Double-Take: The Two (WDI) Towers

Isn't it strange how sometimes you can look at an image without really seeing it?

I've been working my way through the WEDway Radio archives (well worth checking out, BTW), and something I heard in Episode 13 caught me by surprise.

WEDway Radio episode 13 compares the two domestic versions of the Tower of Terror attraction.  While I was well aware of the substantial mechanical differences between the attractions, I was surprised to hear that each rendition of the "Hollywood Tower Hotel" is actually constructed in a different architectural style.

Even though I've seen (and photographed) both towers in person, I never noticed just how strikingly different they are:

The Hollywood Tower Hotel,

Sunset Boulevard

Walt Disney World Resort, FL

The Hollywood Tower Hotel,

Hollywood Pictures Backlot,

Disneyland Resort, CA

Yet Another reminder to always keep my eyes (and my mind) open!

Until next time,

- Chris

P.S. 

Yes, I know there's actually *four* versions of the "Tower of Terror" attraction.  However:

1) from the pictures, the Disneyland Paris version looks like a twin of the DCA version,

2) the Tokyo tower is radically different, and isn't even a "Hollywood Tower Hotel",

3) Calling the article The Two Towers appeals to my inner Tolkien geek :-]

- C.

Put on Your Sunday Clothes

A brief confession -- I like musicals. Well, at least, I like *some* musicals.

By this point I'm assuming that most people who read Disney blogs are aware of the connection between "Hello, Dolly!" and WALL-E.

And while I realize that the Disney/Dolly connection is tenuous, for me there is another thread that connects the two -- Main Street, U.S.A.

When I watch the 1969 film version of "Hello, Dolly" I am immediately reminded of Disney's Main Street. The film's take on turn-of-the century architecture, costuming, train travel, and even singing and dancing all remind of Walt's tribute to his boyhood:

(Disneyland)

(Walt Disney World)

So if you enjoy musicals and want a quick trip to the turn of the century, then consider putting on your Sunday clothes and check out "Hello, Dolly" on your video medium of choice.

Continuous Departures

The Jungle Cruise queue is one of my favorites.

While certainly not as lavish as Expedition Everest, the visual and auditory elements resonate with me. I feel like I'm in the Adventurer's Club (R.I.P.) while I wait for my skipper.

Here's a few images from the two domestic U.S. Jungle Cruise queues, starting with Walt Disney World:

... and continuing with Disneyland:

Each park also has a tribute to Disney Legend Harper Goff nearby. In Walt Disney World, look for the following crate on the loading dock:

.. while in Disneyland, see if you can spot Mr. Goff's window across from the entrance:

In addition to designing the Jungle Cruise boats, Mr. Goff (a native of Fort Collins, CO) played the Banjo in the "Firehouse Five Plus Two" Dixieland jazz band.

An excellent discussion of the details of the WDW Jungle Cruise Queue can be found in Show 24 of the award-winning WDW Radio Show podcast.

I've posted more images from the WDW and Disneyland versions of the Jungle Cruise on flickr.

A brief explanation...

Hi there,

Thanks for all the welcoming comments from the Disney-sphere.

I wanted to let folks know that I created this blog as a way to occasionally offer Guest Posts to the fine folks at Imaginerding.

As the name of the blog implies, there's already a wealth of great content out there. I hope to post when I find something sufficiently unique to say. I'll have to see what sort of schedule I can maintain, but my initial target is once-a-month-ish.

Until then, I leave you with some of my favorite details from underneath the Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle: