Back to the Future

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if Tomorrowland still tried to inspire us the way Walt Disney described back in 1955:

"A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievements.... A step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals, the atomic age, the challenge of outer space and the hope for a peaceful and unified world."

For example, what if we had an Tomrrowland Speedway (or Autopia) that was home to a fleet of electric vehicles with wireless recharging built into the track?

Disneyland uses a form of this technology today in their submarines.  Nissan is reportedly thinking along these lines already:

"Nissan has reportedly developed a wireless charging system that uses technology similar to that found in electric toothbrushes, called inductive charging... The company even has hopes of embedding these devices in roadways one day so the cars could charge on the fly as they drive by."

The 1955 WED vision for Tomorrowland had it's share of challenges, and delivered an uneven guest experience.  But for all it's shortcomings ("Hey, kids!  Let's check out the Hall of Aluminum Fame!"), it did give the world some iconic and inspirational experiences (I still remember sinking in to my seat at WDW's "Flight to the Moon").

What if the company which bear's Walt Disney's name decided to show a new generation of guests a World of Tomorrow that is perhaps just a dream away?

Just sayin'

Until next time,

- Chris

Disney Gallery - "Day One Disneyland"

The Disney Gallery is one of those quiet places which make Disneyland special. Although I never got to experience the gallery in its original home in New Orleans Square, I'm glad that it (eventually) found a new location in the old bank building (next to the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A).

The gallery exhibits are changed periodically.  The last time I was in Disneyland I was fortunate enough to catch one called: Day One Disneyland - Original Inspirations for "The Happiest Place on Earth":

"... Disneyland was planned, designed and built in less than two years.  ...Such Disney Legends as Herb Ryman, Sam McKim, Harper Goff, and Marvin Davis were churning out amazingly evocative renderings at a breakneck pace.

...This exhibit looks at that prolifically creative time in Disneyland history, showcasing early ideas, concepts and visions that led to the creation of 'The Happiest Place on Earth' and the way it was envisioned (but not necessarily built) for Opening Day, July 17, 1955."  

This exhibit was a real treat for fans of early Disneyland concept art.  Concept art gives us a chance to step back in time, offering hints and insights into the creative process, and in some cases lets us peek into Elseworlds that might have been.

I thought it might be fun to go through my Disney bookshelf when I got home to see how many of the images I could find reproduced therein. 

References:
[A] - The Art of Disneyland by Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon. 2006, ISBN: 1423104595
[B] - The Architecture of Reassurance: Designing the Disney Theme Parks. Karal Ann Maulding. 1998, ISBN: 2080136399
[C] -The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland by Alex Wright and The Imagineers. 2008, ISBN: 1423109759

Check out Imaginerding.com for reviews of these and other great Disney books.

Here's the results of what I've found so far.  If you happen to have any of the above titles on your bookshelf, then feel free to play along at home:

Top - Castle Courtyard.  Herb Ryman ([C] pg 81)

Middle - Dumbo.  Bruce Bushman, 1954. ([A] pg 86, [C] pg 83)

Middle - Mad Tea Party.  Bruce Bushman ([C] pg 95)

Middle - Fantasyland Concepts.  Bruce Bushman ([C] pg 91)

Bottom -Fantasyland (??)

Sleeping Beauty Castle comes to Anaheim.  Herb Ryman, 1955 ([A] pg 73)

Top - Sleeping Beauty Castle Courtyard.  Herb Ryman ([C] pg 80) 

Middle - Fantasyland Concepts (??) 

Bottom - Snow White Facade, Eyvind Earle. 1954 ([B] pg 75)

Top - Frontierland Entrance. Bruce Bushman, 1954 ([A] pg 35, [B] pg 71)

Bottom - Mark Twain concept.  Stan Parkhouse ([C] pg 50)

Top - Jungle Cruise (??) 

Bottom - Jungle Cruise dock and Adventureland (??) 

 

Top - Indian Village(??)

Bottom - Frontierland (??) 

This little "scavenger hunt" was a lot of fun, and it reminded me of some Disney books I need to dive back into.  Thanks for coming along.

As you can see, I wasn't able to track down all of the images (although I would swear I've seen them before).  If anyone can help me find a reference I would appreciate a comment.

- Chris