The Tomorrowland of...Tomorrow - Part 1

As most of us know, Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom is undergoing a major facelift and expansion.  New attractions, new restaurants, and in some cases some new theming and story.  However, if I had my way I would like to see some of that attention given to it's neighbor...Tomorrowland.


Tomorrowland has always been a challenge to the Imagineering team.  Technology is growing in leaps and bounds in this current Information Age.  Any Tomorrowland that is based on future technology is destined to become outdated before the paint is dry.  These days, Tomorrowland has slowly become a cross of Pixar Place - Part Deux and the Great Stitch Homage.  I don't have the level of opposition to the incorporation of Pixar characters in the parks as some do.  However, I think it should only be done when and where it makes sense.  As for Stitch, to so heavily include such a polarizing character seems risky at best.  I don't hate Stitich...but at the same time I feel he is WAY overdone in Tomorrowland.

So...what would I do with Tomorrowland?  This has been something I've long pondered.  This post will kick off a series of proposals for Tomorrowland and it's attractions.  We'll take a look at what will stay...what will receive some minor "tweaking"...and what will be scrapped and replaced all together.  As always, you are encouraged to join in by throwing out your own proposals!!!

OK...where to start?!?!  Today...let's talk about the things I would leave either untouched...or do some "minor" modifications to.  Let's start with the general theme of the land.  Personally I love the current theme.  Sort of a Jetsons style vision of the future and of community.  Tomorrowland, to me, is sort of a sci-fi spaceport...where travelers from all galaxies cross paths.  Sort of (WARNING:  Star Wars Nerd Alert) Mos Eisley ... without the scum and villiany.  I LOVE the signs referring to the Sleepless Knights of the Milky Way...and the Tomorrowland Chamber of Commerece.  I would absolutely insist that the references stay..and, if anything, they are expanded on.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is also a keeper.  In fact..I'd expand it.  I would keep the current "Blue Line" as is (maybe update or revert the narration so it "sells" the theme).  It would more or less serve as the scenic route around Tomorrowland.  I would then tap into the previous narration that referred to other lines to create an additonal line that would serve as a mode of transportation through Tomorrowland.  Let's go with the "Red Line".  The Red Line would have have 3 stations....one near the entrance to Tomorrowland near the hub.  One at Rockettower Plaza, where riders could transfer to the Blue Line.  And a third near Fantasyland...just past the Tomorrowland Speedway.  Much like the Walt Disney Railroad, riders could hop on at any station and either use it to get to another station...or just ride it roundtrip.

Moving on to the big daddy of Tomorrowland....Space Mountain.  Obviously...Space Mountain is a keeper.  However, I'd like to see the changes done that everyone was hoping for during the last referb.  More or less to see it brought up to the level of it's counterpart in Disneyland.  I'm all for sister attractions in different Disney Parks having the differences that make it its own.  However, with Space Mountain the Disneyland version is so much better than it's WDW counterpart that it's almost embarrassing.  It's time to bridge that difference, while maybe leaving enough uniqueness to offer guests who visit both a slightly different experience.

Another Tomorrowland icon, Astro Orbiter, would also stay relatively as is.  Athough, I wouldn't mind upping the thrill level a tad...maybe have it go higher or slightly faster....but for the most part, it should remain unchanged.

One of the toughest decisions I was faced with was what to do with the Tomorrowland Speedway.  Honestly...I was seriously tempted to scrap it.  If this is some sort of spaceport city...or some futuristic version of a metropolitan area...would we really still be riding around in automobiles?  Doubtful.  But this attraction is a classic that dates back to the opening of Disneyland in 1955.  Because of that, I have a hard time doing away with it.  Maybe if we can change the vehicles up to give them some sort of futuristic feel.  I'd say something like a Tron lightcycle, but considering these vehicles go about 2 MPH, that might not quite work the way it should.

Finally...Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress  This is another classic attraction that I would live in place...however with an update.  I could ramble on about what I'd do with it, but you're better off checking out the Betamouse Podcast ... Episode #14.  The whole episode focuses on how Team Betamouse would update the final scene of the attraction.  If you haven't heard it...go check it out!!!

In separate future posts we'll discuss the fates of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Stitch's Great Escape.  Stay tuned for that.  But for now, weigh in with your proposals by leaving your comments.  Thanks again for stopping by!!!!!

Something To Be Thankful For

Welcome back.  Hope you members of the board enjoyed your week off for the Thanksgiving holiday.  I know I certainly did.  It being Thanksgiving and all, it gave me ample cause to sit back and reflect on the things about Walt Disney World that I'm most thankful for.

Most briefings that come out of the Fantasyland Boardroom have been about what I'd change about The World.  Often I'm concerned it sounds like my laundry list of improvements may be taken as a negative...that I'm knocking Walt Disney World or the company in general.  Quite frankly, nothing could be further from the truth.  Walt Disney World is my "happy place".  It's where I go, either physically or mentally, when I just need to get away from the grind of reality.  Over the years I've spent countless hours spending time in The World, planning for the next big trip, listening to podcasts, listening to WDW music, reading WDW blogs....absorbing anything and everything related to this magical place.

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to discuss a handful of the things about Walt Disney World that I'm thankful for.  In fact, let's make that the Top 10 things I'm thankful for.  In the words of Peter Pan "heeeerrreee we goooooooo":

10) Rock N' Roller Coaster - I've never exactly been a thrill seeker.  Rock N' Roller Coaster was the first coaster I ever attempted that went upside down.  I was 23 years old and on my honeymoon.  My beautiful new bride insisted that we go on it (she's much more of the adventurous one).  I still remember trying to hide my nervousness throughout the queue...hoping to fool my wife into believing she'd married a real tough guy (I don't think it worked).  The thought of Aerosmith definitely helped piqued my eagerness...but it never covered up the fact that this ride would go upside down.  Turns out...I LOVED it.  And it's still to this day my wife's favorite ride.  Therefore it will always have a special place in my heart.

9) The use of water - OK...this may sound like a stretch.  But I just love what Disney does with water.  Whether it be the attractions that take place on water (see #8)....or the Disney water features (Bay Lake, the Sassagoula River, etc.) that add so much to the landscape of Walt Disney World, as well as provide alternate means of travel.  Even the fun ways they include water as a way to cool guests off in the hot Florida summer.  If WDW is the Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, water deserves a nod for Best Supporting Actor (or Actress...either way).

8) Splash Mountain - No other attraction in the world (not just Walt Disney World) does such a masterful job of marrying story and thrills.  This is the prime example of what Disney does.  From start to finish the attraction follows a story.  Even the 52 foot drop is part of the story...it's not just "thrown in" for fun.  That's what should be expected of EVERY attraction!!!

7) The resorts - Growing up in Seattle, Disneyland was "my" Disney Park.  We made the 2000 mile trek once every three or so years.  To this day I have NEVER stayed at a Disneyland hotel.  And, in fact, on my first trip to WDW as a senior in high school we also stayed off property (Holiday Inn Sunspree).  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the off-property hotels I've stayed at.  But when I finally had the opportunity to stay on-property on my honeymoon, my mind was blown.  Disney resorts are more than hotels...they are attractions in their own right.  That same attention to detail that is found in the Parks can be found at each of these resorts...which is something that you just can't find at a Holiday Inn or Ramada.  And that was the main driver for my family to eventually become Disney Vacation Club members.

6) Big Thunder Mountain - I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite ride.  But Big Thunder has consistently been one of my favorites since as far back as I can remember.  It's kinda like that old toy you've had forever. Each birthday you may get something newer and flashier...but you'll always have a special place in your heart for that one old toy.  That toy for me is Big Thunder Mountain.

5) Theming - This is stating the obvious, but theming is what makes Disney....Disney.  Only Disney seems to have mastered the ability to completely transport you to distant lands....whether it be in the past, present, or future....or even worlds of fantasy and imagination.  When you walk down Main Street, you're in turn-of-the-century America...and then BOOM.... just like that you are seamlessly transported to a futuristic land of tomorrow.  Every detail is tended to to sell the "illusion"...and it works to perfection.

4) World Showcase - As I mentioned in a previous briefing, I LOVE World Showcase.  It is my favorite part of any Disney Park.  So much to discover....hidden nooks and crannies in every pavilion.  So much to experience, whether it be new cuisine and beverages or just details about other cultures and countries.  I just cannot get enough World Showcase.  I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this.

3)  The Cast Members - They are truly what sets Walt Disney World apart from, not only any other vacation destination, but from any other consumer business in general.  Any company is going to have it's all star employees.  But WDW has them by thousands.  Nearly every one of the tens of thousands of cast members are focused on providing each guest with a vacation chalked full of magical moments and memories.

2)  The Music - This relates back to the previously mentioned theming...but I just can't get enough Disney Park audio.  Each piece of music supports the theme of the land or attraction it can be found in perfectly.  So much so, simply putting my headphones on at work and cuing up some International Gateway tunes...or some Main Street Entrance music instantly takes me away from whatever mundane task I was previously absorbed by.  For those couple minutes the outside world is dead to me and I'm surrounded by the sounds and feelings that can only be provided by Disney.

1) Quality Time - I'm going to sound like a Disney marketing video here for a moment....but one minute spent in The World with family and/or friends seems like it is worth two hours anywhere else.  The time spent sharing experiences with the ones you love just can't be accurately described in words.  It's just a feeling.  And it just seems with Walt Disney World, you are guaranteed that quality time on EVERY trip.  And that's why we keep going back.  It's a sure bet!!!

I've no doubt missed plenty of big things here.  It's not as easy as it sounds to come up with JUST ten things.  So help me out here...what'd I miss?  What about The World are YOU thankful for?