rather fun.
I have a feeling Tony himself would likely enjoy seeing himself in that 'role', too..!


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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Yes indeed, the 'golden idol' our intrepid hero is holding in the above image is a 'Figment-tized' version of the fertility idol Dr. Jones pursued in 'Raiders of The Lost Ark'.
Had to keep Figment within the scene somehow, and this seemed to be the most appropriate way.
;)

And speaking of our tntrepid hero.....



Something absolutely mind-blowingly amazing has just happened related to this upcoming venture.
Something truly incredible from a ultimate-Baxter-fan perspective.
I am totally geeking out right now as I type this, but must remain calm as nothing is certain but my oh my, 'what a wonderful day..'!
This is indeed going to be one heck of a experience!


I could say more, but it is probably best I don't say more at this point until it actually does happen.
Just know that I was not kidding when I said earlier that this particular chapter in the ongoing saga of my adventures in 'Baxterland' has the real potential to be something very special.
Wowee......!!
I am totally dazzled right now.


In the meantime, I really need to catch up on my reading.
Two days to go...and then it is GO time, baby!

My brain already feels like it is exploding from all the possible excitement to come.
Stuff one only dreams about from a fan perspective may well about to come true...

Time to read to try to calm down a little....



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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
A few more art related pictures to share as we get closer to the 'big day'.....


Here's a peek at the original inspirational sketches for 'The Heart Of All Creation'.
The idea for the design popped into my head one morning while sitting in the back room of where I work and I immediately had to scribble out a rough version on a handy Post-It note pad.
All the main scene 'poses' were captured in these rough sketches, including 'eye expression' notations.

It took almost a year to finally begin and then finish the final design, and looking back it looks very much like this first rough sketch with a few exceptions.
The central scene was changed slightly, and the dialog removed.
I also rethought the seating arrangement of the two characters in the log as I realized it would be somewhat 'out of character' to have Tony riding in the front seat.
Figment would so totally want that spot....!






Here is a photo to give viewers a sense of the finished designs actual size -
The artist holding up the original artwork.
My the places this has been, and where it is about to go....!





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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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Today is the day, folks...
We are GO for takeoff to 'Baxterland'..!
Pack yer bags, grab yer ticket, and take to the skies ( in more ways then one )...!







Let the 3,000 mile trek begin....!
It's only like eight hours....or so.....

Every mile will be worth it by the end of this journey.
The epicness of what is to come is totally blowing my mind!
This is so much more then just a cross country trip to visit a Theme Park.
So much more....
:)




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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
phruby said:
Have a great time! Just make sure not to tie Aunt Edna's dog to the bumper!

Click to expand...


Thanks!
No worries regarding Aunties dog - airplanes don't have bumpers!
;)

Funny you should mention this ...
My Dad was just talking about this very scene from that film the other day.
I think he secretly wishes he had a car like the Family Roadster...


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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
rle4lunch said:
why can't I see any images? they're all x'd out. is it my work computer doing this or are others having the same issue?
Click to expand...

Might be your work computer, as the images should be showing up.
A lot of workplaces have filters on their computer services to block out graphics.
The place I work has it big time....lots of 'Xs' in place of web graphics or pictures on websites.

Try having a look when you get home, or on another device.
:)

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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Well I made it out here safely....after weather delays and long flights, I was dead tired upon arrival.
But today is a different matter.
Today, high adventure awaits!

Woke up to the famous Anaheim wild parrots chattering in the palm trees.
Had some pineapple juice with breakfast....oooo yeah....now I know I'm here.

So off to 'Baxterland' to ride the rails, plunge into the briar patch, and soar to another galaxy.
More wonders await...this is just the first day of the venture!

I'll be in the Park today, so if you see someone wearing a unique artwork inspired t-shirt and a 'Tony Baxter Fan Club' pin back button, that will likely be me.
:)

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Phroobar

Phroobar

Well-Known Member
Don't forget to pick up a "I'm Celebrating!" pin at one of the info kiosks. Have them write Tony Baxter on it.

city_hall_button_im_celebrating_2010_large.jpg
 
Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hey, I like your thinking my friend!
Will look nice next to my already present 'Tony Baxter Fan Club' pin!
:)

Well, the first day in the Park was great...no big crowds, exspecially in the morning and late afternoon.
I expect today to be very different with two seasonal favorites opening.

Had a great time hitting all the 'Baxterland' highlights....but sad to report that 'Tony's River Run' ( aka 'Splash Mountain' ) is in rather rough shape.
I have not personally seen it in such poor show condition.
Such a contrast to how nicely it appeared back in April!

The issues were AAs....several missing, several not working, and some working but in a poor state.
The other very noticable issue was lighting.
Many bulbs burned out or just turned off.
Operational figures left in complete darkness, such as the entire left hand scene in the Laughin' Place sequence.
Wow.

If I had the opportunity to choose three Attractions to ride with Tony himself this visit, I would probably skip this one due to its poor state.
Would probably be too depressing for him to see one of his creations in such poor Show condition.
With that option now out, what would the three choices be now?
Hmmm....well 'Tony's Mountain' ( aka 'Big Thunder Mountain' ) for certain.
Also 'Tony's Temple of Wonders' ( aka 'Indiana Jones Adventure' ) if it is still open ( refurb begins Sunday ).
The third choice?

Hmmm.....what would YOU choose...?

If you could ride three Attractions with Tony Baxter, what would YOU choose...?
Let's hear it, people!

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JediMasterMatt

JediMasterMatt

Well-Known Member
Unfortunately, DL's Splash is suffering due to California's DOSH laws about fall protection. Routine maintenance in a large part of the show building simply isn't possible anymore without closing the attraction and reworking a large part of the interior walkways and work areas. It will require a huge refurb that unfortunately, TDA hasn't let happen yet (I heard it's more to do with the time the ride will be offline more than the actual cost). It's sad as Splash in DL needs to be bright in order for you to take everything in due to the increased speed you are moving through the show building compared to the others. It by far is the worst example of show in DLR's attraction collection these days.

When you see Tony, tell him thanks again from me for helping fill my childhood with Imagination and wonder.

Oh, and if you are looking for 60th pins, try Off the Page in DCA. They had the largest set of 60th pins available at any of the stores on property when I checked last Friday.

Check out Pirates to see if the new digital cloud/moon projector is still in place in the port battle scene.

I'll post my thoughts on my latest visit to DLR soon; but, it's safe to say - the continental divide in quality continues to widen between the East/West Coasts.
 
Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
JediMasterMatt said:
Unfortunately, DL's Splash is suffering due to California's DOSH laws about fall protection. Routine maintenance in a large part of the show building simply isn't possible anymore without closing the attraction and reworking a large part of the interior walkways and work areas. It will require a huge refurb that unfortunately, TDA hasn't let happen yet (I heard it's more to do with the time the ride will be offline more than the actual cost). It's sad as Splash in DL needs to be bright in order for you to take everything in due to the increased speed you are moving through the show building compared to the others. It by far is the worst example of show in DLR's attraction collection these days.

When you see Tony, tell him thanks again from me for helping fill my childhood with Imagination and wonder.

Oh, and if you are looking for 60th pins, try Off the Page in DCA. They had the largest set of 60th pins available at any of the stores on property when I checked last Friday.

Check out Pirates to see if the new digital cloud/moon projector is still in place in the port battle scene.

I'll post my thoughts on my latest visit to DLR soon; but, it's safe to say - the continental divide in quality continues to widen between the East/West Coasts.
Click to expand...

Thank you Matt for posting.
Yes, I have heard about the issues regarding the fall protection laws and it is a shame the Attraction's Show elements have to suffer because of it.
I suppose the lighting will be addressed when the next scheduled refurb happens.


Thank you also for the heads up regarding the 60th pins.
I will make a note of this over in the 60th thread where I posted my recent merchandise observations.
I have not been over to DCA yet this visit but Off The Page is usually a shop I pass through.
Always enjoyable checking out the books and artwork there.
:)

I was on 'Pirates' yesterday afternoon...love the increased fog and the smoking cannons in the fort attack scene.
It was not like this when I last rode in late April.
Also happy to report the blast of air that creates the sensation of a cannonball whizzing right by you in that battle sequence is still functioning.
Love that effect!
Did not notice the new moon effect, but ceiling clouds were in excellent working order.
Will certainly be riding a few more times before departing next week.

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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Well things are about to go to a whole other level ....
A level i only ever imagined in my dreams.

If you had told me three years ago when I began this thread that within that time frame the title of said thread would one day become reality, I would actually get to experience I probably would'nt have believed it.
But beleive it, 'Baxterland' enthusiasts...believe it!

Tonight, I had probably one of the most incredible experiences any long term fan of Tony and his work could possibly have.
There is so much I could say right now, but right now there is just too much to say.

After reading various stories over the years about other fans' experiences I can now say I have a amazing story of my own.
But all in good time.
The epicness, charm, and sheer 'mind blown' factor...mixed with a dash of emotion has me rather speechless at this moment in the wee hours of the early morning here in Anaheim.
Just wow....

Dreams really do come true, folks.
Never not beleive it!

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Figments Friend

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thank you....I am quite excited, too!
I didn't sleep much last night after all that happened.

You will be happy to hear I did a special photo shoot yesterday of some 'new discoveries'.
Some extensive shooting of further details on display at 'Tony's Temple of Wonders' ( aka 'Indiana Jones Adventure' ) and a few other scenic gems.

There are also a few photos that shall be forthcoming to illustrate the incredible experience I was graced with last night, but it will take some time before I can reveal those.

My the story I have to tell...
:)

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