Worldwide Disney From Scratch

[orlando678-]

Come all, Come one...And feel Welcome

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The Walt Disney Company is one of, if not the greatest and largest company in the world when it comes to theme park and media entertainment nowadays. Disney was originally founded on October 16, 1923 by Walt and Roy O. Disney. Even though its' success is clear and the company has grown from animated shorts to full-feature films to theme park empire and media company, many choices made by the company are debatable, especially when it comes to the opinions of fans. Sometimes the company chose for cheap ways out instead of offering the quality, the world is expecting from them, often leaving masterplans unbuilt. Of course, we all have our own vision of how the Disney parks and the company should develop or should have developed. Questions like pleasing the mass by implementing popular franchises or staying true to a certain immersive theme often cause debates and split the fan base of the company. In this thread I'd like to share my vision of how I think the parks should have developed or could develop.

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This is not necessarily a realistic vision, but primarily focuses on what could have been or could be. That's why I'm not only looking at what the existing resorts could be, but also at potential future locations for Disney Theme Park Resorts. If some ideas sound familiar, that is possible. I'm mostly inspired by plans that were once proposed for these locations, but were never built. But also sites like Ideal Buildout.BlogSpot.com and Imagineerland.Blogspot.com and our own WDWMagic Imagineers here on the threads come with great ideas or descriptions from time to time. One of the more recent ones that has truly inspired me is @MANEATINGWREATH with his Mirror Disneyland - An Alternate History thread, which you should definitely check out if you haven't already. In this thread I'd like to share my vision of the parks, but also open up the opportunity to discuss which choices Disney could or should have made, building our very own perfect Disney alter-reality.

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So let's travel back to the year 1954. Walt Disney, one of the founders of The Walt Disney Company, has put aside his plans for a Mickey Mouse Park across his studio in Burbank. This park would have been a smaller, much more intimate theme park experience born from the wish to transport Guests to a world between worlds, the DisneyVerse. This Mickey Mouse Park would be an 8-acres park resembling small-town America in the early 20th Century, featuring a Town Square/Main Street area, a Western Village, a Farm, a Carnival and a scenic water body. Proposed attractions included a horse-drawn streetcar, a stern-wheeler riverboat, horse-drawn surreys and buckboards, a stagecoach wagon ride, a donkey pack train, various carnival rides, a canal boat ride, a space ship replica, a submarine ride and perhaps the most important one, the steam train ride. Why, you ask?

Well, Walt's fascination with trains was one of the main reasons why he wanted to built a Disney park. Close to his family farm ran the tracks of the Santa Fe Railroad, which had grown to his interest. In 1945, he discovered Warm Kimball, one of Disney's most valued animators and directors, had a narrow-gauge railway running around his backyard, equipped with its own steam locomotive. The experience made a huge impression on him and two years later he purchased his own electric trainset. It later grew to be track of half-a-mile around his property, with the engine named Lilly Belle, to help placate his wife. Not only trains, but the fascination with miniature replicas were very important to him.

The fact that you could capture a feeling, a theme, a place in your very own planned location or design grew to his imagination. A third reason was the fact that he received lots of fan letters sent to the studio in which people expressed their wish to meet Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse, or share hug with Princess Snow White. However, Disney's focus would be a problem - he did not believe that watching a bunch of guys bending over drawings would be appealing and therefore a limited amount of people actually got to visit the studio. Lastly a visit to the Danish Tivoli Gardens, located in the country's capital, Copenhagen and his many visits to Griffith Park inspired him to build a park where old and young could have fun together.

''well, it came about when my daughters when very young and I... Saturday was always the 'daddy's day' with the two daughters, so we started to try go some place a little different and I'd take them to the merry-go-round and I took them different places. As I'd sit there, they rode the merry-go-round and all these things...sit on a bench, eating peanuts, I felt that there should be something built, some kind of an amusement enterprise somewhere parents and the children could have fun together'' - Walt Disney after he was asked what inspired him to build Disneyland.​

Mickey Mouse Park was designed to be a small, family-friendly park that would differ significantly from typical amusement parks of the era. It would offer grassy areas, picnic tables, water features and gentle rides that could be enjoyed by the whole family. The town square that was supposed to be the opening land and introduction to the park was modelled after Walt's childhood town, Marceline, Missouri. This would be built around a village green, with a railroad station at one end and the Town Hall at the other. The village green would have featured host benches, a bandstand, a drinking fountain, trees and shrubs.

''A place for people to sit and rest; mothers and grandmothers can watch over small children at play, while offering Guests somewhere to relax, cool off and feel invited.''​

The train station would actually host the tracks of his narrow-gauge track steam train circling much of the park. The Town Hall would be the headquarters of the entire Mickey Mouse Park. Besides these two buildings, the street would have featured a fire station, a police station and a selection of shops including a drug store (with a soda fountain), a toy store, a toy repair shop, a magic shop, a hobby shop, a book store, a store for dollhouse furniture, a music store, a children's clothing store, a candy store and a functioning post office. The opera house would host a movie theatre. Scaping the area, would have been statues of Disney characters adding to the area's ambiance. Near the village, you would find a picturesque view over an island in the center of a large lake. Guests would have the opportunity to board a stern-wheeler riverboat and circle the island. However, the Wild West adventure craze at the time would prove the horse-drawn streetcar transporting Guests between the main village and a Western settlement to be much more popular. This settlement would feature a general store, a stagecoach wagon ride, a donkey pack train, a smaller movie theatre, a pony ring, as well as a frontier museum. From here, you could board horse-drawn surreys and buckboards that carry you to the old-fashioned farm and carnival-area of the park, filled with typical Midway stuff like roller-coasters and merry-go-rounds. Smaller proposals included a canal boat ride through Lilliputian land, featuring miniature-scaled models of a world for miniature-sized people, a mock spaceship that Guests could wander around, a submarine ride based on Jules Verne's visions of the deep seas, a haunted house walkthrough overlooking the village and a roller coaster-style ride that would race across a broken bridge.

Not much later, Walt discovered that his interest in bringing his properties to his Guests grew bigger and bigger each idea. His irritation, caused by the fact that he didn't want to copy the existing carnivals and midway amusement parks, led to him looking for land elsewhere, leaving Mickey Mouse Park unbuilt. He hired a consultant from Stanford Research Institute, who recommended a remote location in Anaheim, California. Here Walt Disney would find they had the blessing of size to themselves and he was finally able to bring his characters to his Guests in his very own Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Park, which would have had lots of influences from the first envisioned park near the studio in Burbank.

Imagine yourself in 1954, sitting in front of your television together with your family. Suddenly, Walt Disney himself appears on the screen unveiling his plans which would become Disneyland through the Disneyland series. The show contained teasers for his park, as well as episodes representing life in one of the park's main sections: Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland. Consequently, Davy Crockett and other pioneers of the Old West, and American history appeared in Frontierland. Similarly, 20,000 leagues under the Sea might be the focus of an evening spent in Adventureland, although a documentary or a true-life adventure film could also be possibly presented. Topics for Fantasyland would include either actual cartoons, and animated or documentaries, or documentaries on The Making Of or Behind the Scenes. Tomorrowland was an opportunity to the Disney staff to present cutting-edge science and technology, and to predict possible futures, such as futuristic automobiles and highways.

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Not a year later, on July 17, 1955 Walt Disney previewed the park with a live television broadcast and the next day the park would open to the general public. The opening day event was an occasion known to Cast Members as ''Black Sunday'', because of the many problems the park experienced on the day. Trees were still being planted, the paint was still wet, the park was over-crowded, the park ran out of food and beverages, the asphalt on Main Street U.S.A. was still wet, many of the rides broke down, water fountains weren't working because of the plumbers' strike, a gas leak took place in Fantasyland, the Mark Twain Riverboat nearly capsized and sank in the first days and many negative reviews were published about the park.

''Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better''​

And that's exactly what Walt didn't do. Despite the shaky start, the park continued to grow and attract Guests from across the country and around the world. Nowadays, we have the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the Tokyo Disney Resort, the Disneyland Resort in Paris, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Shanghai Disney Resort, making the company one of the largest theme park corporation in the world. Disney is known for amazing storytelling, immersive landscaping and impressive innovation when it comes to the technology, atmosphere, key beliefs and philosophy, which are often ground-breaking. This is why the invention of the audio animatronics and many other systems and formulas have become pin points in the history of theme parks.

Enough of the history lessons though. In the following posts, we are going to dive into Disneyland and what I believe it could/should have been...

 

[orlando678-]

Disneyland Park

Disneyland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world, with 708 million visits since it opened. Its' theme of fairy tales, legends, heroes, innovation, history, adventure and Disney characters have attracted Guests since 1955. What was once an orange grove, has been transformed into Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. It is known as ''The Happiest Place on Earth''. The park's entrance is marked by a turn of the century train station from the 19th Century, of course symbolizing Walt's passion and interest for steam locomotives. In front of the train station, a colourful flowerbed is shaped in a large Mickey Mouse face. Passing one step under the train tunnels of Main Street U.S.A. transports you to another world. The red tiles feel like the park is inviting you to step into the movie screen and instead of watching the movies, actually ''live'' them, as if the tiles represent a red carpet to a movie premiere starring you as the main characters. Disneyland wasn't meant to be an easy day off with the family, it was supposed to bring you and your family far beyond the world you know. Passing under the tunnels, means you've stept into the Disney Universe, the Disney Story. A bronze plaque announces:

''Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy''

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And that is exactly what a visit to Disneyland is. Time stands still, everything that mattered outside the park grounds, has become meaningless, we have now entered our own story and venture through the park to discover the many other stories taking place in this mirror universe. While you pass under the tunnels of the Main Street Station, you'll pass by many posters, which represent highlight attractions in the park. Sounds of the park can be heard as you walk (''Dead Men Tell No Tales'', ''Welcome to and if you look closely the posters move subtly time from time (like Space Mountain's rocket racing through space, the hitchhiking ghosts from the Haunted Mansion asking for a lift and a hippo emerging from the water in the Jungle Cruise poster). The Main Street Train Station is not a mock station, but an actual functioning home to the Disneyland Railroad (formerly the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad). Inside the train station itself, Guests can find a miniature model of Disneyland with several miniature trains racing over the tracks, promising an interesting ride to come. The Disneyland Railroad travels along its single track in a clockwise direction on a circular route in about 18 minutes to complete the full tour around the park. Once the signal light in the locomotive turns green, the journey from the Main Street USA section begins with the train traversing a small bridge, into the mysterious depths of Adventureland, through the tunnels into New Orleans Square, then leading us to the Fantasyland station until we finally reach the last stop, Tomorrowland. This is not only a coincidence but also a symbolic trip by going through time to end up in the most futuristic of lands at Disneyland. The locomotives each have their own name. Instead of formerly having five locomotives, the C.K. Holliday, the E.P. Ripley, the Fred Gurley, the Ward Kimball and the Ernest S. Marsh, a new one, the Lilly Belle joins the troup and proudly tours Guests around the park.

During your trip you'll also pass by planned scenes, placed specifically for riders of the Disneyland Railroad. These include encounters with wildlife in Adventureland and Frontierland, views into specific highlight attractions and of course the famed dioramas between Tomorrowland and Main Street USA. What was once a long tunnel through a backstage service area had turned into the dioramas of the Disneyland Railroad in 1958 and featured the Grand Canyon diorama and the Primeval World diorama. Personally I adore these dioramas and I believe that it would be a wonderful addition if more scenes from Walt Disney's Ford Magic Skyway attraction at the 1964 New York World's Fair were added, in addition to some more movement, especially in the Grand Canyon diorama. The most recent refurbishment to the dioramas has really blown new life into the dioramas with its' effects. The ride would now transition from passing by the futuristic city of Progress City, then moving into the Grand Canyon Diorama and even the originally envisioned Florida Everglades, California Redwood Forests and the Louisiana Bayou scenes, slowly transitioning into the cavemen and Primeval world diorama as we know it today.

Main Street U.S.A.
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Past the train tunnels lies Main Street USA, patterned after a typical Midwest town of the early 20th Century, especially themed after Walt's childhood town of Marceline, Missouri. The town was meant to be a slow transition from everyday life into the DisneyVerse and as Walt said, ''For those of us who remember the carefree time it recreates, Main Street will bring back happy memories. For younger visitors, it is an adventure in turning back the calendar to the days of their grandfather's youth''. The area's town square is meant to feel inviting and welcoming. From the first second you step onto the grounds of the town, your senses are being tested, luring you deeper into the park to see what lies ahead. The smells of bakeries, popcorn and candy shops, the sounds of honking motorcars and horse-drawn trolley bells and the sights of perfectly detailed town buildings all truly capture Main Street's feeling of being home. In the center of Town Square, we can find the American Flag Post, where everyday the Flag Retreat Ceremony takes place. A delicately placed plaque reads Walt Disney's very own Disneyland dedication speech from opening day.

'' To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts which have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world''
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Instead of truly altering the area, you might notice that instead, the area will have more attractions, shops and dining options maintained from older days, which in reality now lay in yesterland. Inside the Main Street Museum, you'll find The Disney Gallery. Explore Disney-inspired art by contemporary artists- plus historic and rare theme park concept renderings, models and memorabilia. At the end of the gallery, you'll find the Disneyland Story Theatre. This large, expansive and beautifully decorated theatre hosts a show, mixing physical sets and effects with sound and video footage to tell the story of Walt Disney and the opening of Disneyland, including the story of some of the beloved attractions and features at Disneyland. Inside the Main Street Cinema, we'll find the Mickey and the Enchanted Projector show. This 4D multimedia show lets Guests venture inside a vintage movie palace for a screening of some of Walt Disney's earliest animated shorts as Mickey Mouse and the audience are sucked into the animated world of classic cartoons such as Steamboat Willie, Plane Crazy and the Band Concert. Using effects such as wind, odor and sound, perfectly combine and simulate the cinematic adventure you're experiencing together with the mouse who started it all.

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As you're walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A., you are sure to pass by one of the Main Street Vehicles. Travel back in time on a nostalgic ride downtown in a charming turn-of-the-century vehicle. Vehicles include, a horse-drawn street car, a Jitney automobile, a fire engine from Main Street’s very own Fire Station and the Omnibus, a gas-powered, open-air 2-story bus. When it comes to dining options, Main Street U.S.A. has plenty to offer. Dine on classic American comfort food, including some of Walt’s favorite dishes at Carnation Café. Based on the Lady and the Tramp, which takes place in Marceline, Missouri, Tony’s Restaurant. Everyone loves Italian, but this is no ordinary Italian restaurant! It’s where Lady and the Tramp shared their first kiss. At the old-fashioned Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find sweetly nostalgic sundaes dressed up with freshly baked waffle cups and cookies. Or keep it classic with floats, hand-scooped cups and cones. Visit the Main Street Market House where you can find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as signature beverages, delicious artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods. Take a break on the shaded patio and listen to the tinkling ivories of Disneyland’s very own ragtime piano player at the Corner Café, where you can enjoy crowd-pleasing American classics like specialty hot dogs, sourdough chili bowls, soft pretzels, desserts and fountain drinks. Also on the patio is The Blue Ribbon Bakery, where you’ll relax on the charming garden patio of this European bakery with fresh baked goods, coffee and tea. Lastly, The Great American Egg House serves everyone’s favorite breakfast while offering a quaint view of the bustling early morning activity in and around Town Square.

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If you’re looking for souvenirs or other memorable items, visit one of the section’s many shops. The largest of these, The Main Street Emporium, is a Disneyland classic. Travel back through time as you enter a turn-of-the-century store offering the largest souvenirs in all of Disneyland Park. Don’t forget to peek through the windows of this store as enchanting miniature window dioramas tell some of Disney’s most beloved animated stories every now and then. The Music Company is where you’ll get in tune with your inner artist and dive into a wide collection of musical merchandise items and real sound equipment. Sink your sweet tooth into an old-fashioned array of confectionaries at the Candy Palace and Kitchen. Peek inside the glass-walled kitchen to see candy makers at work choosing from chocolate-covered strawberries, caramel apples, toffee, fudge and so much more! Etch marks the spot at Crystal Arts. Commemorate your visit to the park with sparkling gifts and exquisite crystal mementos – like figurines, tiaras and personalized glassware that can be engraved while you wait. Filled with sleight-of-hand, mini illusions and fun tricks you can learn, the Magic Shop is sure to amaze everyone in your party. Become one with your inner pin enthusiast at the Main Street Pin Collector Store. This melodious Main Street shop features the latest pin collections. The Photo Supply Company is where you can swing by to preview, purchase and print out your Disney PhotoPass photos- or stock up on camera supplies like memory cards and batteries. On the streets you’ll find the Silhouette studios. Transform a magical day into a keepsake treasure, courtesy of silhouettes featuring your entire family. Watch in wonder as the artists create at a rate of 60 seconds per portrait – you can even tuck their work into its very own picture frame.

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Not only is Main Street to many indoor experiences, but it’s also where you’ll find various entertainment options on the streets, from viewing areas for the park’s parades, as well as the nighttime spectacular, serving as a perfect goodnight kiss at the end of your day at the park, to smaller shows performed by for example Main Street’s Dapper Dans. This barbershop quartet spins harmonies as they play the chimes, tap dance and regale audiences with vaudeville wit. The Disneyland Band makes you swing along with the live-big band music and the Firehouse Five Plus Two Band plays a collection of classic Firehouse Dixieland tunes in the middle of Town Square. Some hidden secrets on Main Street include Walt’s personal apartment above the Firehouse, perfectly maintained and always leaving a light on to let Guests know that he’s still making sure everyone is having a great time at his Magic Kingdom. At the end of the street lies the park’s castle (different from what we know in reality), subtly inviting us to the heart of the park, the Hub. This strategy is a famed philosophy of Disney theme parks, controlling its Guests flow by luring Guests from the beginning of the park to a crossroads of lands.

To be Continued…

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[Suchomimus]

Instead of formerly having four locomotives, the C.K. Holliday, the E.P. Ripley, the Fred Gurley and the Ernest S. Marsh, a new one, the Lilly Belle joins the troup and proudly tours Guests around the park.

What about the Ward Kimball?

 

[orlando678-]

What about the Ward Kimball?

Totally forgot about the newest one, I'll add the engine name right away!

 

[Suchomimus]

Totally forgot about the newest one, I'll add the engine name right away!

Two questions about Lilly Belle; what will be her wheel arrangement, and will she a tank engine or tender engine?

 

[orlando678-]

At the far end of Main Street U.S.A. lies what we know as Central Plaza or the Hub of Disneyland Park. Not only from a structural perspective, but also symbolical, the Hub acts as the Heart of the park, a crossroads of the lands to come, where adventure, excitement and wonder awaits. From here, Guests are pass through and are given the choice, where to next? Direct paths lead into Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, the park’s four original lands, even though other lands have been added to this list over more than 60 years of Disneyland Park. This is…

Central Plaza

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For those who have visited a Disney Park, you might recognize the often used navigation pattern in the park. An information architect might call it a hub-and-spoke model. Guests begin at a central location before accessing other parts of the park. Although it seems obvious now to use this strategy in a theme park, Disneyland was a pioneer in 1955, no other parks in existence showcased multiple themes. Many theme parks were evolved from European pleasure gardens, country fairs in rural America, trolley parks in urban America and other local parks. What we notice in these parks is that it’s harder to form a mental model of its structure upon quick observation. What makes the hub-model so appealing? Well, first of all Walt had noticed how families in other settings would often end up in conflict while trying to decide where to go next. If the park would overflow with Guests and the park didn’t have its structure it has today, these families would take up a lot of space. The hub therefore facilitates a clear view of all possible paths. Another reason is the fact that it prevents Guests from getting lost. The large central icon element or the weenie of the park provides a landmark which people can spot easily at many locations within the park and to get back to knowing where they are. Another reason would be the fact that it prevents people from excessive walking. The park’s central plaza easily brings you from one place to another (also serves so that no one area gets too crowded and people have an enjoyable time) and additionally offers a place to sit down for a while, away from all the rides and thrills.

The Central Plaza is a place where you can hang out, enjoy a snack, take in the ambience and relax in a beautiful setting. It is here that we can sit down on a bench, or at a table, hiding away from the California sun. At the center of the Plaza, you’ll find the famous Partners Statue by Blaine Gibson depicting Walt Disney holding the hand of the most popular character he created, Mickey Mouse. Many have wondered and speculated about what is actually happening in the statue. Gibson once told the media that it is as if Walt is admiring his Magic Kingdom and saying to Mickey, ‘Look what we’ve accomplished together, because truly they were very much a team through it all. Look at all the happy people who have come to visit us today.’ The statue was originally added to the plaza in 1993 and has become a Disneyland must, not to miss. A plaque below the statue quotes Walt Disney saying,

‘’I think most of all what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place…where parents and children can have fun…together!’’​

Not only does Central Plaza act as a crossroads to the other lands, it also acts as a transition further into the otherworldly. Guests notice that they are moving away from everyday life and deeper into the DisneyVerse. Where Main Street U.S.A. offers Guests comfort by using familiar aspects in life, the Hub offers mystery and builds up excitement for everything beyond the gates of the other lands. When it comes to dining, the plaza offers several options that are perfect for a pause on your day in the park. Perhaps one of the most beloved places to dine at the park is The Red Wagon Inn. It is resplendent in the elegance of a by-gone area reminiscent of the famed eating houses. All appointments are authentic mementos of the gay and glamorous 90s – including the stained glass ceiling, entrance hall and foyer taken from the St. James home in Los Angeles. Atmosphere, however, is not confined to the building alone. The menu itself brings back visions of historic good eating – including steaks and chops. Although, many might wonder why I personally prefer the Red Wagon Inn title, I believe its style was far more authentic for the hub of the park. Outside stands The Little Red Wagon selling corn dogs, not far from where the Red Wagon Inn parks its horse-drawn red delivery wagon.

Pop on by any of the popcorn carts at Disneyland and you’ll see what Disney means when they say ‘’this old-fashioned favorite keeps getting better and butter. The scent of fresh popped popcorn lures Guests to this small cart selling a snack that is perfectly made for your day at Disneyland. So what makes these popcorn carts at Disneyland so special? Well, look closely inside the small window and you’ll see a little figure tirelessly turning the popcorn for the guests; these figures vary depending on where in the park you are. The one in the Central Plaza is operated by a straw hatted man sporting a full mustache who looks like he could take an easy stroll down Main Street U.S.A. Near the Partners Statue, another cart is operated by a clown. At the other end of Central Plaza, adjacent from the Red Wagon Inn, you’ll find the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. This quick-service, turn-of-the-century style restaurant is known for being practically perfect in every way. Themed after the famous song in Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday scene, the restaurant offers charming garden patio and serves fresh baked goods like muffins, pastries and other sweets, coffee and tea.

Although I have mentioned the importance and function of Disneyland’s central focal point, the castle, I haven’t mentioned its appearance and theme. It is an iconic symbol of the Company and the resort. However, the park will not feature its’ famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. Instead, it pays tribute to its very first animated feature-film fairy tale, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs and will have a design very similar to its original concept (except for the fact that the castle was meant to be at the end of Fantasyland, which was surrounded by castle walls). The castle is based on the medieval castles in Germany, including of course the fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle will be noticeably larger than the existing Sleeping Beauty Castle, but it stays true to the petite feel and atmosphere it has today. A draw bridge leads to the castle, as the castle is separated from the Hub by a circling moat. Above the archway to the castle, you might notice a coat of arms. It belongs to the Disney family. Disney fanatics might notice small details added to the castle like small forest animals worked into the architecture and the presence of seven towers, representing the Seven Dwarfs towering above the structure. Inside the castle, you’ll find large sculpted caryatids of the Seven Dwarfs holding up the structure of the castle, an homage to the movie, similar to the Team Disney structure, also known as the Seven Dwarfs Building at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Leading you through the castle is the Once Upon A Time Adventure. Step through the Magic Mirror portal and enter an enchanted dimension of wonder: Snow White’s Fairy Tale World. In a similar manner to what the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough and the Once Upon A Time Adventure at Shanghai Disneyland offer, this walkthrough lets Guests experience the classic tale like never before. Although the walkthrough will be very similar to the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough, it will include some of the interactive elements that are found at Shanghai Disneyland. While the action of the story plays out, you become part of the fun, villainy and romance. And when this exciting tale finally ends ‘’happily ever after’’, it’s sure to live on as an experience you’ll never forget. Underneath the Castle another surprise awaits. It is here that the bravest of Guests are dared to enter The Evil Queen’s Dungeon. Similar to La Taniere du Dragon at Disneyland Resort Paris, Guests will find themselves wandering through eerie castle dungeons, past skeletal remains, menacing shadows, creepy rats and crows and even leading you to an encounter with the Evil Queen in her Old Hag disguise offering an enchanted apple to Guests.

Although it could be easily missed, to the side of the castle, you’ll find Snow White’s Grotto and Wishing Well. Listen to Snow White’s enchanting voice as you make a wish by throwing a coin into this magical well. The grotto consists out of statues of princess Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and even a few of her woodland creature friends. The princess stands atop of a cascading waterfall. The statues were once donated anonymously to Walt Disney. However, Snow White was made the same size as the dwarves which led to a problem when Walt decided he wanted these statues incorporated into the park. Forced perspective was used to make the statues work. Guests wandering through Fantasyland might notice a hidden gem inside one of the windows of the castle. Watch closely and you’ll see the curtains swish. The Evil Queen watches over Fantasyland Guests every few seconds.

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To be continued…

 

[Suchomimus]

Its locomotive will have the american arrangement, celebrating classic americana. She will have a tank engine

Not gonna lie, that actually took a back because a 4-4-0t is almost unheard here in the States.

 

[orlando678-]

Not gonna lie, that actually took a back because a 4-4-0t is almost unheard here in the States.

Ah honestly I used to have a lot more knowledge about locomotives when I was younger, guess it mostly faded over the years.

 

[Suchomimus]

Ah honestly I used to have a lot more knowledge about locomotives when I was younger, guess it mostly faded over the years.

That’s understandable.

 

[orlando678-]

On the southwest of the park lies a land without limits when it comes to exploring. Mysterious sounds of unknown creatures, lush forests and lost temples await to be discovered by you. A story unfolds as we travel to…

Adventureland

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Adventureland is one of the first four themed-lands of Disneyland. It is themed to resemble the remote jungles in exotic regions like Africa, Asia, South America and the South Pacific. Adventureland provides a 1930s view of exotic adventure, capitalizing on the Tiki craze and late colonialism. Lush vegetation resembles jungles while elements of the ‘’other’’ surround the visitor. Tribal performance masks, conga drums, totem poles, exotic animal statues and unfamiliar architecture make for a confined area in which nature wins the battle from industry and technology. Although it was originally envisioned as True-Life Adventureland, based on Disney’s famous nature documentaries on Africa and Asia, where live animals would inhabit a mysterious jungle river, the land now has become an adventure of your own with some fictional aspects to add to the DisneyVerse experience.

‘’To create a land that would make this dream reality, we pictured ourselves far from civilization, in the remote jungles of Asia and Africa’’​

From the Central Plaza of the park, you will find the entrance to Adventureland on your left, near the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. It is marked by an arch held up by two tropical island huts. On top of the marquee reading Adventureland, you’ll find a tribal mask from unknown origin. From the moment we step into Adventureland we find ourselves in what art historian David T. Doris describes as ‘’a pastiche of imaginary colonial spaces, conflated within the green and foliate milieu of ‘’The Jungle’’. This is a land of expeditions, of temple robbers, of archeological and biological discoveries, of crossing borders and meeting new cultures and peoples. A plaque near the entrance of Adventureland reads Disney’s opening day dedication speech for the land,

‘’Here is adventure. Here is romance. Here is mystery. Tropical rivers – silently flowing into the unknown. The unbelievable splendor of exotic flowers…the eerie sound of the jungle…with eyes that are always watching’’​

Adventureland will remain largely the same, except for the fact that it will receive an overarching storyline, connecting the land with other sections of the park and other rides, restaurants, shops or lands at other Disney parks and resorts around the world(credits to @Evilgidgit for his SEA Cinematic Universe Thread). Disneyland’s Adventureland will mainly focus on Dr. Albert Falls, a scientist and explorer known for his ability to navigate the remote waters of the rivers of the world and his sense of humor. The story goes that in 1911, Albert Falls established the Jungle Navigation Company, a shipping company he had hoped would improve the way cargo moved up and down remote jungle rivers. Not shortly after Falls’ granddaughter Alberta is sent to live with him, as her father recognized an adventurous spirit in her that would not be content with him traveling on the lecture circuit. However, she falls ill from a rare and potentially fatal disease. Falls learns that the only known cure is from an equally rare plant. Out of despair, he approaches his old friend Henry Mystic, who eventually invites Falls to join the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The S.E.A. is a fictional organization in various attractions at the Disney theme parks.

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The Society was first founded in the 16th Century in Italy at Porto Paradiso by Leonardo Da Vinci and other likeminded people. Consisting out of scientists, explorers, researchers, artists, travelers and adventurers from around the globe and is dedicated to the continued exploration of the world’s oceans and far-off remote lands. Their Mission Statement reads, ‘’The mission of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers is to collect, conserve and curate valuable cultural and artistic artifacts from around the world and make them available to the public in an artistically pleasing and sensitive manner. It is furthermore the mission of the organization to equip and mount socio-cultural expeditions to discover, explore, chronicle and protect the artistic achievements of human society, past and present, exalted and forgotten. In the 1920s, The League of Adventurers is founded, a globe-trotting organization dedicated to scientific and archeological studies and expeditions. They are known to support the Society on specific missions and even discover Adventure Isle, the land of the Arbori People.

After joining the SEA, an expedition team is recruited and sent on a mission to the African Veldt, the only place where we can find this rare plant. Here they meet Daniel Goff, a local daring skipper who tours around the region from a British Outpost. During their journey they encounter many animals and even meet Trader Sam. In the end they find the Shiriki Utundu tribe. Though they look threatening at first, they are in fact a peaceful people and help the team obtain the rare plant. Alberta is saved and after many years takes over her grandfather’s Jungle Navigation Company. In 1931, she starts offering the Jungle Cruise tours. This led to a rise in tourism and teams of explorers to travel to the area, making Adventureland a growing exotic land for visitors all around the globe.

When it comes to attractions, Adventureland has a few interesting ones. An opening day attraction, Jungle Cruise remains a very popular one nowadays. Cast off on a guided tour of the world’s most remote rivers – where dangerous beasts and dry wit abound. During the ride we’ll pass by some of Dr. Falls’ discoveries such as the Sunken Cambodian Temple or the Shir Lee Temple, Schweitzer Falls and most notably the backside of water. Besides these wonderous locations, we’ll encounter many animals like crocodiles, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. Meet the Shiriki Utundu People and even wave hello to Trader Sam offering 2 heads of his for one of yours. Although not much has changed, the attraction will adopt one effect that can now be found in Tokyo Disneyland’s version. This will be the impressive indoor projection mapping effect inside the lost temple, bringing the murals of the temple to life.

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Besides many visitors and explorers, a family stranded in Adventureland long before Dr. Falls came here. Brave the smugglers’ trails of Adventureland and discover this magnificent tree house built by the shipwrecked Swiss Family Robinson in the Swiss Family Treehouse. It opened in 1962, two years after the movie’s release. Although the attraction is a simple walkthrough attraction, it has receive a new update in which Guests can interact with certain objects in various parts of the tour. Additionally, new activities similar to the ones that can be found at Shanghai Disneyland’s Camp Discovery have been added so that brave Guests can challenge themselves on different courses through the jungle environment.

Inside a building inspired by the South Seas and Polynesian region, we can find one of Dr. Falls’ most famed collections. As a scientist interested in wild and plantlife, he has witnessed many incredible things. However, after he came to Adventureland to search for the rare plant that could save his granddaughter, he discovered many birds and plants who could actually sing and talk. He opened the Enchanted Tiki Room, where Tropical birds, tiki gods and colorful flowers come to life in a swinging South Seas musical celebration. The attraction originally opened in 1963 and was the first attraction to feature Audio Animatronic technology. The adventure starts outside in the Tiki Garden, where Polynesian Gods and Tikis come to life and tell the story of their powers. Inside the building you’ll meet your four hosts, Jose (a macaw with a Mexican accent), Michael (a macaw with an Irish accent), Pierre (a macaw with a French accent) and Fritz (a macaw with a German accent). After a short introduction, Guests witness over 150 talking, singing and dancing birds, flowers, the magic fountain, tiki drummers and tiki totem poles.

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Falls was a pioneer in exploration and discovery in this area, but many followed after him to discover the wonder, the romance and the mystery of Adventureland. One of these brave adventurers that followed was Dr. Henry Jones, also known as Indiana Jones, characterized by his bullwhip, fedora, satchel, leather jacket, wry sense of humor, deep knowledge of ancient civilizations and languages and his fear of snakes. Hidden in the jungles, lies the River Temple. In Indiana Jones Adventure you’ll embark on a fast-paced thrill ride in search of Indiana Jones- enter this cursed temple at your own risk! During your excavation trail you’ll dodge and encounter living cobra statues, undead mummies, lava rocks and escape the spirit of the cruel and terrifying River Gods. (This version will not be themed to the temple of Mara to stay connected to the rest of Adventureland, but don’t worry the Temple of the Forbidden Eye has found a new home elsewhere.) The ride would recreate other famous exploits of Indiana Jones, such as his escape from the giant rock boulder of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

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As part of a major expansion in Adventureland, the Indiana Jones portion of the land has been expanded with a large indoor section where the Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure and one new attraction meet. This huge complex would center around the crumbling river temple perched on the edge of the waters of the Jungle Cruise. The new Ore Car Racers would be a roller coaster which would recreate the mine chase sequence of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with rusted mine carts whiz along volcanic chasms. This would complete the Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition complex. The Jungle Cruise would receive a new scene in which it passes through the temple and nearly escapes falling boulders, crashing into the river.

Besides attractions, Adventureland is home to many dining options. Tear into some toothsome jungle skewers at this quick-service featuring spicy or sweet beef, chicken, bacon-wrapped asparagus or fresh vegetables at Bengal Barbecue. Pine no more for pineapple- savor a taste of sunshine with the legendary frozen treat known as Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar, near the Enchanted Tiki Room. At the most recent addition to Adventureland, The Tropical Hideaway, Guests escape to an amazing jungle oasis offering fast ‘n’ easy fare with a sense of adventure in the air. Hungry for adventure? Savor the tropical cuisine of Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. Inside you’ll find many hidden references to S.E.A. Lastly at Tropical Imports you can Fuel your safari with healthy provisions at this snack stand in Adventureland. Find fruit in all its’ forms: whole, cut, fresh and dried. Try tropical pineapple or mango! Pickle spears, trail mix, veggie snacks and bottled drinks are also sold.

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If you like shopping better, visit one of the retail stores in Adventureland. Choose from a wide selection of tropical clothing, sunglasses, and Disney plush toys, or swing by the pressed penny machines for an Adventureland souvenir at the Adventureland Bazaar. South Seas Traders is a quick stop offering merchandise from many non-Disney brands, all with a boho or tropical theme. Offering a variety of Indiana Jones merchandise, hats and jackets, the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost prepares you for your next exciting expedition. At the Safari Gallery, Guests can play and entertain themselves with mini-games, a shooting gallery and small interactive features. It would be themed to S.E.A.’s Safari Club, a small expedition team known for venturing the jungles and plains of Adventureland. As you play these games, you are training to become the Safari Club’s newest member. And so we conclude our expedition through Adventureland, for now….

 

[Suchomimus]

On the southeast of the park lies a land without limits when it comes to exploring.

That would be Tomorrowland. Adventureland is actually in the southwest.

 

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That would be Tomorrowland. Adventureland is actually in the southwest.

Woops changed that

 

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The jungle slowly disappears and makes way for a more familiar style. A land of bayous, pirates, spirits and voodoo emerges and a swinging rhythm takes over the tribal drums of Adventureland. At the edge of the rivers of America lies…

New Orleans Square

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Celebrate the spirit and culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, where jazz and creole cuisine meet, and something exciting hides around every city corner. Stepping into New Orleans Square, is stepping back into the 19th Century. The city is the most unusual city in America. It is famous for Cajuns, Mardi Gras, Voodoo and jazz. Built on a patch of swampland between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartin, it united many different people. Although its name includes Square, the land is more of a complex series of intertwined streets. The first plans to include a New Orleans-themed area were made in the late 1950s as part of an expansion. It evokes the energy, elegance, culture, music, architecture and cuisine of the French Quarter. It features several classic Disneyland attractions, along with distinctive boutiques and restaurant that give Guests a little taste of the Big Easy in the 1800s. From swashbuckling pirates to hitchhicking ghost to street musicians, New Orleans Square certainly has character. Towering trees provide shade and seem to have stood there for a Century. In fact, some predate Disneyland Park itself.

‘’Disneyland would be a world of Americans, past and present, seen through the eyes of my imagination – a place of warmth and nostalgia, of illusion and color and delight.’’​

Not only was New Orleans an obvious choice for a city to inspire a new land at Disneyland because of its culture, but it was also frequently visited by Walt and his wife, Lillian. They loved it; ‘’Where else can you find iniquity and antiquity so close together?’’ New Orleans Square was the first that time that the Imagineers tried to create an accurate portrayal of a real place instead of a romanticized impression. The area is a carefully designed, fully immersive, urban environment. The staging of the design elements is meant to slow you down and allow you to soak up the atmosphere. The high level of detail is necessary because this space reflects the qualities of a place that really exists and would be accessible to many of Disneyland’s visitors. To give Guests a sense that this was a real place where real people lived and worked take a close look at each of the balconies. Each one expresses different vocations such as a fortuneteller, painter, or a group of musicians. Also, the color palette is more muted than for example on Main Street. The buildings look aged with rust runs and the sun has gently faded the paint, yet it does not look unkempt or dirty.

The idea of a ‘’pirate show’’ in its earliest form had been planned as a museum of piracy and a wax museum, meant to showcase both historic artifacts and tableaux with static figures of famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Henry Morgan and more importantly Jean Lafitte, one of the main characters in New Orleans Square. A walk through pirate ride was designed, with different sections of scenes behind glass that would light up as you walk by. However, after the 1964 World’s Fair, audio animatronics had survived its baptism by fire, and the boat flume had proven operationally successful, thus Walt scrapped the pirate museum and decided to reconceive the entire show. An ambitious new attraction was envisioned, called Pirates of the Caribbean. Steer a course for the Golden Age of Piracy on a swashbuckling cruise through seas plagued by scoundrels. The attraction has always been written in two acts. The first one is showing the pirates after they’ve passed away from greed and the second act is told how they were in their living years, how they were looking for treasure etc. It is therefore the story of pirates in reverse, explaining why the long dark tunnels with caverns passing by the remains and treasures of pirates, transitioning into the living pirate scenes.

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Your adventure begins in a shadowy bayou, where you’ll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates’ Grotto. Dead men tell no tales here, but they guard their treasure for all eternity. A cursed treasure chest takes us back to the world of these sea robbers. Navigate cannon fire between a fort and an actual pirate ship. Behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunders. Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, ‘’Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me!).’’ During the ride, keep a spry eye out for sly Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, whose role will be more subtly implemented than is presently done, since I think the attraction does enough storytelling outside the movie references.

Another attraction that was designed to be very different from what it is right now is the Haunted Mansion. The idea for a run-down manor perched high on a hill towered over Main Street was first envisioned for the original Mickey Mouse Park in Burbank. However, the plans were scrapped and never really fitted in with any of the lands that opened with Disneyland on opening day. When New Orleans Square became a popular new idea as part of an expansion, a haunted house walk-through was drawn up. Imagineers studied New Orleans and old plantations and came up with a drawing of an antebellum manor overgrown with weeds, dead trees, swarms of bats and boarded doors and windows topped by a screeching cat as a weather vane. Disney rejected the idea of having a run-down building in his park. When he visited the Winchester Residence in San Jose, California he was captivated by its size, mystery and rich story. The attraction received a re-design in its proposal phase and became as we know it today. However, in my version of the park, every haunted mansion would have a different storyline, though connecting them all by the mysterious Madame Leota. The Haunted Mansion attractions are places of infortune, haunted by 999 ghouls and spirits, but there is always room left for a thousand.

‘’When hinges creep in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the hall, whenever candle light flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight…’’​

Disneyland’s version circles around a rich man and his wife. The man was a wealthy hatter manufacturer. Not only was he a self-made millionaire with his hats, but also with his illegal deals with pirates at the time, particularly with Jean Lafitte. Madame Leota, a famous fortune teller and gypsy, known for her mystique, without anyone ever knowing her age or origin visited the man, warning him for danger to come. The man, however, didn’t believe the woman and called her a witch. This was the day infortune fell over the house. His wife became mad and ended up beheading the hatter before killing herself. Ever since their deaths, many have tried to move in the well-kept mansion, but weirdly enough they’ve all died in peculiar ways on the property, causing the house to be surrounded by a large graveyard. Loyal servants and groundkeepers still maintain the house, although no one dares to stay there at night. Many who have visited the house have said that they have witnessed curious presences of former residents, in particular the hatter and his wife in the attic also known as the Hatbox Ghost and the Maniac Bride. A cloaked figure with an evil, grinning face. With each beat of his bride’s heart, his head disappears from his body and re-appears in his hatbox. His bride is a mysterious dark presence, with a maniacal laugh haunting the attic.

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Take your seat in a gloomy Doom Buggy for a spooky tour through this house of happy haunts. Dearly depart into a foreboding estate, drag your body to the dead center of the portrait chamber and watch as the walls start to stretch. Glide past a rattling casket in the conservatory. Head off to Madame Leota’s spooky séance room. Float by the Grand Ballroom and its waltzing apparitions. Take a spin through a cemetery where the spirited residente regale you with song. Beware of lurking hitchhikers – these phantom pranksters may try to follow you home! After disembarking your Doom Buggie and ascend back to the ‘’living world’’, you might see your tiny Ghost Hostess, also known as little Leota, who encourages Guests to: ‘’Hurry back…hurry back! Be sure to bring your death certificate, if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now. We’ve been ‘dying’ to have you.

Hidden in the cemetery of the estate, we can find not only interactive experiences, but also the presence of a large mysterious tomb, in honour of Jean Lafitte. Inside this crypt next to the Mansion, Guests can find an underground culminating on a real-life pirate island, known as Lafitte’s Landing. The entrance to all of this was NOT going to be the riverfront archway. From here, Guests tunnel through a series of secret chambers lined with skeletal victims of pirate Jean Lafitte. These tunnels are inspired by the catacombs of Paris. It represents a sort of macabre tribute to Lafitte’s fallen comrades and shadowy conquests. Rumors of treasure! Eventually you emerge on Lafitte’s Landing, filled with shipwrecks, foliage, interactive experiences and a pirate experience similar to Legends of the Seven Seas. This would not be the only way to travel to the island. Guests are able to board a Pirate raft and cruise over the rivers and stop by at Lafitte’s secret pirate ship dock before you venture on your quest for lost treasure.

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For dining, embark on a culinary adventure with Cajun and Creole Cuisine at one of the park’s most popular and authentic eateries themed to the Blue Bayou short from Make Mine Music, The Blue Bayou Restaurant. This is a tone poem which has the mystery and brilliance of a segment featuring an egret couple looking for companionship in the loneliness of the bayou. At Café Orleans you can find savor soups, sandwiches and salads with a French Quarter flair. Sup on time-honored southern specialties, soups, salads and sandwiches in a lush garden that looks out on New Orleans Square at the French Market Restaurant. Not too far away we can find the Mint Julep Bar. While away a warm afternoon with a non-alcoholic mint julep. Fresh Mickey beignets and soft drinks are also served at this walk-up window within the garden patio. At the Royal Street Verande you’ve got it made in the shade with a scrumptious sourdough bowl of clam chowder, steak gumbo or vegetarian gumbo. Sit on the patio underneath a beautiful wrought-iron balcony and enjoy fritters and fountain beverages. The most special dining option however is Tiana’s Palace, a swinging restaurant where Guests can enjoy a live show implementing the real New Orleans jazz feel to the Princess and the Frog’s exiting soundtrack as well as Tiana’s New Orleans specialties such as her beignets and gumbos. Follow the story as they talk about the waitress, who was desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner and is then set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him. Plunge into a classic jazz musical adventure which recreates this animated story with authentic New Orleans sounds. When it comes to high-class dining, find the location of the haute-couture restaurant Club 33.

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When it comes to shopping, New Orleans Square has plenty of small shops to explore. Cut a groove through the bayou to come across exceptionally etched pieces of crystal at Cristal d’Orleans. From personalized and pitchers to tiaras, figurines and more, celebrate the spirit of the New Orleans Square with a piece of glittering glassware. La Mascarade d’Orleans exudes Southern charm with an antique feel, giving you an essence of shops in the French Quarter. A 20th Century antiquities shop known as Port Royal can be found in the middle of Royal Street. Offering a curated selection of the Disney Dress Line, celebrating Disney Parks and movie classics in clothing form, Le Bat en Rouge is where visitors can shop a selection of vintage-style dresses, bags, ties and smaller accessories. Let your senses whisk away while you stroll past Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie, captivated by the floral and effervescent scents. Find sweet treats and small souvenirs at Royal Street Sweets or celebrate your adventure on Pirates of the Caribbean with a souvenir from Pieces of Eight. As you wander the streets you might see the Portrait artists, where a talented Disney artist will sketch your likeness, the Parasol Carts, where you can get your own custom decorated parasols or the Big Easy Big Band bringing the City to life with authentic jazz sounds and swing along to their dances. And so we have passed through the land of gloomy bayous, voodoo magic, happy haunts and sea robbers…

 

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I'm sorry about the delay. Im kinda bummed about the fact that the site didnt save the text i wanted to post, so that's why i had to start all over, but the new post will come soon!

 

[orlando678-]

Located in the northwest quadrant of the park is themed to the national parks and forests of the United States. This is the land of bears and other forest critters, this is:

Critter Country

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Originally, this area was home to Indian Village, featuring Native American shows and attractions, including the Indian War Canoes circling the Rivers of America. Guests could witness different sequences of traditional Native dances. However, in 1971, the area was rebuilt to become Disneyland’s seventh themed area, Bear Country. It was themed to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, ruled by wild bears and the popular Country Bears with their Country Bear Jamboree. As you followed the wilderness trail from Frontierland, you would see how the color of the path changed from gray to maroon, which means we’ve just entered a new land. Past the cave of Rufus the Bear, snoring in a deep slumber and the Indian Trading Post lies this land, featuring Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, the Keelboat Landing, The Golden Bear Lodge, Theater Bear Band, Mile Long Bar, Teddi Barra’s Swingin’ Arcade and the Wilderness Outpost. In 1988, the land was changed to Critter Country, where other critters with their huts, nests and burrows scattered throughout. Originally, the plan was to merge New Orleans Square and Bear Country as one bigger Dixieland themed area, but the concept was turned down. To de-emphasize the bear presence, shops and restaurants were re-named, and with Splash Mountain as it’s’ highlight attraction, the land is almost unmissable.

''Where the folks are closer to the critters and the critters are closer to the folks.''
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Although in reality, we had to wave goodbye at the Country Bears, our alternative Disneyland has embraced the characters, but also embraced the changing interest of its Guests. That’s why Country Bear Jamboree was no longer an attraction, but instead we now have the Country Bears Rickety Runaway Mine Carts ride. In this thrilling and musical roller coaster ride, Guests will board swinging mine carts a la Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and dash in and out of twisting caverns as you join the familiar Country Bears on a rickety mine cart ride through Critter Country. Although it’s somewhat similar to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it will also be quite similar to Hong Kong’s Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars in which the vehicle switches direction and tracks, passes by different show scenes and yet still offers a thrilling experience in a beautifully themed mountainous setting. The ride’s plotline revolves around Oscar, Zeb’s son who is part of the Five Bear Rugs band, known for sitting quietly on the right-hand side of the Band’s platform, clutching and squeezing his teddy bear. In the ride you’ll find out that Oscar has lost his beloved teddy bear and is now trying to find it back in the mines of Critter Country. The Country Bears will need your help to find him back in a thrilling, yet fun family experience.

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Our second e-ticket attraction in Critter Country is Splash Mountain, a log flume ride with several dark ride scenes based on the characters, stories and songs from the 1946 film, Song of the South. This film was based on the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris. The live actors provide a sentimental frame story, in which Uncle Remus relates the folk tales of the adventures of Br’er Rabbit and his friends. During the ride you’ll set off on a delightful log flume ride featuring the characters from the film, leading to a climatic steep 50-feet-deep drop into a briar patch followed by an indoor finale. After the closure of the America Sings revolving animatronic show, imagineers were looking for ways to use the figures elsewhere. Tony Baxter eventually came up with the idea of using the Song of the South, despite its critical response. Although it was the original version of the ride, it has been altered several times in this alternate Disneyland, adjusting certain show scenes and figures, even adding scenes which in reality we see in Tokyo and Orlando, but not in Anaheim. The most important change, however, was the re-design of the log flumes themselves, which would be changed to the Orlando logs, seating 6 in one vehicle.

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Although, the Country Bear Jamboree is no longer an attraction, we can still find Country Bear Hall in Critter Country. It now houses the Country Bear Hall Restaurant. Guests will be able to enjoy all-American specialties, while listening to a musical revue of the Country Bears. Because even though the building doesn’t host the show as an attraction, it will be altered to be side entertainment for Guests dining inside. Characters rise up to the stage on platforms, descend from the ceiling and appear from behind curtains. During the show you’ll meet characters such as Liver Lips McGrowl, The Sun Bonnet Trio and even Buff, Max and Melvin, the head portions of an American Bison, a whitetail buck and a bull moose hanging on the wall. The land’s other signature dining option is the Great Outdoors Lodge. Is that your stomach growling? Don’t grin and bear it. Forage for tasty fast food in one of the park’s most tranquil settings. This restaurant will romanticize American nature and camping culture, glorifying the North-American wildlife and critters and takes over the Hungry Bear Restaurant. Relax by the rivers of America and take time out to admire the peaceful waterfront view, look for ducks waddling along the river shore, squirrels scampering about and other adorable woodland creatures. Another smaller attraction will be the Otter Brother Barrels. This smaller spinner attraction has Guests board vehicles themed to barrel barges and spin around a pond in which they can soak each other or activate smaller effects caused by the mischievous Otter Brothers.

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For merchandise, come over to Big Al’s Collectibles. Stock up for your frontier adventure with provisions like coonskin caps and cowboy hats. Big Al is the fattest bear of the Country Bear bunch. He wears a tan hat and a red vest and plays an always out-of-tune guitar as he usually sings Blood on the Saddle by Tex Ritter (1960). At the end of Splash Mountain, you’ll find the Briar Patch. Whether you’re making your way up the mountain or stopping by after splashdown, hop on over to Critter Country, where you’ll find a hideaway filled with all kinds of hats and caps! At Crocodile Mercantile Guests can find a place to dry off after a trip on Splash Mountain, a cool spot to shop and escape the heat during the summer, and the perfect chance to buy handmade stocking stuffers during the holidays. The real reason to visit however is to catch a glimpse of the massive crocodile suspended from the rafters. Lastly, Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio will also be present in Critter Country. This souvenir stand located near the exit to Splash Mountain, you’ll find souvenir photos of the Guests descending its final plunge down Chick-A-Pin Hill.

A last feature in the land is in reality a lost building. In our alternate Disneyland, Teddi Barra’s Swingin’ Arcade makes a return to the park. Get your chances ready for frontier-themed fun and games. This classic arcade features one-of-a-kind antique arcade machines in old fashion, no presence of any screen-based and/or video games which would ruin the immersion of the area. It for example features ‘’I’m Gomer, Fly Me.’’ For only 25 cents, you can fly Gomer the bear in circles around a clever Pepper’s Ghost environment, avoiding obstacles such as a bear trap. See how many point you can rack up! Teddi Barra is a female bear performer in Country Bear Jamboree. She descends from the ceiling on a flower-covered swing as she holds a parasol and wears a hat and pink feather boa. She has been called The Last of the Big Time Swingers. Although she makes an appearance in the Country Bear Hall Restaurant, from time to time Guests can find her in the Swingin’ Arcade in animatronic form. Although, Critter Country doesn’t feature any major IP characters, the land is known for its roaming characters from the Song of the South, as well as from the Country Bear Bunch. And so we conclude our trail through Critter Country, for now, but be wary of the land that lies beyond the Rivers of America, a land of pioneers and exiting adventures in the American frontier.

 

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As you travel along the Rivers of America, past Critter Country and New Orleans Square, you’ll find a land of legends, discoveries, bravery and exploration. This is a land of pioneers, a land we know as:

Frontierland

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Themed to the American Old West of the 19th Century, Frontierland is home to cowboys and pioneers, saloons, red rock buttes and gold rushes. It is one of the original five themed lands at Disneyland and although it has showed that there aren’t any significant problems when a castle park opens without one like in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it is often home to a few of the park’s most memorable rides or experiences. Originally Frontierland was not going to feature many attractions at all, but was primarily going to feature open expanses of nature and wilderness trails. However, Guests could choose from a list of options to traverse Frontierland via stagecoach, pack mules, Conestoga wagon or the later opened Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland. The latter closed in 1977 to make way for a new e-ticket attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which has become a Disney classic and is present at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Resort Paris. From the Hub of the park, you’ll easily spot Frontierland, marked by its Ponderosa Pine Log Pioneer Fortress standing tall and with pride. Past this fort lies the world and setting of pioneer days in the American frontier, not the word frontier as an actual border, but the line that brave explorers pushed away as they dared to explore the American continent.

‘’Here we experience the story of our country’s past… the colorful drama of Frontier America in the exciting days of the covered wagon and the stage coach…the advent of the railroad…and the romantic riverboat. Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, the courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America.’’​

As we enter Frontierland, we are welcomed to Rainbow Ridge. Now, although some Frontierlands don’t use the overarching story route for the land, I feel like the way in which for example Paris and Hong Kong create a connected universe for their Frontierlands is dynamic and interesting. That’s why you might notice that every Frontierland at any castle park yet to come will take place in a different town with a different story, also varying rides. Rainbow Ridge is a small mining town established in the 1860s. It was founded quickly after the discovery of some of Nature’s most bizarre monuments, in particular, the Rainbow Caverns, after which the town has found its name. These natural wonders were found during a mining expedition which was supposed to lead to the gold mines of the area, but these were however never discovered. The town boomed by giving tours around the area, granting itself the title of ‘’The Biggest Little Boom Town in the West’’ with its population peaking at 2,015 people, but the almost maniacal gold rush wasn’t stopped, thus many brave townspeople still kept on looking for the legendary Gold Mines, often leading to misfortune. This caused the area to become plagued by supernatural incidents leading to less visitors to come and see the natural wonders and a decreasing population number, going down to 38.

Although in reality, The Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland was demolished to make way for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, in this reality it is still open, yet it is a different version from the original one that closed. Originally Guests boarded a miniature train and were transported through the various scenery of the desert environment, which featured anthropomorphic cacti, the Balancing Rocks and the beautiful Rainbow Caverns. Besides these scenes, Marc Davis’ revamp of the ride added a bunch of new ones to the experience, such as Cascade Peak, Bear Country, Beaver Valley, the Living Desert and Devil’s Paint Pots, featuring over 200 replicas of North American animals. In 1977, it was decided that the park needed more thrill rides and so the Mine Train closed to undergo its major redesign. Two years later, the ride re-opened under the same name and was now a thrilling adventure along Frontierland’s wilderness route as you pass by legendary locations and wonderful wildlife in their natural habitats. During the ride, Guests are recruited to board the mine train carts in search of the legendary and never found gold mines, but are surprised by the supernatural leading to failure on your mission, but nevertheless offering great views of the land’s setting.

Although some scenes of the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland ride were lost after its redesign, many re-appeared in another family attraction, Rainbow Ridge Stagecoach Expedition, a journey through the wilderness recreating the experiences pioneers had aboard the original Conestoga wagons in the Western United States. This indoor and outdoor experience features a form of the EMV system which can be found in other attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure and Dinosaur, simulating the feeling of rushing over rough land and abruptly avoiding dangers along your way. As you pass by landmarks such as Coyote Rock, Elephant Rock, Inscription Rock, Horse Thief Canyon Dead Man’s Spring, Natural Bridge and Indian Territory, your vehicle enters and exits multiple set buildings in which you’ll pass through show scenes telling the story of a group of banditos trying to find the legendary Gold Mines of Rainbow Ridge, but end up in a series of misadventures, including a bear attack and the explosives of old mining dynamite.

Besides offering these two bigger experiences, Frontierland is also home to a small list of other fun activities which should not be missed. One of these smaller experiences is the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition, which originally opened with the park as the Frontierland Arcade. Take aim and fire at nearly 100 targets during an old-time Wild West shootout. Hoist a replica .54-caliber Hawkins buffalo rifle to your shoulder and peer through the scope to see legendary Boot Hill in Tombstone, Arizona – a notorious Old West town. When you hit one of many detailed targets, both moving as stationary, you’ll be rewarded with entertaining effects, some with a supernatural twist.

In the earliest plans for the originally planned Mickey Mouse Park in Burbank, a Mississippi steamboat was included and was supposed to offer scenic views and transport across the lake. Although the Mickey Mouse Park was never built, the idea of having a riverboat attraction survived the selection of ideas for Disneyland. For the first time in fifty years, a functional paddlewheeler would be built in the United States, thus needing lots of extensive research into steamboats that were built in the heyday of steam powered ships. As you board this majestic 19th Century paddle boat known as the Mark Twain Riverboat, you get ready for a sightseeing tour along the scenic Rivers of America. During the charming trip, you’ll spot delightful sights along the river’s edge including an idyllic Native American village, sparkling waterfalls and more. The 28-foot tall, 105-foot-long riverboat is comprised of 4 pristine decks, awaiting to be explored by Guests. These include the Pilothouse, the Promenade Deck, the Texas Deck and the Main Deck. An alternative way to venture the rivers of America is by boarding Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. Paddle down the Rivers of America on a grand oar-venture. Named after the legendary 19th Century icon, Davy Crockett, this attraction takes Guests back to the time when water was the way to go. As you cruise full-circle around the Rivers of America, charming surprises await you around every bend, particularly, when the canoes pass over a stream, solely for the attraction itself. Along this stream, you’ll come face to face with Davy Crockett’s campsite as he sings his jolly theme song.

Frontierland also offers a variety of fare. For quick-service options, guests may grab some food or refreshment at The Golden Horseshoe, legendary locale - enjoy delish dishes, ice cream desserts and live music on the side, or the Stage Door Café, a quick-service saloon for hearty vittles like hand-dipped corn dogs, a chicken-fried steak sandwich or our grilled chicken spinach wrap. Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant is where you’ll round up all your amigos and head to the hacienda for classic Mexican cuisine on a bonita bougainvillea-shaded patio. Or decide to savor the flavor of down-home cooking when you dine on delicious dishes sprinkled with a dash of Southern hospitality at River Belle Terrace. For shopping, go to Bonanza Outfitters, where you’ll find a wide variety of Frontier themed items. Wheel your wagon over to the Westward Ho Trading Company where pins are WANTED! Hitch your ride just outside Pioneer Mercantile or Silver Spur to get your fill of western wear, modern-day gear, gifts, knick-knacks and more. For now, that is all we have for Frontierland, come back soon to visit Rainbow Ridge!

 

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A transition from Frontierland will be a walk through a rocky canyon walkway. Along the way you’ll pass by a large T-Rex skeleton perched into the rock wall. Hidden behind the rocks lies a new land, a metropolis of innovation…

Discovery Bay

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Back in 1979, when the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland was closed to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter was considering various ideas for what to do with the rest of the old Nature’s Wonderland space. He imagined a story about what could be done with all the gold in the mountain of Frontierland. The Island at the Top of the World, a movie based on a story by Jules Verne inspired plans for a Victorian Science Fiction land called Discovery Bay finding its way to Disneyland. Imagine a San Francisco-like city, an international coastal city for explorers, adventurers, thinkers, artists and scientists – a golden, seaside port of crystalline towers, technology, cogs, hot air balloons, gadgets and wonder? This idea would have connected Frontierland with another themed area at Disneyland storywise. A perfect mix of science fiction, literature, original characters, fantasy and history is exactly how you would describe Discovery Bay.

In this version of Discovery Bay we would have a slightly altered story connected to Frontierland. The highly imaginative tale includes the legend of a young inventor, named Jason Chandler, who lived in Rainbow Ridge during the peak gold rush. A cave-in occurred burying 26 miners alive on their search for the lost gold mines of Rainbow Ridge. Jason Chandler and his laughable drilling machine saved the miners from certain death. However, a massive earthquake shook the ground and a cavernous maw opened up, swallowing the inventor and his machine whole. The town, devastated, tried to dig the young man from his living tomb, but they never saw him, or a nugget of gold, again. Unknown to everyone else, however, Chandler survived the incident and found the gold mines, but knowing the wealth of the gold could easily be abused, chose to use the gold to fund research for any inventor whose odd ideas had been turned down by everyone else. He established a new home on the California coast near San Francisco called Discovery Bay – the Paris of the West.

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The land begins along the waters of the Rivers of America. Along a rocky outcropping, a tall eccentric lighthouse beckons visitors in and would serve as the land’s icon. Nearby, the classic Sailing Ship Columbia would be docked at a port full of crates and nets, cleverly disguising a children’s play area, with a gang plank leading up to the ship’s deck of exploration. During the ride Guests would sail into wilderness aboard a full-scale replica of a majestic ship from the 18th Century. Marvel at the towering mainmast and inspect the cannons and deck-mounted guns the crew used to repel pirate attacks. Venture below the main deck and find historical displays recreating the living conditions of 18th-century sailors. Celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of the brave explorers who filled in the final details of the world’s map on the Columbia, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe, which the real ship did in 3 years time.

There, along the water’s edge, would be the Chinatown district of the eclectic port city where Chinese immigrants have built a wharf of culinary creations from Asia. In Chinatown, you’ll find the most unusual Fireworks Factory attraction. Early drafts of the ride called it a shooting gallery along the lines of Frontierland’s existing one, but later iterations cast it as a thrilling interactive dark ride as riders launch pinwheels, sparklers and firecrackers along the factory’s assembly line. Guests would activate special effects, some of which affect your vehicle’s movements, sometimes whipping around or launching forward. This district would also be home to The Floating Lotus Palace, a sit-down table service restaurant serving Chinese specialties on a Chinese ship docked at the port. The Fireworks Warehouse, would be another dining option where Guests can enjoy Chinese and American comfort foods amongst Fireworks, often causing mayhem, lights and loud sounds. Mystic Traders and Mama Yoko’s Corner are small shops selling mystic artifacts or Chinese inspired items and merchandise.

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Visibly docked out in the Rivers of America is a 200 foot long recreation of the iconic Nautilus submarine (as designed by Harper Goff for the 1954 film 20,000 leagues under the sea). Ascending down a spiral staircase at the water’s edge, you can enter the parked Nautilus for a walkthrough of the film’s most famous scenes. You would also find the blueprints for the fantastic power structures that would power Discovery Bay, tying the Verne universe to Disneyland’s new area, and a simulator ride through Nemo’s nautical world called Captain Nemo’s Undersea Adventure would also be present. Follow Captain Nemo’s legacy on an undersea voyage to far-off and fantastical deep sea locations. The ride would be somewhat similar to Tokyo DisneySea’s StormRider and would take you on a journey to Atlantis, Antarctica and Mysterious Island. Lastly, a luxurious restaurant called The Grand Salon would be a full service restaurant inside the submarine with a view of the deep-sea depths. Near the dock would be Nautilus Gifts, a converted submarine repair shop where you’ll find ship parts, diving suits, Captain Nemo’s inventions and curious souvenirs.

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Moving inland from the cultural waterfront, the interior of Discovery Bay is lavishly decorated as an early Victorian high society port of elaborate dance hall exteriors, plush chaise lounges, crystal chandeliers, and more, all disguising actual merchandise locations selling artisan crafts, scientific supplies and scale model figurines of Disneyland attractions. Perhaps the most exciting attraction of Discovery Bay is going to be Professor Marvel’s Gallery of Wonders. This trackless dark ride would star an inventor and explorer named Professor Marvel who would introduce his menagerie of unbelievable animals, experiments and inventions during the musical journey through his residence. Perhaps his most astounding find was his pet dragon, which faithfully sits on his shoulder as he recounts the magical journeys he’s had. This would be the perfect combination of the original Journey into Imagination ride at Epcot and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Near the exit of the ride you’ll find Professor Marvel’s Curios of Curiosities. Discover and choose from a wide variety of fantastical objects in Professor Marvel’s hideaway.

Just outside of town along a grassy hill would stand the Western Balloon Ascent, a skyway style attraction with Guests suspended below hot air balloons to lift up and over Discovery Bay for flight to another area of the park, we will talk about later. The icon of the streets and perhaps all of Discovery Bay is the massive Hyperion Airship, docked in an astounding mechanical hangar at the water’s edge. The Hyperion acts as the grand entry to the land’s signature attraction, The Island at the Top of the World. This mysterious e-ticket ride would be themed to Disney’s 1974 adventure film of the same name, and would offer brave adventurers ‘’a trip aboard a fantastic flying machine to an Island of paradise located at the Top of the World’’. Under the enormous Hyperion airship, the Café Hyperion offers popular fast food at its airline-style departure desks, advertising dirigible flights to locations around the world.

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Wrapped around tremendous gold towers pulsing with Tesla coil electrical sparks is The Spark Gap Coaster. The coaster features a vertical ascent into a loop drop on a mag-lev track before a reversed magnetic polarity sent it freefalling backwards down a new path through a corkscrew. The ride would have been well ahead of its time, with magnetic technology still uncommon in the 1970s, at least at that large of a scale. Although, the ride lacks the heavy use of story elements, the innovation and thrill of the ride would make it one of the most beloved here at Disneyland. The Copernicus Observatory would be another sit-down restaurant inside an astronomer’s observatory, in which you dine under the stars. Another restaurant, the Pacific Wharf Tavern, would offer views over Discovery Bay that truly capture San Fransisco’s harbor feeling and the food adopts the west coast specialty kitchen.

Lastly, beyond the Hyperion Hangar stands a dark mountain with a building perched into its rocks. This craggily peak would disguise an e-ticket ride called The Lost World River in which Guests would travel back to primeval times and escape the faith of the prehistoric giants. This indoor/outdoor rapids ride featuring dinosaurs similar to the ones in Dinosaur and Primeval World would amaze, soak and thrill. It is somewhat a Jungle Cruise meets Dinosaur, featuring frightening encounters with mythical dinosaur creatures in caverns and temperate forested locales. At the ride’s exit Primeval Grotto would be the perfect place to find your perfect dino-themed memorabilia inside a fossil-filled mountainous cave. Outside, resting in the waters of the River is a large Elasmosaurus, a giant sea dinosaur, which you pass by with any of the various options to cross the Rivers of America. For a visit to the next themed area, we board the Western Balloon Ascent and enjoy a panoramic view of the land and the rest of the park…

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As our air balloons take to the air, we enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Disneyland Park. Near the end, we start to see red tent tops, smell a scent of popcorn and candy floss and hear the sounds of wild animals and jolly midway music from…

Circus Tops

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In the early 70s, Imagineers were working on an idea to build a huge new attraction at Disneyland. It would feature many audio animatronics in an extravaganza of show scenes based on the European and American circus culture. This attraction would have been called Circus Disney and would have featured many characters like King Louie, Horace Horsecollar and the Reluctant Dragon, all performing in their individual acts. However, the Imagineers thought up more and more when it came to the circus theme and it grew out to become Circusland. Here Circus banners would herald a wide variety of attractions, including a relocated and evelated Dumbo elephant sky ride, a new Pinocchio dark ride inside Stromboli’s Puppet Theater including a puppet show gracing its queue, a whimsical clown ride and Mickey’s Mad House, a thrilling dark ride themed to the 1930s and the days of glorious black-and-white Mickey Mouse cartoons and ragtime music. However, in reality, only Pinocchio’s Daring Journey saw realization, since the concept never really convinced executives. The site was eventually used for Videopolis, Mickey’s Toontown and the Fantasyland Theatre. In our reality, however, a circus themed land called Circus Tops did indeed find a way into the park.

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At Circus Tops, Guests are invited to join a cast of characters as the circus flies from town to town as you perform in the greatest little show on Earth. The land would for its majority be dedicated to one of Disney’s most popular character, Dumbo the flying circus elephant. Dumbo had been an iconic character since its movie release and gave Disney a lot of financial success after Pinocchio and Fantasia which had quite disappointing box office results. Dumbo had to have a presence at Walt’s dream park, so it was decided that Dumbo’s Flying Elephants spinner ride was built. Later, the plans for a larger circus-themed land, which would take away the American influences in the European-themed New Fantasyland away. The land’s general feel would be similar to the earlier concepts for Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom. It will be a lot more intimate, in contrast to the wide walkways and open spaces. In addition to that, the area would have various elevations, with unusual circus tent shapes and constructions, as if some of them fly. This is why the land is called Circus Tops, based on the fact that it’s almost like the circus actually flies along with Dumbo. Around the land you’ll pass by many kinetic water elements and circus streetmosphere.

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Of course one of the not to be missed attractions of the land would be the original Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. Soar high in the sky aboard the famous little pachyderm on a fanciful flight for all ages. However, you’ll notice that this version of the attraction features the duo spinner-system which was introduced at the Magic Kingdom with the opening of New Fantasyland and its Storybook Circus mini-area. You’ll also find out that these spinners are placed on raised circus platforms that soar above the tallest of tent tops. As the jubilant circus organ melody begins, Dumbo gracefully lifts off and begins to fly ‘round a dancing water fountain. Feel the wind race across your face as faithful friend Timothy Q. Mouse directs the action with help from his ‘’magic’’ feather. Inside the gondola, you’ll be able to move higher and lower by moving the lever. Part of the Disneyland version is even older than 1955, the band organ under the circus tent between the spinners was built by Gavioli and Cie in 1915.

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Another relocated attraction has found its way to this more fitting whimsical circus land. At the edge of the land lies the Circus train stop, where you’re able to take a ride aboard the Casey Jr. Circus Train as he races the nearby hills, bridges and meadows. The ride is based on the brave little engine Casey Jr., who was featured in the classic Disney animated movie Dumbo. During the ride you’ll wend your way over happy hills, past red circus tents and through verdant valleys filled with waterfalls, peaceful streams and beautiful meadows. Along the way, Casey Jr. faces his biggest challenge, an impossible hill. Do you think he can do it? Nearby you’ll find the Casey Jr. Whistle Stop. Watch as the Circus Train, Casey Jr. rushes over the nearby train tracks as you dine in style at this luxurious train station café, offering baked goods, sandwiches, coffee and tea. Also, this is where you’ll find the other end of the Circus Hot Air Balloons that could bring you to Discovery Bay, or take a circle tour back to Circus Tops.

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On the circus grounds, you’ll find many classic carnival games like the Milk Bottle game, Balloon and Dart game, Rope Ladder Climb and Cover the Spot at which Guests can take a chance to win amazing prices. Past these many games, you are lured to a very unusual looking circus tent, shaped with uneven corners and colored in with a rainbow of color combinations. At night it feels like the tent illuminates and you might even see strange shadows moving inside the tent. Strange purples, blues and pinks take over and it feels as if we have just entered a palace of illusions. However, this will actually be the tent home to the Pink Elephants on Parade attraction. This highly advanced coaster ride thrills Guests with switching tracks, smooth turns and incredible illusions based on the hallucination scene from Dumbo. In contrast to the original scene, the ride will not include any reference to alcohol and drunkenness. During the ride, you’ll enter this all-black world inhabited by these mysterious pink elephants causing mayhem. A large, nearly instrumental musical version of the nightmarish Pink Elephants on Parade song plays throughout the ride, yet not in a scary way. It nearly adopts the jolliness to it that was found in the live action version of the story of Dumbo, yet it focuses a lot on how bizarre the situation is. The ride's thrill level would be similar to Crush Coaster at Walt Disney Studios Parc.

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Near this attraction, you’ll find the Clowns’ Cabin. Join the wild gang of Clowns that you’ve seen in the Dumbo movie at the circus in this clown academy themed cantina serving all-American faire. The last attraction of Circus Tops is Dumbo’s Circus. This would be a dark ride in which Guests go on a nutty adventure underneath the big top with Dumbo leading the way. This ride would be very similar to the original concept for a Circus Disney dark ride in which Guests board circus carts and tour the circus, yet it would not include the random Disney characters all in one ride. Instead, the ride would partly follow Dumbo’s storyline and only features Circus acts from the Dumbo movie. This would be one of the most unique dark rides at Disneyland as it wouldn’’t follow the classic storylines of the movie and would include new techniques in which the vehicles and effects affect each other in a mad out-of-control circus adventure.

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Step right up to Timothy’s Treats, a circus-themed snack bar for show-stopping hot dogs- served plain or smothered in zesty chili or flavorful bacon and cheese and many other classic circus faire like popcorn and candy floss. Inside an illuminated mirror palace, you’ll find Gharibaldi’s, where you’ll be able to choose from a collection of vintage themed circus items. For the youngest of park visitors, visit Baby Mine. Represented by Miss Jumbo and Dumbo, this shop carries toys and clothing for young children. If you think that’s it for Circus Tops, you better look another time, because you can’t miss out from the Big Top Circus Extravaganza. Enjoy a theatrical performance unlike anything you have experienced before. This show would be somewhat similar to the Festival of the Lion King, but of course themed differently. It would also feature more acts and NO REAL ANIMALS, just audio animatronic puppets. This is where you’ll be able to meet many of the other Disney circus characters like Bongo the Bear, the great flying Goofs and Salty the Seal. For now we escape the busy circus and travel to our next land, the most magical of them all…

 

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When one thinks of Disney, wonder and fantasy comes to mind. We might see the iconic image of the castle in a starry night scene. One star, sparkling bright, falls along a curve around the castle. Behind this land lies the most magical and often most popular land of all. A land where Guests can race against midnight with Cinderella, fly over the skies of London with Peter Pan and tumble down a rabbit hole into the nonsensical world of Alice in Wonderland. Dreams really do come true once you wish upon a star in…

Fantasyland

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Fantasyland is one of the original themed lands at Disneyland, highlighted by its’ castle, which is also the park’s icon. In Fantasyland, classic stories of everyone’s youth like Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs have become realities for youngsters – of all ages – to participate in. While in reality we would find Sleeping Beauty Castle as our icon for the park, this alternate universe ultimately pays a tribute to Walt Disney history by having Snow White’s Castle as its icon, as was originally envisioned. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the most iconic Disney movies ever and was the first actual animated film, giving the franchise enough reason to be the theme of the icon of Disneyland. Across a draw bridge lies this majestic castle, inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. In this version of the castle, which is noticeably larger than the Sleeping Beauty Castle, we notice that there are more architectural characteristics in from the Neuschwanstein Castle in this castle compared to the one we have in reality. Although it was originally envisioned that the castle would be further to the back of the castle square, having the castle wall gates as the land’s entrance, the idea was changed so that Guests would first pass under the castle and then enter its courtyard. Even though it opened rather simple and without exciting features, the castle received several updates over the year, making it more and more interesting to explore its many corridors and rooms.

‘’Here is a land of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment the age of chivalry, magic and make-believe are reborn and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, to those who believe that when you wish upon a star you dreams do come true.’’​

Since we’ve talked about the castle before in the post about the Central Plaza of the park, I won’t go further into depth about the things inside. Instead I think it’s time to enter this land of fairy tales, right from the storybook. Behind the castle lies the Castle Courtyard, which will look drastically different from what was actually realized. This regal looking courtyard, surrounded by castle walls and filled with several trees and flower beds transports us to another world, influenced by magic. In the courtyard you’ll find the King Arthur Carousel. Sit astride a regal steed at this classic attraction and gently gallop through a whirling backdrop of color and sound. Another interesting place to visit is the Fairest of them All Boutique, which will be Disneyland’s response to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Send regal spirits sky high with transformations perfect for budding royals!

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However, you might feel a more warm welcome past the castle walls, where you’ll walk into Storybook Village. This European-inspired village jumps right off the pages of your favorite storybooks and immerses you into the stories featuring your favorite characters. Although we all know our classic Fantasyland attractions, the opening square of Storybook Village features a different line-up than the actual existing one today. This Fantasyland square is specifically designed to honor Disney’s first five animated feature films, being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Fantasia, Dumbo and Pinocchio. However, with the opening of Circus Tops, Dumbo was moved and unfortunately missing from the Classic Five. Yet, that doesn’t mean Storybook Village lacks things to do and experience. Inside a German woodland cottage you’ll find Snow White’s Cottage Kitchen, where you’ll enter the Seven Dwarfs’ cozy little home and enjoy Snow White’s cooking specialties like gooseberry pie, her special soup and even the witch’s poisoned apple. The restaurant’s theming will be very detailed, revealing more of the dwarfs’ backstory and individual personalities and if you look closely you might even see a few woodland creatures hiding around the humble residence. Near the restaurant you’ll find Mountainside Treasures, a shop perched into rock. Step into a storybook central with an assortment of Princess apparel, toys and other royal treasures found in the magical mines, where a million diamonds shine.

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Inside a Swiss hunter’s lodge Guests will find one of the land’s many dark ride experiences, The Prince of The Forest. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the European woods that reveal the dramatic, yet iconic story of Bambi. The ride will be unique from others due to the scarce reliance on dialogue and a heavy emphasis on mood and music driven by impressionist art. The scenes form a series of scenes in a rhythmic harmony revealing how Bambi grew from a young fawn to the Great Prince of the Forest, told through several makeshift vignettes of the forest seasons. Just around the corner is the Fantasyland Opera House which houses the Fantasia Philharmonic. This originally audio animatronic show, became a 4D spectacular in which Guests are immersed into the music and melodies of the various worlds of Fantasia. You’ll fly with whales from the Pines of Rome, dance with flowers in the Nutcracker Suite and escape the wrath of the Firebird. The attraction features a randomized system of various scenes that give Guests a reason to re-ride the attraction and also the convincing special effects help to bring the story to life in ways we’ve never experienced before.

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An eccentric Toy Workshop is home to our next Fantasyland attraction, Pinocchio’s Daring Voyage. Hop aboard a woodcarver’s cart and relive the classic adventures of the wooden puppet who dreamed of becoming a real boy. During the ride you’ll escape the clutches of the nefarious puppet-master Stromboli, with help from the kindhearted Blue Fairy, follow the boy puppet as he ventures to ominous Pleasure Island, against the warnings of his loyal friend, Jiminy Cricket and make an escape to the sea, where a new danger awaits: mighty Monstro the Whale! This version of the ride features a more advanced ride system and collection of audio animatronic figures. On a window ledge Guests may spot Figaro, the mischievous cat from Pinocchio, dozing near a bird in a cage. From time to time, Figaro stirs awake when the bird sings. Besides the Classic Five, Fantasyland celebrates many other stories. Inside a building inspired by English cottages and London characteristics, we’ll find Peter Pan’s Flight. Soar over London aboard an enchanted pirate ship to Neverland with the boy who wouldn’t grow up in this suspended classic dark ride. This attraction will also receive a long awaited update, making the ride slightly more similar to the one we can find at Shangai Disneyland.

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Peter Pan’s Flight opens up an area, we know as the Fantasyland Lagoon. This is where we’ll find the classic image of Skull Rock and the Jolly Roger. Near the dock of James Hook’s Pirate Ship, you’ll find The Chicken of the Sea. Are you hungry for a tuna sandwich, tuna burger or a hot tuna pie? Then plan to eat at the pirate ship. Get your food at the counter below the deck and then head for a table in Skull Rock Cove, right behind the ship. Next to Peter Pan’s Flight you’ll find Tick Tock’s. Step into a toy shop inspired by Neverland’s very own tick tock crocodile selling Peter Pan inspired merchandise. Behind Skull Rock is the Fantasyland Dock, where you’ll find a beautiful flower bed reading Storybookland. Slip inside a 12-person boat for a gentle open-air tour of enchanting homes and villages from classic Disney movies in Storybookland Canal Boats. Once you’ll cruise through the mouth of Monstro the Whale, you’ll enter a magical land of Disney movie locales known as Storybookland. As Disneyland Paris’ version will never be built in this alternate universe, Disneyland’s version will be expanded to feature some of the scenes from that ride too. Along the way you’ll pass by miniatures of places such as the village of Arendelle and Elsa’s Ice Palace from Frozen, The Alpine Village from Pinocchio, The Russian woodlands from Peter and the Wolf and the Giant’s Patchwork Quilt from Lullaby Land. Besides those scenes, you’ll also pass through the Cave of Wonders to meet the Genie and enter Skull Rock where you’ll encounter the Tick Tock Crocodile.

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Finishing off Storybook Square, you’ll be able to sit down and relax at the Troubadour Tavern. Lay down your lance for lunch at this medieval pavilion-style tent. Smashing choices include bratwurst on a brioche roll with bacon sauerkraut and pretzel bites with cheesy sauce. Inside you’ll also be able to enjoy the Storyteller show. Hear ye, hear ye…watch stage shows of Disney’s best loved stories as played in a way which is nowadays done at Fantasy Faire Theatre. But the last highlight is the Fantasyland Theatre, currently hosting Mickey and the Magical Map in which Guests travel to fantastic lands with Mickey and company during this imaginative show featuring characters and songs from Mulan, Tangled, The Jungle Book and more. Another story honored further into Storybook Village is the Wind in the Willows. Enter the lavish manor house known as Toad Hall and zig zag in a motorcar with J. Thaddeus Toad in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Skid past teetering stacks of books in the library and barrel through a fireplace before hurtling into a formal dining room, careen through a window and race past a riverbank and through the British countryside.

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A sub-area to Fantasyland, transports Guests to the land known as Wonderland, laying at the depths of the White Rabbit’s hole. Although the area will obviously seem Fantasyland, the style of the area sort of separates itself from the Storybook Village feeling. We notice many flower beds and somewhat unconventional shapes and sounds, characterizing Wonderland. A classic for anyone who visits Disneyland is the Mad Tea Party attraction, in which you’ll pour yourself into an oversized teacup and spin through a whimsical tea party. Not too far away is the Alice in Wonderland dark ride. Take a topsy-turvy trip into the nonsensical world of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland aboard an oversized caterpillar. The ride will be similar to the one we know today but will also take inspiration from the original version, yet toned down to be less scary for younger Guests. The highlight of the attraction would be the highly advanced figure of the Queen of Hearts which will be similar to the Seven Dwarfs in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom. At the Caterpillar’s Garden you’ll dine amongst curious Wonderland plants and meet the mystic caterpillar sharing his wise advice as you try eat-me cookies and heart tarts. This will be inspired by an idea that was envisioned for the New Fantasyland Expansion in Orlando which included an outdoor seating area featuring a Caterpillar figure which could interact with Guests. For a more unusual experience, enter the Mad Hatter’s Cottage where you’ll find The Mad Hatter Shop. Dress your Disney best with caps, classic ear hats and an amazing array of headwear.

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At a separated piece of land, we’ll cross a large square, known as Small World Plaza. It is here that we’ll find one of the most iconic Disney rides ever, It’s A Small World. Originally opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as one of the attractions by Walt Disney for the UNICEF pavilion, It’s A Small World is a water-based dark ride located in Fantasyland revolving around the children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity and singing the attraction’s memorable title song of global peace. During this song-filled journey around the world you’ll pass by scenes based on real-life locations around the world like the Eiffel-Tower in Paris, France or the Taj Mahal in Delhi, India and scenes based on cultural representation of multiple countries around the world. Although the ride hasn’t changed much since its first opening, it remains a classic attraction that many see as a must-visit for a day at Disneyland.

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As you’ll notice the land will be drastically different from what it is in reality, although specific things remain intact. I was aiming for a more classic Disneyland feel, that’s why modern Fantasyland stories like Tangled and Frozen have minor influences in the land. I feel like Disney should pay tribute to its roots at its original park and therefore the movies that were released before and around the 1950s really take to the stage here. I feel like, in reality, eventually movies like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Tangled will have a much larger role in Fantasyland in Anaheim, but for now we’ll leave Fantasyland as it is, mostly honoring the basis of its original success. This would create a somewhat more nostalgic and minimalistic idea that Disneyland already has compared to for example the Magic Kingdom, which was mainly built with the idea of being big and having the possibility of expanding and showcasing everything popular by Disney. As we leave this magical land behind, we have not one, not two but three more themed areas to go for Disneyland Park, before we move on to the rest of the resort. Are you ready for more?

 

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As we pass by It’s A Small World, we’ll find ourselves transitioning from the Fantasyland villages and into a more realistic portrayal of a village located in the Alps. Welcome to:

Alpine Valley

The Matterhorn is without any doubt one of Disneyland’s iconic attractions, towering above many of the other structures on the property and offering a classic Swiss bobsled ride. Originally, the Matterhorn would have received a larger sub-area featuring a small Swiss village and even a small boat ride, yet these plans never came to fruition, but luckily the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride did open to the public. However, in our alternative reality, the Swiss sub area became its very own themed land similar to New Orleans Square and Critter Country, focusing on highly detailed architecture and a realistic cultural representation of the life in the Alps. However, as years passed by, Alpine Valley has received several additions and changes. That’s why Alpine Valley (inspired by SW Wilson from the Idealbuildoutblogspot) is now an art nouveau Swiss village anchored by the Matterhorn mountain and the mysterious legends of an abominable snowman, a curious toyshop and scenic yet adventurous river cruise to the crystal mines. Although the land is not the biggest one of the park, it offers several not-to-be-missed attractions when visiting Disneyland.

After the opening of the Skyway at Disneyland in 1956, imagineers began conceiving ideas for a bobsled ride on the mountain that was initially known as Holiday Hill or Lookout Mountain, a picnic area for Guests. The technology was however limited at the time. Yet Walt’s love for the Matterhorn and its significance in the Third Man on the Mountain film pushed the project to become reality. In fact, Walt actually grabbed a postcard of the mountain from a souvenir stand and sent it to one of his imagineers with the message, ‘’Build this.’’ This would result in the construction of a toboggan ride concept with the thought of a bobsled coaster ride that would run around and through the structure of the Swiss mountain. Nowadays Guests can board Matterhorn Bobsleds in which they'll join an expedition as they hurtle through a snow-capped mountain on a speeding alpine sled while avoiding the clutches of the Abominable Snowman who roams the mountainous regions. There is not much I’d like to change about the ride as it is right now, besides some work to make the ride even smoother and perhaps one or two extra figures of for example mountain goats or even Alphorn players.

At the foot of the mountain lies a Swiss Alpine village home to several experiences. Relax and stroll through original chalets dating from 1785 with decorations, an old water mill and barn animals all adding to the mountain atmosphere. Inside you can even enjoy original Swiss raclette or go shopping for souvenirs. To pair with the original Val d’Or raclette cheese from the Valais in premium quality, Valaisan Parlours will be serving Guests premium quality wines from the Mathier vineyards of Salgesch. However, also on the menu is hot Klopfer with rye bread or a Swiss Vesper plate with many specialties. The Valaisan Wine Cellar is where Guests can come and visit the cosy Swiss Valais Wine Cellar. Indulge in cheese fondue and Swiss wines all year round – and if you feel a little full then have a delicious verbena tea. A Disneyland Original, Edelweiss Snacks will also make a comeback to this area. Visit this Alpine chalet where you’ll be happy to meet turkey legs, chimichangas and buttered corn on the cob. Then, chill out in the shadow of the Matterhorn with a fountain drink or frozen beverage in blue raspberry, cherry or apple. The Wilhelm Tell Bakery will be the area’s folksy outpost offering traditional Swiss cakes, breads, pretzels, strudel and light fare.

What can not be missed while walking around the town is the curious style that is mixed with the traditional Swiss facades. Guests will notice that the town has art nouveau and almost steampunk-like characteristics. A longer stroll around the village will reveal the influence of the enormous Tinkerschmidt Family Toy Factory, the largest building in town. The Tinkerschmidt Family concept was originally brought up when designing Paradise Pier at Disney’s California Adventure. Those plans were never really realized the way they originally wanted to, so I feel like bringing this concept to Disneyland, does honor to this never-built and forgotten concept. The Tinkerschmidt Family has a unique style of mechanical toys and contraptions that can be found all around town, as if they help the villagers with more than just joy from producing toys. The factory’s design will be on par with the thoughts that come up when you hear Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory or Santa’s Workshop on the North Pole. Inside, however, Guests will be able to tour the fantastical factory made famous by their unique mechanical clockwork toys. This indoor trackless suspended dark ride will be an unforgettable family adventure full of wonder and a lot of mayhem. Near the exit, you’ll be able to visit the Tinkerschmidt Toy Shop, the toy shop of your dreams, where you’ll be surrounded by fantastic innovative creations or even personalize your toy items.

Lastly a blue river will rush through the village. Stepping down the stone stairs leads you to the docks of Alpine River Expedition. Guests would board Swiss wooden hand carved boats and join a mission to find the lost Crystal caverns of Alpine Valley. During the ride you’ll encounter many obstacles like mountain goats pushing rocks into the river or small avalanches, meet mysterious creatures based on Swiss folklore like Gargantua the Mountain Giant King and the Herwisch(similar to the will-o’-the-wisp) and pass by amazing picturesque views of the village and the valley itself. The ride would be on par with rides such as Maelstrom and Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Paris as it would not only feature show scenes, but also several drops and turntables that would give Disneyland its own version of Maelstrom(or Frozen Ever After). A calming soundtrack based on various Swiss music styles would form the theme of the ride and even the William Tell Overture by Rossini will play a large role in its theme. Besides travelling through the village, the ride will also travel through the mountainous area of the Matterhorn, which will be expanded to actually form a Valley-like feeling. The ride’s finale will have your boat pass through a cave filled with shimmering crystals, a spectacle of lights and reflections. Although it’s a small land, there is enough to do for anyone of any age. Next time we’ll take a step into the future, the last one of the original 5 lands of Disneyland.

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