Tokyo Disney Sea reopens - New Fantasmic show

I am be in London until monday evening. I'm part of the guests invited at Buckingham Palace reception for the Royal wedding and you'll understand that i wouldn't miss this for anything in the world! (just kidding). However the awaited TDS Fantasmic show just began with the reopening of the park, and here is the full show on two videos. Enjoy, and see you next tuesday!







Videos: copyright TDRFantasmiclove

Disney Shuts Down Operations at Tokyo

Tokyo Disney theme parks won't reopen on March 22, we already knew that, and now according to the Los Angeles Times "The Walt Disney Co. said it has temporarily suspended administrative and store operations in the city.

"Our top priority is the wellbeing of our employees and their families during this challenging time and we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it develops," Disney said in a statement.

The development comes amid growing concerns about Japan's nuclear crisis. The U.S. State Department announced late Wednesday that it had approved the departure of its personnel in certain regions of the country and was making charter flights available to evacuate them.

The Burbank media company (Disney) did not immediately respond to requests for information about how many Disney employees in Tokyo are affected and whether it plans to help relocate workers and their families."

This WDC announcement is in fact referring to the operations of Walt Disney Co and the Disney Stores in Tokyo and not the parks which are ruled by Oriental Land Co. Still, two of the most beautiful Disney theme parks in the world are now closed and we'll probably have to wait some weeks before they re-open.

Text: copyright Los Angeles Times

TDR : Is the Unthinkable Becoming a Possibility?

Let's put it this way: if i had posted this article only one week ago probably everyone would have thought "Tokyo Disney theme parks in danger of radioactivity? Is he totally insane?". The devastating Japan earthquake and tsunami happened only six days ago and it's a catastrophe of such gigantic proportions that in less than six days what was unthinkable is becoming possible.

The nuclear reactors of Fukushima nuclear plant are almost out of control, the nuclear agency declared yesterday that the accident is now considered to be on "level six" - next level is level seven which indicates a nuclear accident as serious as the one which happened in Tchernobyl - and when you hear a president saying that the situation is "totally dramatic" or a minister who declares after a meeting with his Japanese counterpart that the situation "is extremely serious" you begin to understand that they know something that we don't know. In two words, the gates of hell have just opened at Fukushima nuclear plant and the situation is almost totally out of control. Which means that the risk to reach a situation similar to what happened in Tchernobyl in 1986 - with radioactive elements sent in the air - exist and can't be exclude. And at Fukushima they have problems on four nuclear reactors instead of one...



Above and below new pictures of Fukushima nuclear plant showing the damaged reactors



As you probably all watched these last days on TV this dramatic event i'm not going to play the "Bill Nye the Science guy" to explain what would be the worst scenario, you all know that the risk is to have highly radioactive elements like xénon, krypton, césium-137 and iode-131 being sent in the atmosphere, without a possibility to stop them. To give you an idea how long the effects of a "level 7" nuclear disaster can last, in Tchernobyl, 25 years after the nuclear accident there is still a forbidden zone 30 kilometers all around the site where NO ONE can enter and another zone more than 100 kilometers all around the site in which it is always forbidden to live. And this will last for a looong time... Because the japanese reactors have a different design than the one at Tchernobyl the same kind of explosion that happened 25 years ago might not be possible but unfortunately that's not the problem. The problem is to have radioactivity elements leaked and moving in the atmosphere whether it is by an explosion or gentle winds.



The picture above show the location of towns with more than 500000 inhabitants and distances from Fukushima nuclear plant

Let's come back to Tokyo. I wish with all my heart that we won't reach the worst scenario - we will know that in the next days - but if it happens it will be a tremendous tragedy. Tokyo, one of the biggest city in the world with 13.5 million people, is only at 200km from the Fukushima nuclear plant and chances of contamination by radioactive elements sent in the air are high - yesterday, radiation levels in Tokyo were 10 times higher than normal but this is still an "acceptable" safe level. In case of a radioactive cloud the contamination might touch not only Tokyo but also, depending of the winds, a big part of the country, not to mention foreign countries near Japan. The impact on Japanese economy will be dramatic - just look to what is happening at Tokyo's stock exchange since last Monday - and as Japan is the third economy in the world it will have an effect on other countries economy...



If radioactive elements reach Tokyo what do you think that will happen to Tokyo Disney Resort? I hope you don't think that TDR is living under a bubble which won't be affected by what will happen outside. If there is a radioactive contamination through the air which reaches Tokyo it will also reach TDR, there is little doubt about that. Depending of the level and dangerousness of the radioactivity Oriental Land Co will have to decide if guests can enter the parks or not, right? Do you think they will say "come in the parks, don't pay attention to the césium-137 and iode-131 floating in the air, just enjoy the rides and take a good shower when you'll be back home and everything will be fine"? Probably not. What we will see - although i doubt they will accept anyone to be a witness - is surrealistic scenes with TDR people all around the parks checking the radioactivity level with Geiger counters and then announce that parks are closed "until further notice" if the radioactivity is too high.

I know it looks unbelievable, but what is even more unbelievable is how - in less than six days - what was so unthinkable that it didn't even enter our minds just became a possibility that we can't exclude - even if, once again, i really really hope that it won't happen and that we will never see "Warning! Radio activity!" signs at TDL or TDS.

There is something fascinating when you look at the destiny at work: you understand that we don't control anything, that man is not stronger than nature, that it was just an illusion. An illusion which, when everything goes awry, can have serious dramatic consequences.




EDITED : I will update this article with the latest news of the situation. For those of you who might think that this article is excessively alarmist (it's not my goal but i know that some of you will think it is) here is the latest facts:

But first, you can watch the latest news, live on the site of the japanese NHK TV HERE. It's translated in english. Also, for all donations to help japanese people please go HERE.

- LATEST: Director of Nuclear Security Institute announced today that, so far, the radioactivity released at Fukushima nuclear plant is equal to 10% of what has been released at Tchernobyl in 1986.

- LATEST: Taiwan and South Korean authorities announced thursday March 17 that unusual high radioactivity levels were detected on passengers coming from Japan.

- LATEST: Tadashi Nishimura, an official with the Osaka Ryokan and Hotel Association, said Wednesday that "Due to last Friday's quake, our members have been reporting increased cancellations. But we do need to start thinking about what would happen in the event Osaka suddenly sees large numbers of people from Tokyo looking for rooms," he said.

In Kyoto, where hotels and ryokan over the next couple of weeks were previously almost fully booked for the cherry blossom season, the prefecture said it is starting to consider measures to deal with sudden spikes in mid- and long-term demands for hotel rooms. Kyoto is only about two hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo Station by the fastest trains. "Discussions on a scenario that requires responding to the arrival of refugees from Tokyo are expected to begin soon," said Shinya Iwako, a prefectural official.

In Kyoto and Osaka prefectures, there are more than 500 hotels and ryokan, plus another 340 or so in Hyogo Prefecture. Over the past few days, a number of people from Tokyo have been arriving at Kyoto Station and Kansai and Itami airports with plans to stay in the region for an indefinite period.

- LATEST: UK Foreign Office asked british citizens living in Tokyo and North-East Japan to move away from these regions. The German government suggests to all Germans in the area to leave Tokyo and go south of Japan as soon as possible.

- Japan prime minister Naoto Kan announced this morning that "radioactivity levels have considerably increased in north-east region of Japan and up to Tokyo. At Ibaraki, north of Tokyo, the radioactivity level was 300 times superior to the normal level with 15,8 microsieverts per hour". Nevertheless, Japan authorities consider that this level of radioactivity is not dangerous for human beings. So why is the "normal radioactivity level" has been fixed 300 times lower than the one currently measured at Ibaraki? And this is just five days after it all began. We'll check the radioactivity level in one week, let's hope it go down.

- Yesterday, as the level of radioactivity became too high at Fukushima nuclear plant they decided to send water on the reactors from helicopters. This morning it was announced that it was no longer possible to do it with helicopters because the radioactivity which is released from the reactors is now too high to get close to them even from an helicopter. Hopefully this might change but i wouldn't bet on it.

- It's now almost sure that TDR Parks will not re-open on March 22 and apparently Oriental Land might decide to don't resume parks operations before the end of April. All this situation is smelling so bad that yesterday Oriental Land has announced that "they offer to send any international cast member back home if they want, with the promise that their job would be available when the situation returns to normal".
They have to check everything in the parks to make sure there is no hidden damages, repair the damages caused by the earthquake on the parking lot, and not to mention reduced power supply which makes park operations difficult if not impossible. The hidden truth is that they're probably just like everyone in Tokyo, praying that the unthinkable don't become reality.

Official Oriental Land Company press release confirms that Tokyo Disneyland Resort will be closed at least until March 21

The Oriental Land Company has issued a press release which confirms that Tokyo Disneyland Resort will be closed at least until March 21:

"Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea suspended operations today due to the effect of the Tohoku Region Pacific Coast Earthquake on 3/11. Theme park operations will continue to be suspended tomorrow and thereafter. We will target 3/21 for a decision and notification on when to expect operations to resume.

This earthquake did not cause major damage to the facilities and buildings in the theme parks, and we have already begun safety verifications. We will make a decision on the timing of restarting operations carefully, taking into account the safety of the parks, and the recovery of transportation systems as well as neighboring infrastructure".

It couldn't be more clear, and not only it confirms that the parks will be closed until March 21 but also may be after that date as Oriental Land still have to decide and notify when parks operations will resume.

Here is some new reports from people who were at TDR last Friday:

"No injuries and only superficial damage, but of course the situation is near chaotic...We were fortunate here at TDR to avoid major injuries among Guests and Cast, and while safety inspections are ongoing there was no catastrophic damage to the infrastructure. No tsunami waves reached the seawall surrounding the property, either.

The parks closed after the quake (which occurred at 14:46 JST Friday) and have remained closed. Several thousand Guests and Cast were stranded due to transportation disruptions and had to spend the night in various park and hotel facilities, but all were kept warm and provided with simple food and beverages. Train service is being gradually restored and roads are reopening throughout Tokyo.

The damage in northern Japan is devastating, from the violent shaking of the quake and its seemingly endless aftershocks, as well as from the numerous tsunami waves that have hit virtually the entire coastline of Japan. We're simply lucky that the epicenter wasn't closer to Tokyo - it could have been a lot worse."

Another report:

"Everyone at OLC is safe. Those who were at work that day ended up staying at the office overnight. Among the Guests there were NO injuries and the Resort only had some minor damage. But outside the Parks and Backstage areas there was a lot of damage and liquefaction. Water and mud flooded the street between the Parks and Ikspiari. The Cast Members and everyone at OLC and WDAJ did a great job taking care of the Guests and all of the Cast Members, too. There was electricity, water, heat, food and drinks for everyone."

I remind you that you can see many TDL and TDS videos filmed during Japan's earthquake in my previous report HERE.

First Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea videos filmed during Japan Earthquake - 3/14 : Updated with new videos

The first videos filmed inside Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea during the earthquake or the aftershocks are appearing on Youtube. As the damages in the parks appears to be relatively minors - which is good news - don't expect to see a collapsed Tower of Terror. The cast members in the parks seems to be well prepared for this kind of dramatic event and it seems that the instructions from TDR cast members to the guests during an earthquake is: "Everybody down!".



The earthquake happened while TDL guests were waiting for the day parade and as you can see on the first videos above and below everyone has been asked to remain sit on the ground. The message coming out TDL loudspeakers is not the one you generally hear in a Disney Park: "Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please, we have just experienced an earthquake...Please move away from the buildings to an open area..."



New and interesting video showing what happened to the poor TDL guests who were stuck in the park and the cold weather during all the afternoon and early evening. Apparently the guests were allowed to leave the park five hours after the earthquake.



Inside Tokyo Disney Sea now with this video filmed during the earthquake while the show on the lagoon was happening. The show stopped almost instantly.



NEW VIDEO: During the earthquake, near the Tower of Terror. At TDS too, everyone was asked to sit down, wherever they were.



NEW VIDEO: JTCent of jtcent.com web site was at Cape Cod in TDS when the earthquake happened, here is his video and you can have more infos on his site HERE.



This next TDS video was filmed during the earthquake aftershocks.



This next one shows TDL guests inside the Tower of Terror after the first earthquake.



Hours later, at sunset, TDL guests stuck in the park as the main rail line from Tokyo to TDR, Keiyo Line, has been damaged. "We"re all homeless!" say the video title.



NEW VIDEO: On this next video entirely from TDR monorail going all around the resort you'll see clearly at 4.10 minutes the liquefaction damages in TDR parking lot. TDL and TDS buildings looks in good condition.



Two other videos showing minor damages on the ground, apparently in the streets around the parks.



On this second video, recorded near Tokyo Disneyland Maihama-Station, TDR workers are already repairing the damages due to the earthquake.



However, another threat may come from the North as Japan nuclear agency announced that the Fukushima nuclear plant exploded this morning and there is fears of a nuclear meltdown after the plant blast. The blast happened while workers tried to cool nuclear rods as the plant have been damaged by the earthquake. A huge radioactive cloud - as you'll see on the video below - came out from the nuclear plant and dozens of thousands of people living nearby have been evacuated. As it happened when Tchernobyl nuclear plant exploded in 1986 the radioactive cloud will move and it's not known yet in which direction - but whatever the direction it will move it will be bad. This earthquake was already a tragedy of gigantic proportions, now it seems that the gates of hell are open.



Also, and i don't want to be too pessimistic, but all earthquake experts are saying that yesterday's earthquake probably had effects on another tectonic plaque located in the south, closer to Tokyo. It's too soon to tell how big the effects will be and if the earthquake had increased the tension on this other plaque but the experts seems to be afraid that it might increase the chances of another earthquake, this time close to Tokyo who didn't had a major quake since 1920. Yesterday's earthquake was really big but it might be nothing in comparison with the "big one" that earthquake experts are awaiting and afraid of. As always, no one can predict when this "big one" will happen although quake experts are saying they might be able to know more about the risk when they will have finished to study the infos collected from yesterday's earthquake.


Finally, it seems that the official TDR web site has deleted all opening hours until March 21 which could mean that both TDL and TDS might be closed until March 22.
I'll try to post more TDR videos when they will be available. Yesterday's article with the latest news about Japan devastating earthquake and its effects on Tokyo Disney Resort is HERE and you'll find below a new video to be watch full screen of the massive tsunami destroying a whole town of north-east Japan.

Devastating 8.9 Earthquake hit Northern Japan - Tokyo hit by Tsunami - Minors structural damages in Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea

Breaking News: An 8.9-magnitude earthquake AND a major tsunami hit northern Japan this Friday morning sending a massive body of water filled with debris that included boats and houses inching toward highways. The epicenter was 373 kilometers (231 miles) away from Tokyo, the United States Geological Survey said. This is a MAJOR earthquake which have already (and will have) important "replicas" . If you are in Japan, i hope you're safe. All my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan and those of other countries who will be hit by the tsunami.

No news yet about TDL and TDS. Did the park have been damaged by the earthquake? Did Tokyo Disney Sea which is close to the sea been hit by the tsunami? If you're a D&M reader living in Japan, thanks to let us know!

Update: According to Jiji, press agency TDR parking lot is completely flooded.

According to JoeInJpn, a mice chat member currently inside TDS "In this part of TDS, lots of people shaken up but no one hurt. No visible damage anywhere. Had a big aftershock 30 minutes after the first quake. I'm still stuck in Cape Cod in front of Aunt Pegs... We are just waiting outside for further info from CMs. It's currently 3:50pm sun is shining with some clouds, cool weather still.

From another person: "I'm looking at Sendai airport where the terminal looks like it is in the middle of a lake. People all on the roof of the terminal...". Here is a short video of the devastating tsunami in Sendai.



Steve Davison is saying on his Facebook fan page: "Rehearsal for Fantasmic tonight has been canceled due to the earthquakes here in Japan. It was crazy. The team is fine here. A little shaken up but doing fine. The parks have shut down".

Steve Davison posted two Tweeter pics HERE and HERE, the last one showing damages from the quake.



You can see HERE a picture of TDL visitors waiting out their fate after the 8.9 Earthquake. Right now TDL and TDS have been shut down which is probably the best thing to do, knowing that important quake replicas will happen in the next hours.

Those of you who live in countries or islands at risk to be hit by the tsunami in the next hours you can find the "tsunami arrival time" HERE . Just scroll down once on the page.

Update: "TDR Crowds are being properly evacuated. The tsunami only reached the parking lot and has seemed to settle. The park will most certainly be closed for an extended period of time".

Update: "Lots of structural damage in both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. Parking lots flooded, can't confirm the carpark was destroyed, No injuries reported. The evac and process has been very organized".

Latest from TDL: The latest twitter reports are saying that people are not allowed to leave Tokyo Disneyland and have to spend night in the park as the main rail line from Tokyo to TDR, Keiyo Line, has been damaged. Picture of people stuck in TDL HERE and HERE. According to a TDL cast member, there is a huge logistics issue at the parks with so many people stuck there with no where to go.

You can watch live video coverage of tsunami hitting japan on CNN.com HERE.

Today's earthquake is now supposed to have been the strongest earthquake in Japan's history. If you're living in countries that are supposed to be hit by the tsunami be extremely cautious. You can see on the picture below the arrival time of the tsunami wave, depending where you're living. And yes, this also include U.S California coast.



Considering that this is the biggest Japan earthquake in decades, if not in history, there is no doubt that TDR will have to check and test all rides and infrastructures in days to come. I will not be surprised if the parks remain closed during the next days. If you were planning a trip to TDL and TDS this month it might be a good idea - if you can do it - to postpone your trip.

Latest: TDR confirmed that both parks will be closed tomorrow and probably Sunday too. No injuries were reported by TDR management and apparently damages could be minor - although this remains to be confirmed.

More news on Mice chat HERE.
Developping.....

Tokyo Disney Sea Behind the Scenes Videos

You've always dreamed to visit Tokyo Disney Sea? This five-part videos filmed for a TV special by the Travel channel will show you everything of this fantastic park, including interesting behind the scenes shots!

But first, the gift of the week with this great scan of the Mysterious Island artwork. I knew i had it somewhere in my artwork collection and since three years i could not put my hands on it! I finally did, and here it is above, clik on the picture to see it in big size!

Below are the videos, enjoy the show!











Youtube videos: copyright Travel Channel and Disney Parks

Photo: copyright Randie Soul

Tokyo Disney Sea Attraction Posters - Part Two

In this part two of Tokyo Disney Sea's Attraction Posters we will have a closer look to the visuals related to TDS Tower of Terror and above is the TOT attraction poster - sorry for the inevitable reflection in the glass. Also, part one of this TDS attraction posters article is HERE.

As you know, the TDS TOT version, located on the American Waterfront, has a different storyline not inspired by the Twilight Zone series as the TV series are not known or as popular in Japan as they are in the U.S and Europe. Instead, WDI Imagineers imagined a fictitious character named Harrison Hightower, adventurer, explorer, who bring back hundred of antiques from all around the world - and owner of the Hightower hotel. In the storyline Hightower disappeared a fateful night victim of the curse from the African statue Shiriki Utundu, stolen by him in Africa. By the way, you're probably aware of this already but i remind you that the face of Harrison Hightower is inspired by the one of WDI Imagineer Joe Rhode.

To help TDS guests to believe this amazing story many visuals elements are displayed by the "NYC Preservation Society" both inside and outside of the Tower of Terror. Outside, guests cas see fake old newspaper articles talking about Hightower expeditions, like this one below. Enlarge the picture to have a closer look at it.

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Another different one, shot at sunset.



Less known are these great fictitious pictures that guests can see inside the Hightower Hotel, always related to his "adventures". The one below refers to how Hightower learned the art of charming snakes in Bombay, in 1884!

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But my favorites are probably the visuals telated to the "Rajah's Pool", supposedly built inside the Hightower Hotel. The Rajah's Pool poster, below, looks great, doesn't it?



Same for this "old" 1895 Rajah's Pool picture which has a lot of charm.



Hope you enjoyed these Tokyo Disney Sea attraction posters articles, next week we'll be back to Tokyo Disney Resort on a different angle.

All pictures by Daniel Rous. Attraction Posters: copyright Disney Enterprises - Oriental Land Co.

Tokyo Disney Sea Attractions Posters - Part One

Today's article will be all about Tokyo Disney Sea's attraction posters thanks to TDS pictures that my friend Daniel bring back from Japan. The attraction posters are always difficult to shoot as most of them are displayed behind a window glass and it's sometime difficult to avoid reflection but as usual i did my best to enhance the pictures and, most of all, all of them are in high-res!

Let's begin with Mysterious Island. Above is the 20000 Leagues attraction poster and below the one for Journey to the Center of the Earth.



Next one is the one for the Molly Brown, one of the boats from TDS Cape Cod.



The attraction poster below is the one for the Sindbad attraction in Arabian Coast.



Always at Arabian Coast, here is the poster for the Magic Lamp attraction.

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In Lost River Delta, the attraction poster of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull.



In Port Discovery, the attraction poster for the Storm Rider attraction (sorry for the big reflection).



Inside the S.S Columbia TDS guests can now experience a "Turtle Talk with Crush" at the "Undersea Observatory".



There is more, as in the next part which is now online HERE you'll find great visuals from Tokyo Disney Sea's Tower of Terror!

All pictures by Daniel Rous. Attraction Posters: copyright Disney Enterprises - Oriental Land Co.

The Wikipedia list of never built Disney Attractions, Theme Parks, Resorts, and more...

You all know the great Wikipedia web site, right? Well, last week i had a big surprise when i found this "List of never built Disney attractions" page ! I don't know who had the good idea to do this list, but it's pretty well done, and there is even some projects i've never heard about before!

Here it is below, and i added some attractions that were not listed. I did also web links for some of them, if you click it will send you to previous D&M or Jim Hill articles with more pictures and infos about them. And, when available, i added concept-arts of these never built projects.

The list is divided in different sections - Theme Parks, Properties, Resorts, Theme park lands, Attractions, Restaurants and Attraction additions. Inside these sections, there is sub-sections for each park.

This list is not exhaustive and of course doesn't include the dozens of WDI secrets projects that we've never heard about !

Okay, here is this Wikipedia list, and there we go for probably the longest topic ever published on Disney and more!


THEME PARKS

Disney's America : A patriotic park to be located in Haymarket, Virginia.



Port Disney : An American version of the Tokyo DisneySea theme park to be located in Long Beach, California.

WestCOT : An Epcot park to be located where Disney's California Adventure is now.



Disneyland East : A park to be built on the former grounds of the 1964 New York World's Fair in Queens, New York. It eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort.


THEME PARK LANDS

Disneyland, California

International Land : A land to be placed on the lagoon hosting the Submarine Voyage and the other boat ride attractions. Eventually became the idea for World Showcase at EPCOT.

Chinatown : A side-street expansion to Main Street USA.



Discovery Bay : A Jules Verne inspired land to be located on the far side of the Rivers of America. Ideas went to Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris.



Hollywoodland : Referred to in later development stages as "Roger Rabbit's Hollywood", a Hollywood themed land to be located between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. The side of Space Mountain facing the land would have been converted into the hill with the Hollywood letters on it. In addition, it would have featured the Great Movie Ride from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Eventually evolved into Mickey's Toontown.



Mythia : A Greek and Roman myths and legends inspired land planned.

Tomorrowland 2055 : An update and make-over of Tomorrowland.

"Big City USA" : A New York themed area where the Fantasyland Theater sits now and was to have featured a big Broadway-style theater which was to have presented live stage show every day. Became inspiration for the American Waterfront at Tokyo Disney Sea.

Edison Square : This would have been a sidestreet expansion to Main Street USA themed around the addition of electricity into American homes. Would have featured a statue of Thomas Edison, and a show about harnessing electricity. Eventually became the basis of The Carousel of Progress.




Liberty Street : This would have been a sidestreet expansion to Main Street USA themed around an American town circa 1776. Would have featured shops, The Hall of Presidents, a beautiful bay scene, and recreations of famous American landmarks. This idea would later be brought to life in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom as Liberty Square.





Epcot World Showcase, Florida

Costa Rica Pavilion

Equatorial Africa Pavilion : Announced to be opening in 1983 on both souvenir maps and a TV special on EPCOT Center's opening. This would have mixed tribal dances and shows with African artwork in a recreation of an African village. It was never built due to budget and lack of sponsorship from African nations although many ideas for this land later appeared in Animal Kingdom.



Israel Pavilion : Advertised on billboards when EPCOT opened, this would have recreated ancient Jerusalem with a courtyard stage and open-air restaurant. Unbuilt due to both budget and security issues regarding the state of Israel.

Soviet Union Pavilion : Planned in the early 1990s, this would have been placed between China and Germany and dominated by a recreation of Red Square. The center building would have housed a sled-like ride showing the Russian landscape based on Russian folk tales. There also would have been a unique show mixing together film, Audio-Animatronics and a live actor that would showcase Russian history.
It was in the final stages of approval but was later cancelled due to the breakup of the Soviet Union and the info released by the Russian government revealing the horrors committed by the Communist regime.



Spain Pavilion : Also advertised on billboards circa 1986, this would have had a boat ride similar to Mexico with a design mixing parts of Barcelona and Madrid along with a film on Spain's lush history along with a restaurant.

Switzerland Pavilion : Planned primarily to bring a Matterhorn-style ride to Epcot.



United Arab Emirates Pavilion



Venezuela Pavilion



Iran Pavilion : Was in the final stages of approval but was later cancelled after the Shah of Iran was Overthrown by the Islamic Fundamentalist Regime and the Iranian Hostage Crisis which created a wave of Anti-Iranianism throughout the nation.


Animal Kingdom, Florida

Beastly Kingdom : A myths and legends inspired land planned for Animal Kingdom, Florida. Was replaced by Camp Minnie-Mickey due to budget cuts. May be built in the distant future.



Disneyland Paris

Main Street 20-30's : Instead to have a “turn of the century” theming, imagineers had designed a main street set up at the 20’s-30’s , ruled by gangsters, jazz, cinema, with a totally different theming.




Hong Kong Disneyland

Frontierland/Wild West : Like the other Disney parks, Hong Kong Disneyland would have a frontier themed land. Scrapped for budget reasons.

Toon Town : A much more advanced version than its sisters across the globe. Would have featured a rollercoaster, animatronic show, character houses, and character meet and greets. May have become idea for Toon Studios at Walt Disney Studios park.


Tokyo Disneyland

Sci-Fi City : A whole new Tomorrowland designed by Eddie Sotto, DLP Main Street's show producer. It would have include "Cosmic Way" , the "Main Street" of science fiction with a theming inspired by the Jetsons, Buck Rogers and Rocketeer. And brand new attractions like the "Rocket Bikes" , "Sci-Fi Zoo" an extra terrestrial zoo, "Lunar Rovers" an Autopia version "on the moon" , "Flying Saucers" , an updated version of Rocket Jets and Hyper Space Mountain, an enhanced version of Space Mountain. Probably the best Tomorrowland theming ever done, and unfortunately never built at TDL for various reasons.
Artwork below by Christian Hope.






ATTRACTIONS

Disneyland California

Atlantis Expedition : A re-theming of the Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. In which guests would actually have been able to use a mechanical arm that extended right out into the water from their sub window to grab at the gold coins & gems that lined the sea floor. The failure of the "Atlantis" animated movie put this planned revamp on hold.

Geyser Mountain : A Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror style ride to be built in the Frontierland. Digging through the mountain in a huge drilling machine, guests would have become caught in a massive geyser and thrown into the air.

Museum of the Weird : A funhouse style attraction which was later merged with, then replaced by, the Haunted Mansion. The attraction was shown by Walt Disney on Disneyland, the Disney anthology television series.



Haunted House : A walkthrough haunted house featuring famous movie monsters, a murderous sea captain, dazzling special effects, the lonesome ghosts, and a wedding that was torn to pieces! Became The Haunted Mansion.



Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Ride : A dark ride planned to be built at the character meeting place to the southeast of It's a Small World. Guests would have hopped into coffin sleds (similar to Peter Pan's Flight) and glide through scenes from the movie. Became the inspiration for Haunted Mansion Holiday.



Rogues Gallery : A basement walk-through wax museum beneath New Orleans Square in which Disneyland guests would have seen wax figure scenes recreating pirate history. Basement for it was dug. Was put on hold so Walt Disney and his Imagineers could work on attractions for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Concept eventually evolved into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Pirate Wax Museum : Another version of Rogues Gallery. Would have featured famous pirates narrating wax-made scenes. Became Pirates of the Caribbean, when Walt changed the ride system from walkthrough to boat ride.

Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue : To have been located where America Sings once resided. For a few years, during the planned 'Disney Decade' started by Michael Eisner, a new audio-animatronic show called "Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue" was to open. It would have been an outer-space musical-variety revue featuring a troupe of Audio-Animatronics itinerant alien musicians whose spaceship has landed in Tomorrowland. However, the idea, which was part of the original 'Tomorrowland 2055' plan, eventually was scrapped due to budget. The space that would have been Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue is now home to Innoventions.

The UFO Show : Armed with air guns, guests would have boarded cars and tried to shoot "eerie, un-human, gremlin-like targets". Would have been staged upstairs over America Sings. Eventually became the inspiration for Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

"Nostromo" : A hi-tech interactive attraction based on the movie Alien.In which visitors would have rolled through the darkened corridors of the Nostromo.Riding inside of heavily armored vehicles. Armed with laser cannons guests would have have been sent on rescue mission to find the missing members of Nostromo's crew as well as rid the spaceship of all alien intruders.Eventually concept evolved Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

Space Port : A Tomorrowland based ride, later the basis for Space Mountain.

Young Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular : An elaborate stunt was to have been produced in collaboration with George Lucas. This action-packed live extravaganza would have thrust Young Indy into a series of thrilling adventures and misadventures, adding a new dimension to the legendary lore of one of Hollywood's greatest heroes." The famous ghost hearse outside of The Haunted Mansion was purchased for the show, until plans were scrapped.

The Island at the Top of the World : A zeppelin ride to a lost civilization in the Arctic designed for Discovery Bay.

Fireworks Factory : An interactive shooter ride designed for Discovery Bay, set inside a fireworks factory, where guests shoot at skyrockets, pinwheels and other fireworks.

Gallery of Illusions : A gallery of illusions. For Discovery Bay.

Voyage Thru Time : A slow boat ride sailing through time which featured dinosaur encounters! For Discovery Bay.

Spark Gap Electric Loop Coaster : A spiraling and dizzy ride designed for Discovery Bay, where the forces of magnetism were demonstrated for guests ( also envisioned for Disneyland Paris ).



Enchanted Snow Palace : A dark ride planned for Fantasyland.

Lightkeepers : A night time pageant created around Tomorrowland 2055 about an entire race of god-like alien creatures that actually created light. They were alleged to come from a far-off mythical galaxy where light was the source of everything. Created as a possible Main Street Electrical Parade replacement. Eventually became the inspiration for the short-lived "Light Magic" nighttime parade.

Rock Candy Mountain : This Disney mountain was planned for Disneyland Anaheim's Fantasyland, but was considered too sickly looking. The Storybookland Canal Boats would have entered and gone on a journey through the Land of Oz while a birthday party for Dorothy Gale took place.

Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition : A huge complex designed to house the Indiana Jones Adventure as well as a mine cart roller coaster and part of the Jungle Cruise, with the Disneyland Railroad going through the middle.[

Adventures In Science : A history of science exhibit for Tomorrowland. In which guests would have traveled through a microscope through the history of science. Idea became used for Adventure Thru Inner Space.



Duck Bumps : A bumper boat ride to be built against International Street alongside the lagoon. Planned for Fantasyland.

Unamed Windmill Ride : A ride next to Duck Bumps which took guests twirling around on a windmill. Might have been based on The Old Mill.

Unamed Motion Simulator Western Adventure : A motion simulator ride for Frontierland where guests would hop on mechanical horses and watch a western adventure movie and become part of the action!

Dumbo's Circusland : A sub area of Fantasyland where Dumbo and Casey Jr. would have been relocated.

Hot Air Balloon : Would have bordered Discovery Bay and Dumbo's Circusland.

Dumbo's Circus : A nutty adventure underneath the big top with Dumbo leading the way!

Mickey's Madhouse A fun house adventure which featured clowns and such.


Disney's California Adventure

Armageddon Special Effects : A special effects show originally planned for Stage 17 of Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Who Wants to be a Millionaire- Play it! was placed there instead.



Rock 'N' Rollercoaster : starring No Doubt An indoor roller coaster ride featuring music from the Anaheim based band No Doubt.

Mickey's Philharmagic : A 3-D Film planned to replaced Muppet*Vision 3D, but cancelled due to theater size and space restrictions.

Circle of Hands : A show featuring various audio animatronics telling the history of California. Due to budget cuts, the show was canceled and replaced by Golden Dreams.

Chocolate Factory Tour : A tour in the Pacific Wharf, featuring free samples of chocolate.

Incredibles Attraction : An E-Ticket attraction featuring robot-arm technology, themed to the Disney*Pixar Movie "The Incredibles". Was put on hold in favor of "Carsland".

Paradise Pier Water Flume Attraction : A "Chute-the-Chutes" style boat ride which would have ended with a splash into Paradise Bay.

Surfing Lessons : Initial concepts of DCA were to feature surfing lessons in Paradise Bay.

Odessea : A nighttime spectacular on Paradise Bay, themed to "The Little Mermaid".

Lights, Camera, Animation! : A Parade to replaced "Eureka!: A California Parade" featuring classic Disney animated characters. Was dropped in favor of "Block Party Bash".

Pixar Superstar Parade : A Parade to replace "Block Party Bash" featuring Disney*Pixar characters. Was dropped in favor of "Pixar Play Parade".


Walt Disney World

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Dragon Tower : A dragon themed rollercoaster planned for Beastly Kingdom. Laid-off Imagineers took the idea to Universal becoming Dueling Dragons.

Quest for the Unicorn : A hedgemaze planned for Beastly Kingdom.



Fantasia Gardens : A boat ride designed for Beastly Kingdom featuring the mythical animals in Fantasia.



Enhanced DINOSAUR : DINOSAUR was originally planned to have Ankylosaurus-shaped vehicles that would have traveled through prehistoric swamps and jungles. Additional scenes would feature feasting Tyrannosaurs, volcanic eruptions, high speeds, deinonychus attacks, and more.

The Excavator : A runaway mine car roller coaster through an abandoned dinosaur dig planned for Dinoland USA.


Disney's Hollywood Studios

Dick Tracy's Crime Stoppers : A ride based on the 1990 film Dick Tracy.



Baby Herman's Runaway Baby Buggy : A "Star Tours" style simulator ride based on Baby Herman, a character from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Toontown Trolley : A madcap adventure that would have flight simulators surrounded by animated screens to take guests on a hare-raising trolley ride through a zany cartoon world with Roger Rabbit at the helm.




The Great Muppet Movie Ride : A misguided tour through movie history -- Muppet-style

Chinese Theater's Villain Ride : A 3D adventure where WDW visitors would have been menaced by three dimensional recreations of Disney's most famous fiends before the forces of good finally came to their rescue. Planned for the Disney-MGM Studios and would have replaced The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World.


Epcot

Mt Fuji Roller Coaster : A roller coaster modeled after the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. It was rejected after protests by Eastman Kodak, sponsor of Journey Into Imagination over a ride sharing the name of their biggest competitor, Fujifilm.

Simulated Bullet Train Ride : A unique variation of Disney's CircleVision 360 show. These WDW guests would have found themselves standing on board a vibrating recreation of the passenger compartment of a Japanese bullet train. By looking out through the over-sized faux windows in this passenger car these folks would then have been treated to a high speed travelogue. As some of Japan's most beautiful scenery continually whizzed by all of the windows. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.



Godzilla Bullet Train Ride : Similar to both the Mt. Fuji and Bullet Train ideas, though having the bullet train run afoul of Godzilla in Tokyo Bay, leading to a race against time to get to safety. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.

Rhine River Cruise : A cruise down Germany's most famous rivers -- the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr and the Isar. Detailed miniatures of famous landmarks will also be seen, including one of the Cologne Cathedral. Planned for the Germany Pavilion at Epcot. The building that would have housed the ride is still visible at the Germany pavilion along with the ride entrance section.





Magic Kingdom

Thunder Mesa : A huge complex meant to house the Western River Expedition, Big Thunder Mountains, hiking trails and an Indian Village. Planned for Frontierland.



Western River Expedition : A Pirates of the Caribbean style ride through the Wild West. This was first proposed for Walt Disney's Riverboat Square.



Lewis and Clark River Expedition : An earlier incarnation of the Western River Expedition. Was planned for Disney's America but scrapped with the rest of the park.



Fire Mountain : A roller coaster ride through an active volcano. Planned for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Would have started like Matterhorn bobsleds but a lava spout accompanied by fissures would have sent the cars flying in the air. Intended for Adventureland or Fantasyland.

Unnamed Duck Tales Ride Planned for Mickey's Starland (currently Mickey's Toontown Fair) or possibly an unbuilt version of Mickey's Toontown for the international parks. Sketches and comments can be seen in a hidden menu on the rare special edition Duck Tales DVD set available only overseas. Sketches seem to indicate a dark ride style attraction similar to Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin.


Disneyland Paris

Main Street elevated tramway : The imaginers envisioned an elevated tramway going all along main street and inside the arcades.



Discovery arcade Automats museum : A walk-through concept that would have been dedicated to automats - early mechanical figures, full of real antiques.



Ariel's Undersea Voyage : A Little Mermaid-themed dark ride.



Jungle Exploration : A jeep ride designed for the park, similar to Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

Tarzan Coaster : The Tarzan "coaster" was envisioned to be build near Captain Hook's pirate ship and using in part the Swiss Robinson Tree structure.



Beauty and the Beast : A Tiki Room style attraction planned for Disneyland Paris.



Discovery Mountain : A huge complex designed to be the Disneyland Paris version of Space Mountain, containing the Space Mountain roller coaster, a tower launch ride, a Nautilus walk-through attraction (later moved to outside the complex) and an undersea restaurant.



Indiana Jones Adventure : A large space has been reserved for an attraction of the same size. Unknown if it may become reality, or is even for that attraction all together.

Pirates of Caribbean shooting gallery : similar to the Frontierland shooting gallery, but with a Pirate theming, it was never built.
Eventually could be part of HKD future Pirates land.




Hong Kong Disneyland

Peter Pan's Flight : A dark ride would have been placed in Fantasyland. It would be similar to the Magic Kingdom one.

Ariel's Undersea Voyage : When unbuilt at Disneyland Paris, imagineers planned to remake the attraction at Hong Kong. Again the attraction was neglected. Currently in the works for Paradise Pier at California Adventure.

Raging Spirits : A speedy roller coaster that whisked guests through a very dark jungle. May have been a copy of Raging Spirits from Tokyo DisneySea.

The Boneyard : The popular Animal Kingdom attraction would have been placed in Adventureland.

Big Thunder Mountain : A roller coaster would have been placed in Frontierland/Wild West area.

Pirates of the Caribbean : A thrill water ride would have been placed in Adventureland.



Unamed fort adventure : A dark ride based in a pioneer's settlement. Special effects would have been included.

Haunted Mansion : A haunted mansion style attraction would have been placed in Frontierland/Wild West area. If built it would have broken the tradition of placing the mansion in a different land at each park.

Grizzly River Run : The ever popular California Adventure river raft ride would have been an opening day thrill. Unknown if the design of the mountain would change.

Soarin' : A soarin' style attraction would have been placed in Tomorrowland

Star Tours : A theater would have been in Tomorrowland.


Tokyo Disneyland

UFO Encounter : One of the most secret WDI project for Tokyo Disneyland where guests become prisoners of an alien - a big audio-animatronic - inside his space ship, a kind of huge flying saucer.


ATTRACTION ADDITIONS

Disneyland

Pirates of the Caribbean : Several ideas including drunken pirates in a rowboat overflowing with rum were scrapped. Guard crocodiles and a marooned salesman were also planned for the Treasure Room.

The Haunted Mansion : Many changing and stretching portraits including a man bursting into flames, were drawn but not made. Several other ghost within the mansion such as a ghostly orchestra in the Grand Hall, ghost showgirls, a drunk sea captain, and other hitch hiking ghosts, were all never realized.

A Christmas Carol Overlay for The Haunted Mansion : A Christmas Carol was a considered overlay for the mansion but the imagineers thought it would be boring and not attractive to visitors.


The Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean : A pirate captain that looked up at guests and slowly turned into a skeleton. An entire Island of Lost Souls was planned for Adventureland but scrapped.

Splash Mountain : Critters rolling around in a cart full of jewels in the laughin' place as well as waterfalls reflecting the laughing faces of critters.

Haunted Mansion Winter Terrorland : A holiday overlay for Disney World based on the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay in California. The park declined for the attraction, and all the props made for it was transferred to Tokyo Disneyland for Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare.


Disneyland Paris

Indiana Jones and the temple of péril : A second temple with another coaster was envisioned by WDI in the late 90's, but never built.



Tokyo Disneyland

Haunted Mansion : A new load area was planned when the park was feared too similar to other parks. A new exit crypt was planned as well featuring the crypts of infamous monsters trying to break free ala Corridor of Doors style. Ideas were made by then retired Disney legend, Marc Davis.


PROPERTIES

Mineral King Ski Resort : A Disney-themed ski resort.

Walt Disney's Riverboat Square : An indoor theme park planned for St. Louis.

Disneyland Bowl : A 5,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre suitable for concerts and other live events. Would have been located along Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim. Planned for Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Center : A retail, dining and entertainment area with buildings modeled after memorable Californian landmarks such as Catalina's Avalon Ballroom, Venice Beach's Boardwalk and San Diego's Coronado Hotel along a six-acre lake. The design of which would eventually evolve into Downtown Disney.

Lava Lagoon : A Polynesian themed indoor waterpark planned for Disneyland Paris, with a huge volcano built under a glass dome.




RESORTS


Disney's Asian Resort : To be located where Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was eventually built in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Disney's Venetian Resort : To be located between the Contemporary Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Disney's Persian Resort : To be located adjacent to the Seven Seas Lagoon in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Cypress Point Lodge : A rustic-themed resort that was to have resembled Yellowstone Lodge.To be located were Disney's Wilderness Lodge is located now.

Fort Wilderness Junction : A highly themed, moderately priced 600-room resort in the style of Disneyland Paris' Cheyenne Hotel complex.

Disney's Mediterranean Resort : A Greek themed resort to be located on the Seven Seas Lagoon in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Magic Kingdom Hotel : A hotel bearing passing resemblance to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Would have been located near Downtown Disney. Planned for the Disneyland Resort.

WestCOT Lake Resort : A 1,800 room hotel which would have been built in a horseshoe design curving built in the style of the Beverly Hills Hotel and would been along a six-acre lake.

Disneyland Resort Hotel : A 800 room luxurious complex which was to be constructed in the style of San Diego's world famous Hotel del Coronado : Inspired by Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World.

Indian Hotel Hotel modeled after India's Taj Mahal and would been located in WestCOT's Asia area.



European Hotel : Hotel with European style landmarks such as the domes of St Basil's Cathedral. It would been located in WestCOT's Europe area.

Egyptian Hotel : Hotel with an Egyptian theme, to have been located in WestCOT's Africa area.




RESTAURANTS

Disneyland California

Chinese Restaurant : Was to feature the first human Audio-Animatronic, a recreation of Confucius.

The Enchanted Tiki Room Restaurant : Enchanted Tiki Room was originally meant to house a sit-down restaurant. The show building still houses toilets adjoining the Enchanted Tiki Room theatre.


Disney's Hollywood Studios

Copperfield Magic Underground Based around David Copperfield, the famous stage magician Also considered for Downtown Disney.

Gonzo's Pandemonium Pizza Parlor Muppet-themed resturant, The Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat's version of a pizza parlor.


Disneyland Paris

Main Street Art-deco restaurant : A luxurious and art-deco restaurant , a kind of private“club 33” located behind the Main Street Transportation Co. building, would have give you the feeling you’re dining on a train.



Vulcania and Nautilus Restaurant : A Disneyland Paris restaurant to be built inside Discovery Mountain, with an entire wall looking out the lagoon beneath Discovery Mountain.




All pictures and artwork: copyright Disney Enterprises Inc.

Original text from Wikipedia.org