This is an idea I've had for quite some time. For this, I was inspired by all the prompts used for the third project on SYWTBAI's current season. Although I couldn't make one of my own because life got in the way, the prompts that got sent in inspired me to make my own. I decided to weave together the concepts made by @Pionmycake and @Magic Feather, as well as a few ideas of my own, and put them under one roof. So, here's my idea for a new take on Disney interactive theme parks that could be found the world over.
Imagine a world where you could explore the magical realms of Disney, without having to venture that far from your front door. That world is The Magical World of Disney, an immersive new experience that takes the fun and magic found in Disney's theme parks and puts it right it all under one roof! The biggest problem with DisneyQuest was that it was basically a Disney-themed arcade. But here, we'll actually be able to step into the many amazing stories Disney has shared with us like never before. Essentially, consider this a satellite extension of a Magic Kingdom-style park. Here, the worlds of Disney come to life like never before. Each distinct "realm" has its own unique experience that brings a certain Disney story to glorious new life. These experiences take the concept of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to the extreme. A series of varied experiences that start by helping kids immerse themselves into these worlds by developing their characters and outfitting them for their adventure (sometimes involving a makeover). Then, they receive lessons on how to fill their role by someone from the universe they are joining. Finally, kids get an unforgettable experience that brings it all together! Each “world” also will have at least one thing aimed at either the whole family or specifically adults/teens. That way, this becomes a dream come true for all ages! The first-floor activities will be open every day, the experiences will usually only be done once a day (twice on weekends). The exact frequency of experiences is based on crowds.
In addition, there are countless other experiences to find here, including a few beloved favorites from the real-life Disney parks. There are tons of character meet & greets, plenty of interactive areas, a massive restaurant and shop, and all-around magic. I just can't wait to explore, so, come on, everybody: let's "fly away"!
The Magical World of Disney is designed as a story-tall building, enough to fit in any major city (NYC, San Diego, Tampa, etc.). But for the purposes of this walk-through (and because I'm a total dreamer), let's say this one takes place somewhere in my home state: Maine. Anyways, the building is decorated extravagantly, yet warmly. Inspired by the facade of the World of Disney store that used to reside along 5th Avenue...
...the building's exterior is made of stone, with stained-glass windows with the "D" emblem marking it. Below, hand-painted murals depicting famous Disney scenes line the edges of this mighty fortress. At the main entrance, a statue depicting the top of Cinderella Castle sits atop a cloud. A little Tinker Bell figure flies nearby. In the foreground, statues of Mickey and Minnie stand, arms open invitingly. A banner below them bears the name of this new amusement complex. Our eagerness rising, we dash inside.
Since the Magic Castle is the Main Hub, there aren't that many attractions here, mainly basic amenities. The Magical World of Disney's major restaurant is Animator's Palate. Inspired more by the original version of the Disney Cruise Line favorite, guests arrive to a black and white dining room, adorned with paintings of Disney characters, all adorned in black and white, even their wait staff is in black and white attire, but as their dinner continues, color begins to envelop the room, creating a beautifully decadent dining experience.
Although there are various smaller shops located throughout the complex, the major gift shop is Sir Mickey's Boutique, which sells all sorts of Disney-related merchandise.
This Magic Castle lobby also features prominent character meet and greets throughout the day. Basically, even if you don't have a pass or anything, you can still come down to experience this lobby free of charge. A check-in area is also here, where guests get their passes checked over. Passes will be generally cheaper than park tickets; so that's a plus. I'd say maybe $20-30 bucks per adult; $10 per child. Essentially, The Magical World of Disney would give guests the same Disney experience they'd get at the parks, but for a much lower price (unless you're an Annual Passholder). Now, located throughout the floors of the Magic Castle are portals which lead to each different realm. Most realms tend to serve as representation for the five major lands of Disneyland.
These realms are located on the same floor as the Magic Castle's amenities. Fortunately, the space required would be pretty big, so all these will be able to fit on one floor. It's also good because the upper realms are quite big and expansive. Serving as the MWOD's Main Street is...
Walt's Workshop is themed to a picture-esque Kansas City, Missouri art studio, where Walt Disney had lived to pursue a career in art. As the story goes, Walt had begun his art career in Kansas City, where he had opened his own studio, Laugh-O-Gram Films, and hired many animators to become a part of his team. Today, the guests are Walt's new employees. In Walt's Workshop, guests can find out what Disney character they are most like, they can create their own virtual portraits and mosaics, they can do a bit of their own voice-acting and recording work, they could piece together their own Silly Symphony short or create an adventurous and romantic plot to their own animated film. Also here is Animation Academy, a drawing classroom, where guests can be taught by an actual animator on how to draw some of their favorite characters. By the time the class is finished, they have polished work of art that they have hand-drawn themselves. If you want to rub shoulders with familiar Disney faces, drop by the Screening Room. Here's a good place to meet Disney's original classics. Since there are eight of these guys, they revolve around in sets of two: Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip and Dale.
Moving on, we have the first of two realms based around Adventureland. This one is more jungle/island-based; and it's aptly called...
Themed around the dense jungles of the world, Adventure Cove is the starting point of all of our amazing adventures. Stepping into Adventure Cove is like stepping into a film like The Jungle Book or Tarzan. Tropical music (mainly steel-drum) and jungle drums fill the air, setting the stage for some remote safari outpost in the middle of an unknown rainforest, which has turned into the makeshift base of the Jungle Navigation Co, Ltd. According to legend, the year was 1911. In that year, Dr. Albert Falls, the man who famously discovered Schweitzer Falls, founded the Jungle Navigation Co., a shipping business that moved cargo along the jungle rivers. However, once his granddaughter, Alberta, took over the company, business unfortunately declined. Noticing that the local area had become more of a spot for globetrotters than cargo shipping, a skipper approached Alberta with the idea to offer guided tours of the jungle rivers to passengers. And since then, business has been booming!
You know, as you enter Adventure Cove, 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 Dole Whip and fruits sold at Aloha Isle, 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. This relatively small show would be an excellent diversion, and one of a handful of rides from the parks to be transferred to the MWOD, offering a glimpse of things to come at the major resorts.
A near-decimated packing house, still laden with goods to be shipped overseas, hosts our favorite Jungle Friends, in particular, a famous orangutan, a groovy sloth bear, a sly meerkat, a militant elephant, a comical gorilla, and a wise mandrill, not forgetting Tarzan, Jane and Mowgli. Heck, I've heard that even Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie like to show up here! 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.
If the Na'vi River Journey at Animal Kingdom has taught me anything, it's that indoor boat rides through dense forest environments can work, so why not push the boundaries with an indoor Jungle Cruise? In the trusted hands of an outspoken, and quite comical, guide, we creep down rivers rarely traveled by the civilized world and into the exotic heart of darkness… Beautiful plants, fierce creatures and other fantastical remnants of a fictitious yesteryear fill the mystic jungles… Aboard an old cargo steamer, we travel down twisted, danger-filled rivers thru impenetrable jungles where dancing natives and charging hippos roam. A band of exuberant gorillas invade a deserted safari camp; a bothered rhinoceros attempts to teach a misguided film crew the point of “location, location, location”; ancient spirits materialize in a supernatural rage. As always, waiting around the final bend is Trader Sam, “Head Salesman in the Jungle” with his climactic “Two for One Sale.”
But, if you want some more character experiences in Adventure Cove, then why not head to the Grotto of Motonui, just along the banks of Adventureland? It is here at the Grotto that we can take part in Moana: Wayfinder Journey! This was one of @Pionmycake's excellent ideas.
The journey begins as children get the opportunity to dress like a Wayfinder. Then, an Islander from Motonui helps the kids work together to perform "Where You Are". Some kids will drum on coconuts, other dance, others bang actual drums, etc. After the fun musical party, Moana comes in! She tells the kids that she needs the help of some wayfinders to help recover Maui’s hook which has been stolen again by Tamatoa. Moana will then teach kids about being a wayfinder. Some sailing tips, how to read the stars, things like that. She also tells her story to the kids. Lastly, before going off on their adventure, she tells the kids they have to look tough if they are going to sail into Tamatoa’s lair. She tells them this by performing the deleted song “Warrior Face” except rewritten to be about Moana teaching the kids rather than Maui teaching Moana.
The kids then head inside the Grotto for the actual main attraction. This is a reskin of the Pirates game from DisneyQuest, themed to Moana. The cannons become coconut launchers. The big difference is that no on steers, but Moana is with you and has some secret controls over events on the screen. Some monsters can’t be defeated by the coconut launchers so she has the kids do their warrior face to scare it off. Maui will appear in the ride, but he doesn’t show up in person for photos with the guests. Afterwards, kids get to keep a special painted coconut signed by Moana as a souvenir. They can also keep their costumes for an extra fee. Of course, Moana also appears at the Jungle Friends outpost for meet & greets. Plus, the game itself can be played separate from the whole experience by anyone (without Moana herself playing with you). Harder difficulties are available for older guests, adding a little bit more of a challenge for adults.
Finally, we have the second half of "Adventureland"...
Step inside Pirates' Lair, and you'll find yourself in a vast labyrinth of subterranean caverns and paths harken to the ghostly catacombs of Paris' Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. There are two major experiences here.
First is the Pirates' Trek, a walk-through attraction through haunted grottos, the likes of which no brave mortal has ever dare lay eyes on. This was adapted from @MANEATINGWREATH's Adventure Isle concept from his Dream Disney Resort thread. The journey begins in the ominous Graveyard of Lost Ships whisks us thru a maze of beached vessels and volcanic bluffs, where decayed timbers and sand-kissed barnacles create a haunting, sub-aquatic playground. A capstan wheel levies a treasure chest from beneath the surface of a nearby inlet, the skeletal remains of an unfortunate brigand still clinging to the chest. Rusted pumps drive seawater out from a water-logged hull, revealing long-departed pirates and their earthly treasures.
From there, the catacombs lead us towards Dead Man’s Grotto. On a bold journey in the vein of Robinson Crusoe, we pass a collection of crude warnings - a la Injun Joe’s Cave - and enter a tunnel haunted with the eternal howl of an unseen hurricane. Lush waterfalls pour down into underground pools thru jagged fissures in the rocks alongside glistening crystals, stalagmites, and stalactites. The skeletal victims of an ancient sea battle appear strewn throughout the grotto, acting in lieu of furniture and decor. Thru an archway built from ribs and skulls, a dark path brings us to the underground lair of McGillicutty the Musical Sea Monster. With his pencil-thin mustache and starched collar, the operatic sea serpent sings in every known octave - bass, soprano, alto, tenor - and will happily perform an aria to a backdrop of dancing fountains and technicolor waterfalls before diving back beneath the surface with a thunderous splash.
Decayed rowboats and slashed sails mark our transition into a new portion of the cavern, thus unexplored by mortal men… Mysterious shapes run past beneath the surface of the surrounding waters, perhaps being sharks or some other fish… The haunting refrain of “My Jolly Sailor Bold” rings out as we come eye-to-eye with the skeletal remains of a perished mermaid, bound and tied to the wreckage of a small skiff. This chamber - Siren’s Keep - is the subterranean dwelling of nightmares and despair - land of the mermaids. Occasionally, the slightly-visible mermaids will engage in a feeding frenzy, screeching and howling, not showing what exactly they’re dining on. Quickly, we trek forward, wishing to explore a presumably safer stretch of this endless cavern…
A possessed harpsichord plucks away at the familiar theme of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” from its pedestal in the once-lavish interior of a sunken galleon, now completely submerged fathoms below the surface and deep into the earth. Jagged rocks and waterfalls surround the Crew’s Quarters on the starboard side, a dockside tavern stocked with every grog, rum and whiskey known to piratedom. A pair of skeleton patrons drink in splendor, eternally bound to a cobweb-draped bar-top. One buccaneer guzzles an endless pull of firewater from his glowing, red bottle. Large droplets drip into strategically placed pots and pans below, while in the background, girlish giggles and giddy chuckling emit from a spiral staircase leading into the abyss. A pair of fossilized cats warm themselves by an absent fire, as does a skeletal parrot in a stocking cap, frozen atop its cutlass-perch. On the opposite side of the passage, the finely appointed quarters of a ghostly sea captain are found in the Captain’s Quarters. The old captain lies in his bed, surrounded by the spoils of a lifetime of piracy. With his slender fingers, he clutches a magnifying glass over an outspread treasure map, magnifying his hollowed eye socket to grotesque proportions. On a nearby perch, another, but this time living parrot resides, blissfully unaware of the meaning behind its mindless chatter. Flint’s Treasure Cave is our last stop in the sprawling maze of Dead Man’s Grotto, the infamous treasure cache of Captain Flint himself. From atop a mountain of gold doubloons, jewels, and pieces of eight is the skeleton of Captain Flint himself, having returned in the afterlife to his beloved hideaway. Four of his doomed crew members lay at the base of the “mountain,” having been shot dead by Flint long ago. The evil captain examines a stack of doubloons in his gnarled hand, an old pistol in the other. Sharks can be seen lurking near the shore, perhaps welcomed by Flint as “built-in” security.
Pirates' Lair is designed as a "fork-in-the-road" in the midst of the catacombs. One path takes us on the Pirates' Trek, and the other one leads us towards Pirates of the Caribbean: Mystery of Port Royal.
In this experience (another @Pionmycake creation), we get to join Captain Jack Sparrow's crew! The experience starts with a visit to the Pirates' League, where the kids can become either a regular pirate, a skeleton pirate, a Neverland pirate, or a mermaid pirate. After reciting the Pirate's Code and being given their telescope and sword, kids are then taken to their ship to embark on a quest to save Captain Jack Sparrow who has been trapped in a cursed jewel! The ship is an updated version of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction from DisneyQuest where one kid gets to steer while the rest fire the cannons to defend the ship. After all, the Pirates attraction was pretty much the only thing that worked and didn’t make people nauseous or injured. After making it to the island, kids are then given a treasure map and told to solve the mystery of the room they are in to save Jack Sparrow. This is an escape room with simple puzzles for the young pirates to solve. After they do so, they get to have a meet-&-greet/celebration with Jack Sparrow and the treasure!
Kids get to take the toy sword and telescope with them as souvenirs as well as a “gold” coin from the treasure given to the kid by Jack Sparrow himself as a thank you for saving him. The costumes can be kept for an extra fee. For older guests, the Pirate ship game and the Escape room can both be booked separate from the experience. The escape room has the kids only mode, a family mode, and an adult focused mode. So, the game should be exciting no matter what guests are attempting it.
Heading upstairs, we come to the second story of the Magic Castle. The balconies provide us with beautiful views of the scrims, and a look at the ground floor from above.
Immediately to the left, we are greeted with the MWOD's Frontierland equivalent...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Imagine a world where you could explore the magical realms of Disney, without having to venture that far from your front door. That world is The Magical World of Disney, an immersive new experience that takes the fun and magic found in Disney's theme parks and puts it right it all under one roof! The biggest problem with DisneyQuest was that it was basically a Disney-themed arcade. But here, we'll actually be able to step into the many amazing stories Disney has shared with us like never before. Essentially, consider this a satellite extension of a Magic Kingdom-style park. Here, the worlds of Disney come to life like never before. Each distinct "realm" has its own unique experience that brings a certain Disney story to glorious new life. These experiences take the concept of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to the extreme. A series of varied experiences that start by helping kids immerse themselves into these worlds by developing their characters and outfitting them for their adventure (sometimes involving a makeover). Then, they receive lessons on how to fill their role by someone from the universe they are joining. Finally, kids get an unforgettable experience that brings it all together! Each “world” also will have at least one thing aimed at either the whole family or specifically adults/teens. That way, this becomes a dream come true for all ages! The first-floor activities will be open every day, the experiences will usually only be done once a day (twice on weekends). The exact frequency of experiences is based on crowds.
In addition, there are countless other experiences to find here, including a few beloved favorites from the real-life Disney parks. There are tons of character meet & greets, plenty of interactive areas, a massive restaurant and shop, and all-around magic. I just can't wait to explore, so, come on, everybody: let's "fly away"!
The Magical World of Disney is designed as a story-tall building, enough to fit in any major city (NYC, San Diego, Tampa, etc.). But for the purposes of this walk-through (and because I'm a total dreamer), let's say this one takes place somewhere in my home state: Maine. Anyways, the building is decorated extravagantly, yet warmly. Inspired by the facade of the World of Disney store that used to reside along 5th Avenue...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magic Castle
As if you couldn't tell most of this idea was fueled by the excellent introduction to The Magical World of Disney back in the late 90s. As such, the complex's foyer is the Magic Castle, a lavish hub designed like the interior of a grand castle. From above, scrims display pictures and videos of iconic Disney moments and characters (a la DCA's Animation lobby).Magic Castle
Since the Magic Castle is the Main Hub, there aren't that many attractions here, mainly basic amenities. The Magical World of Disney's major restaurant is Animator's Palate. Inspired more by the original version of the Disney Cruise Line favorite, guests arrive to a black and white dining room, adorned with paintings of Disney characters, all adorned in black and white, even their wait staff is in black and white attire, but as their dinner continues, color begins to envelop the room, creating a beautifully decadent dining experience.
This Magic Castle lobby also features prominent character meet and greets throughout the day. Basically, even if you don't have a pass or anything, you can still come down to experience this lobby free of charge. A check-in area is also here, where guests get their passes checked over. Passes will be generally cheaper than park tickets; so that's a plus. I'd say maybe $20-30 bucks per adult; $10 per child. Essentially, The Magical World of Disney would give guests the same Disney experience they'd get at the parks, but for a much lower price (unless you're an Annual Passholder). Now, located throughout the floors of the Magic Castle are portals which lead to each different realm. Most realms tend to serve as representation for the five major lands of Disneyland.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FLOOR ONE
FLOOR ONE
These realms are located on the same floor as the Magic Castle's amenities. Fortunately, the space required would be pretty big, so all these will be able to fit on one floor. It's also good because the upper realms are quite big and expansive. Serving as the MWOD's Main Street is...
Walt's Workshop
Walt's Workshop is themed to a picture-esque Kansas City, Missouri art studio, where Walt Disney had lived to pursue a career in art. As the story goes, Walt had begun his art career in Kansas City, where he had opened his own studio, Laugh-O-Gram Films, and hired many animators to become a part of his team. Today, the guests are Walt's new employees. In Walt's Workshop, guests can find out what Disney character they are most like, they can create their own virtual portraits and mosaics, they can do a bit of their own voice-acting and recording work, they could piece together their own Silly Symphony short or create an adventurous and romantic plot to their own animated film. Also here is Animation Academy, a drawing classroom, where guests can be taught by an actual animator on how to draw some of their favorite characters. By the time the class is finished, they have polished work of art that they have hand-drawn themselves. If you want to rub shoulders with familiar Disney faces, drop by the Screening Room. Here's a good place to meet Disney's original classics. Since there are eight of these guys, they revolve around in sets of two: Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip and Dale.
Moving on, we have the first of two realms based around Adventureland. This one is more jungle/island-based; and it's aptly called...
Adventure Cove
Themed around the dense jungles of the world, Adventure Cove is the starting point of all of our amazing adventures. Stepping into Adventure Cove is like stepping into a film like The Jungle Book or Tarzan. Tropical music (mainly steel-drum) and jungle drums fill the air, setting the stage for some remote safari outpost in the middle of an unknown rainforest, which has turned into the makeshift base of the Jungle Navigation Co, Ltd. According to legend, the year was 1911. In that year, Dr. Albert Falls, the man who famously discovered Schweitzer Falls, founded the Jungle Navigation Co., a shipping business that moved cargo along the jungle rivers. However, once his granddaughter, Alberta, took over the company, business unfortunately declined. Noticing that the local area had become more of a spot for globetrotters than cargo shipping, a skipper approached Alberta with the idea to offer guided tours of the jungle rivers to passengers. And since then, business has been booming!
You know, as you enter Adventure Cove, 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 Dole Whip and fruits sold at Aloha Isle, 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. This relatively small show would be an excellent diversion, and one of a handful of rides from the parks to be transferred to the MWOD, offering a glimpse of things to come at the major resorts.
A near-decimated packing house, still laden with goods to be shipped overseas, hosts our favorite Jungle Friends, in particular, a famous orangutan, a groovy sloth bear, a sly meerkat, a militant elephant, a comical gorilla, and a wise mandrill, not forgetting Tarzan, Jane and Mowgli. Heck, I've heard that even Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie like to show up here! 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.
If the Na'vi River Journey at Animal Kingdom has taught me anything, it's that indoor boat rides through dense forest environments can work, so why not push the boundaries with an indoor Jungle Cruise? In the trusted hands of an outspoken, and quite comical, guide, we creep down rivers rarely traveled by the civilized world and into the exotic heart of darkness… Beautiful plants, fierce creatures and other fantastical remnants of a fictitious yesteryear fill the mystic jungles… Aboard an old cargo steamer, we travel down twisted, danger-filled rivers thru impenetrable jungles where dancing natives and charging hippos roam. A band of exuberant gorillas invade a deserted safari camp; a bothered rhinoceros attempts to teach a misguided film crew the point of “location, location, location”; ancient spirits materialize in a supernatural rage. As always, waiting around the final bend is Trader Sam, “Head Salesman in the Jungle” with his climactic “Two for One Sale.”
But, if you want some more character experiences in Adventure Cove, then why not head to the Grotto of Motonui, just along the banks of Adventureland? It is here at the Grotto that we can take part in Moana: Wayfinder Journey! This was one of @Pionmycake's excellent ideas.
The journey begins as children get the opportunity to dress like a Wayfinder. Then, an Islander from Motonui helps the kids work together to perform "Where You Are". Some kids will drum on coconuts, other dance, others bang actual drums, etc. After the fun musical party, Moana comes in! She tells the kids that she needs the help of some wayfinders to help recover Maui’s hook which has been stolen again by Tamatoa. Moana will then teach kids about being a wayfinder. Some sailing tips, how to read the stars, things like that. She also tells her story to the kids. Lastly, before going off on their adventure, she tells the kids they have to look tough if they are going to sail into Tamatoa’s lair. She tells them this by performing the deleted song “Warrior Face” except rewritten to be about Moana teaching the kids rather than Maui teaching Moana.
The kids then head inside the Grotto for the actual main attraction. This is a reskin of the Pirates game from DisneyQuest, themed to Moana. The cannons become coconut launchers. The big difference is that no on steers, but Moana is with you and has some secret controls over events on the screen. Some monsters can’t be defeated by the coconut launchers so she has the kids do their warrior face to scare it off. Maui will appear in the ride, but he doesn’t show up in person for photos with the guests. Afterwards, kids get to keep a special painted coconut signed by Moana as a souvenir. They can also keep their costumes for an extra fee. Of course, Moana also appears at the Jungle Friends outpost for meet & greets. Plus, the game itself can be played separate from the whole experience by anyone (without Moana herself playing with you). Harder difficulties are available for older guests, adding a little bit more of a challenge for adults.
Finally, we have the second half of "Adventureland"...
Pirates' Lair
Step inside Pirates' Lair, and you'll find yourself in a vast labyrinth of subterranean caverns and paths harken to the ghostly catacombs of Paris' Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. There are two major experiences here.
First is the Pirates' Trek, a walk-through attraction through haunted grottos, the likes of which no brave mortal has ever dare lay eyes on. This was adapted from @MANEATINGWREATH's Adventure Isle concept from his Dream Disney Resort thread. The journey begins in the ominous Graveyard of Lost Ships whisks us thru a maze of beached vessels and volcanic bluffs, where decayed timbers and sand-kissed barnacles create a haunting, sub-aquatic playground. A capstan wheel levies a treasure chest from beneath the surface of a nearby inlet, the skeletal remains of an unfortunate brigand still clinging to the chest. Rusted pumps drive seawater out from a water-logged hull, revealing long-departed pirates and their earthly treasures.
From there, the catacombs lead us towards Dead Man’s Grotto. On a bold journey in the vein of Robinson Crusoe, we pass a collection of crude warnings - a la Injun Joe’s Cave - and enter a tunnel haunted with the eternal howl of an unseen hurricane. Lush waterfalls pour down into underground pools thru jagged fissures in the rocks alongside glistening crystals, stalagmites, and stalactites. The skeletal victims of an ancient sea battle appear strewn throughout the grotto, acting in lieu of furniture and decor. Thru an archway built from ribs and skulls, a dark path brings us to the underground lair of McGillicutty the Musical Sea Monster. With his pencil-thin mustache and starched collar, the operatic sea serpent sings in every known octave - bass, soprano, alto, tenor - and will happily perform an aria to a backdrop of dancing fountains and technicolor waterfalls before diving back beneath the surface with a thunderous splash.
Decayed rowboats and slashed sails mark our transition into a new portion of the cavern, thus unexplored by mortal men… Mysterious shapes run past beneath the surface of the surrounding waters, perhaps being sharks or some other fish… The haunting refrain of “My Jolly Sailor Bold” rings out as we come eye-to-eye with the skeletal remains of a perished mermaid, bound and tied to the wreckage of a small skiff. This chamber - Siren’s Keep - is the subterranean dwelling of nightmares and despair - land of the mermaids. Occasionally, the slightly-visible mermaids will engage in a feeding frenzy, screeching and howling, not showing what exactly they’re dining on. Quickly, we trek forward, wishing to explore a presumably safer stretch of this endless cavern…
A possessed harpsichord plucks away at the familiar theme of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” from its pedestal in the once-lavish interior of a sunken galleon, now completely submerged fathoms below the surface and deep into the earth. Jagged rocks and waterfalls surround the Crew’s Quarters on the starboard side, a dockside tavern stocked with every grog, rum and whiskey known to piratedom. A pair of skeleton patrons drink in splendor, eternally bound to a cobweb-draped bar-top. One buccaneer guzzles an endless pull of firewater from his glowing, red bottle. Large droplets drip into strategically placed pots and pans below, while in the background, girlish giggles and giddy chuckling emit from a spiral staircase leading into the abyss. A pair of fossilized cats warm themselves by an absent fire, as does a skeletal parrot in a stocking cap, frozen atop its cutlass-perch. On the opposite side of the passage, the finely appointed quarters of a ghostly sea captain are found in the Captain’s Quarters. The old captain lies in his bed, surrounded by the spoils of a lifetime of piracy. With his slender fingers, he clutches a magnifying glass over an outspread treasure map, magnifying his hollowed eye socket to grotesque proportions. On a nearby perch, another, but this time living parrot resides, blissfully unaware of the meaning behind its mindless chatter. Flint’s Treasure Cave is our last stop in the sprawling maze of Dead Man’s Grotto, the infamous treasure cache of Captain Flint himself. From atop a mountain of gold doubloons, jewels, and pieces of eight is the skeleton of Captain Flint himself, having returned in the afterlife to his beloved hideaway. Four of his doomed crew members lay at the base of the “mountain,” having been shot dead by Flint long ago. The evil captain examines a stack of doubloons in his gnarled hand, an old pistol in the other. Sharks can be seen lurking near the shore, perhaps welcomed by Flint as “built-in” security.
Pirates' Lair is designed as a "fork-in-the-road" in the midst of the catacombs. One path takes us on the Pirates' Trek, and the other one leads us towards Pirates of the Caribbean: Mystery of Port Royal.
Kids get to take the toy sword and telescope with them as souvenirs as well as a “gold” coin from the treasure given to the kid by Jack Sparrow himself as a thank you for saving him. The costumes can be kept for an extra fee. For older guests, the Pirate ship game and the Escape room can both be booked separate from the experience. The escape room has the kids only mode, a family mode, and an adult focused mode. So, the game should be exciting no matter what guests are attempting it.
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FLOOR TWO
FLOOR TWO
Heading upstairs, we come to the second story of the Magic Castle. The balconies provide us with beautiful views of the scrims, and a look at the ground floor from above.
Immediately to the left, we are greeted with the MWOD's Frontierland equivalent...
*TO BE UPDATED: MORE COMING TOMORROW*
