Disney and more Time machine - Back in time to October 27, 1966 : The Epcot that never was

Tomorrow Epcot will have its 30th birthday but the Epcot project, it's the least we can say had many changes since Walt's original vision, so today we will remember this "Epcot that never was".

 On October 27, 1966, two months before his death, Walt Disney recorded his last TV presentation. To the american audience he was introducing his vision of Epcot, the "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow".
So, today, let's go back in time with pictures, concept arts and the video of the original TV show to have a look at this Epcot who, as we know, finally never was.

Here is Walt recording his last show, his obvious excitement about his new project is "pure Walt".



Walt began by showing the audience a Florida map...



And then came the famous shot on the Disney World project map...



Here is a concept art of Epcot as Walt's envisioned it, with a cosmopolitan hotel in its center. Click on each picture to see them in bigger size.



And here are two others, including one of Epcot's city at night.




Located beneath the hotel, the transportation lobby was fantastic. Different kind of transportation would have been possible, with a choice between the monorail or the famous WEDway people mover.




Inside the indoor international shopping area guests would have found food experience, shows and items from many countries - the World Showcase, on a certain point of view is coming from this original concept.



The Industrial complex was a place where Disney staff would have work with individual corporations to create a showcase of industry.



Here is a last view of the center of Walt's vision of Epcot.
If you want to know much more about this fantastic project , i strongly suggest you to discover the great Waltopia web site where some of these renderings and pictures are coming from.
It's one of the best site i've seen about Walt's original vision of Epcot, and it is full of documents about it.





And now it's time to watch the 1966 video where Walt himself will explain to you his vision of this "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow". It's in three parts and it last 26 minutes. The movie begin by some shots of Disneyland, but don't worry, it is the right one and Walt will appear soon.







Photos, artwork and videos: copyright Disney

Thanks to Waltopia for the photos and artwork and to freedogshampoo for the youtube links.

D&M Celebrates Epcot 30th anniversary !

Epcot is celebrating its 30th Anniversary next Monday, October 1st! Wouldn't it be great to be there? Sure, but as not everyone will be able to attend the event i have great surprises for you: first, below, some rare original artwork for Epcot's Universe of Energy, then don't miss on D&M MAX HERE a selection of HD videos of most of Epcot rides which will make you feel you ARE there!
And, finally, something even more rare, i.e the original soundtrack and music files for most of Epcot's original, beloved, and for some unfortunately extinct attractions. A real treasure that i've put on two zip files and all you have to do is to go HERE and HERE, and then once on each pages to click on download. Note that the zip files are available for download for a limited time, until October 3 only. Also, if the download don't work it might be either because the site is in maintenance or either because someone else is downloading. In this case just come back later and it should be fine.

Picture: copyright Disney

EPCOT 30TH ANNIVERSARY - a special celebration - Universe of Energy Original Artwork

In tribute to Epcot 30th celebration, here is the part seven of a series of articles about the Epcot attractions original artwork.

In this one we will have a closer look to the original renderings for the Universe of Energy pavillion, this wonderful attraction which take us back 200 million years in the past, at the age of dinosaurs, and then into the future. As always, click on each picture to see them in big size. Everybody is ready? Let's go!

The first one above show the exterior architecture of the wedge-shaped pavillion, by daylight. And here below is a picture of the WDI model.

The two next renderings shows the original pre-show. This pre-show was changed when the new version of the attraction with Ellen De Generes opened. But the original one was stunning with this "Kinetic Mosaic" created by Czech filmmaker and artist Emil Radok.

If you've never seen this unique pre-show, don't worry, i have found for you a youtube video of it, and here it is below!

Before the famous dinosaurs sequence, after guests entered in a first theatre.

A very good description is done by the excellent Universe of Energy companion site:

Theater I is a "chameleon" of a space, acting as both the beginning and end points of the Universe of Energy ride. It's here where guests first board the Travelling Theater, and where their adventure begins--with a dramatic film introduction on the origins of Fossil Fuels. From here, guests are sent into the "reality" of what they've just seen, as the Travelling Theater effortlessly whisks them away into the murky and forbidding Primeval Diorama.

The Travelling Theater returns to Theater I for the finale of the show--once a spectacle of light and color, in which the Theater was completely transformed, now a low-key conclusion to Ellen's nightmare, and a poignant reminder that we are both capable of and responsible for charting our Energy future.

The rendering below showing a scene from the first version.

Then came the fantastic Primeval world scene with the dinosaurs. I think that everyone who did the attraction remember this magic moment when the vehicles starts to move , the curtains goes up and the dinosaurs appear in the dawn of time.

On the top is a close shot of the Tyrannosaur vs Stegosaur sequence, and here is a rare picture of the imagineers at work during the installation of these two giants creatures, here still under their plastic protection.

A close shot on the rendering of the volcano sequence...

...And a rare picture of WDI imagineer Chris Runco at work on this volcano.

At the end of the Primeval world sequence, all the vehicles come back in a theatre where guests "return to the present". After they learned the origin of fossil fuels the guests will see how "a wide array of energy sources would meet the growing energy demands of the future". Here is two renderings of the original show.

Some of you might not remember it, but there was a post-show "Exxon's Energy Exchange", which was located in Communicore East.

This last rendering is a rare WDI artwork for a post-show scene, and, correct me if i'm wrong, but i think that this fantastic scene was never realised.

More artwork from Epcot original attractions coming tomorrow!

All artwork and photos: copyright Disney Enterprises Inc

EPCOT 30TH ANNIVERSARY - a special celebration - The Land Original Artwork

In tribute to Epcot 30th celebration, here is the part four of a series of articles about the original artwork.
In this part three we will have a closer look to the original renderings for The Land pavillion. As always, click on each picture to see them in big size.

The first one above show the exterior architecture of the pavillion, by daylight.

The two next pictures are related to scenes of the boat ride.




This next one is interesting: it is still in relation with what guests can see in the second part of the boat ride, but it seems that a walk-through - instead of a "boat-through" was envisioned in the early concept.



This next artwork shows the pavillion and the Land area at night.



And this one is a close shot on the pavillion itself.



See you tomorrow with more original artwork of Epcot's Future World pavilions!

All Artwork: copyright Disney enterprises.

What about a visit of Walt Disney Imagineering ?

What about a visit of Walt Disney Imagineering? Yes, inside WDI secrets departments and at the end you even have a Q&A session organized with five WDI Imagineers! And all this thanks to Maker Camp from MAKE magazine. What is MAKE magazine, you ask? Well, MAKE magazine  "brings the do-it-yourself mindset to all the technology in your life. MAKE is loaded with exciting projects that help you make the most of your technology at home and away from home. This is a magazine that celebrates your right to tweak, hack, and bend any technology to your own will". 

So, everyone ready for a WDI visit? Then, go ahead, watch the video below and enjoy the visit!



Video: copyright Make & Walt Disney Imagineering

Disneyland Paris Update ! DLP 20th Celebration Extended, Ratatouille Update, and more

Quite a while since i did a DLP update so here is one! Lot of things to talk about so let's begin by DLP 20th Anniversary which will be extended at least for six more months if not more and you can see below the not-yet-offical visual/logo for it.

Will there be anything new during this extended 20th Ann? May be, with the new 225 million euros of additional cash flow which are part of the $1.7B from the WDC they might use a bit of these 225M € and finally add the Jack Sparrow AAs in Pirates of Caribbean or do the Phantom Manor update but so far nothing is sure. The goal for DLP is of course to "live" on the 20th celebration as long as possible, i.e if possible until the opening of the Ratatouille ride at the WDS scheduled for Spring 2014. But, as an extended celebration is always welcome for DLP guests so let's not complain about it. That said, even if DLP is celebrating it doesn't stop the park to do some refurbishment and some rides are now closed like Peter Pan's Flight, now in refurb for one month...

...or some others refurbishment in the Buzz Lightyear ride since already one month...

...And others on the Autopia sign.

More interesting are the works on the awaited Ratatouille ride at the Walt Disney Studios. As you will see on the pictures below which, just like the one above, are courtesy of Max Fan aka DLRP Welcome the ride building structure (the black metallic structure in the background) as well as the one of the restaurant (on the top left, last picture below) are growing quite quickly. The pictures were shot from the Toy Story Playland parachute ride, and the already built building on the left was DLP costuming building.

As you can see the Ratatouille area is a pretty large one and so looks the ride building. As i've said the ride opening is expected for 2014, probably April 2014 but so many things can happen during the construction and ride testing that i wouldn't bet right now on any "sure" opening date.
Two cool videos to end this update, always from Max Fan - DLRP Welcome, the first one below is a time-lapse video of "a day at Disneyland Paris", and the other one is a new video of the Disney Dreams show. I know, you've watched others videos of this show before, but here the sound quality is way muuuch better than on the others one so you might be interested to have a look at this new one!







And, last but not least, i remind you to don't miss the special offer on the DLP book which end in four days! : Order a copy of the acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book before September 30th and save $45 including Free Shipping! You'll find all infos to order an ENGLISH edition HERE and for the FRENCH edition it's HERE. Watch below the video showing the whole book!

Choose quantity and enjoy an additional discount !

One DLP Book Collector Copy with Free shipping €100.00 EUR Two DLP Book Collector Copies with Free shipping €185.00 EUR Three DLP Book Collector Copies with Free shipping €275.00 EUR

Pictures and videos: copyright DLRP Welcome whom i thanks a lot!
DLP 20th Ann extended visual: copyright Disney

Editor's Note: Just to remind you that the special offer on the Disneyland Paris book is ending in six days from now, on Sept 30. If you're interested by the book AND want to save $45 on the normal price, that's the right time to order your collector's copy! And, as a friend of mine reminded me that the month of Sept is generally difficult for everyone those of you who wish to place an order but proceed to the payment only in October can do it, all you have to do is to let me know by email and for more infos about the book please go HERE or click on the links at the top of the right column.

Tokyo Disneyland 30th Anniversary Celebration - Here is the program !

Tokyo Disneyland has announced the program for TDL 30th Anniversary celebrations which will start on April 15, 2013. It will be called "The Happiness Year". What's on the menu? A new parade called "The Happiness is Here" and in terms of rides the arrival of Star Tours : the Adventures Continue, and much more as you will read on the press release below. 

URAYASU, CHIBA--Tokyo Disney Resort® will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the "Tokyo Disney Resort 30th Anniversary 'The Happiness Year'" to be held from April 15, 2013 through March 20, 2014 for a period of 340 days. During this special year, the Disney characters and the Cast Members will share a whole new level of happiness with the Guests.

The history of Tokyo Disney Resort began on April 15, 1983 with the opening of Tokyo Disneyland® Park, followed by Tokyo DisneySea® Park and the three Disney Hotels. From the beginning, Tokyo Disney Resort has been a place where "dreams come true," creating memories filled with happiness for all the Guests. And so, the theme for this major milestone year will be "happiness." During this yearlong celebration, Guests will be able to share new discoveries, wonder and excitement with their family and friends, as well as with the Disney characters and the Cast Members. This anniversary year will be filled the greatest happiness ever for all at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Highlights of "The Happiness Year" will be the new Tokyo Disneyland daytime parade "Happiness Is Here," as well as the new attraction Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (opening spring 2013). The two Parks will also be decorated with colorful balloons floating with everyone's happiness. Seasonal events such as for Halloween and Christmas will also be offered, in addition to special merchandise and menus. With the anniversary celebrations going on at the two Parks as well as the Disney Hotels, Guests will be able to enjoy the happiness of this milestone year wherever they go in the Resort.
Also during this 30th anniversary year, the Disney characters will take the "Tokyo Disney Resort 30th Anniversary 'The Happiness Tour'" to 30 cities around Japan. Traveling beyond Tokyo Disney Resort, they will share lots of happiness with as many people as possible. (The cities and dates of the tour are yet to be determined and the number of cities to be visited may change. Further information will be released when determined.)

Tokyo Disneyland Resort 30th Anniversary "The Happiness Year"
Year-Long Celebration Schedule

March 18 - June 30, 2013
Special Event "Mickey and Duffy's Spring Voyage" (Tokyo DisneySea)
Mickey and Duffy will begin celebrating the anniversary year a little early with this heartwarming spring event. They will travel around Tokyo DisneySea to discover the happiness that abounds throughout the Park.
Starting April 15, 2013
New Daytime Parade "Happiness Is Here" (Tokyo Disneyland)
A new daytime parade will start at Tokyo Disneyland during this anniversary year. Themed to "happiness," the parade will feature Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends riding on colorful floats designed in the image of the Disney characters. The parade, spanning a length of 500 meters, will go around the parade route to lively tunes. The parade will be filled with surprises and excitement, putting a smile on Guests' faces and spreading the happiness all around. ("Happiness Is Here" is sponsored by NTT DOCOMO, Inc. The current daytime parade "Jubilation!" will end on April 5, 2013.)
Spring 2013
New Opening of the Attraction "Star Tours: The Adventures Continue"(Tokyo Disneyland)
The attraction Star Tours will be completely renewed and re-open in spring 2013 as a new attraction titled Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. The attraction will be based on the world of the Star Wars film series, and will feature 3-D visuals for the first time. With more than 50 different story combinations, Guests will encounter new experiences and unexpected thrills every time they ride.
June 24 - July 7, 2013
Tanabata Program (Tokyo Disneyland)
The annual Tanabata (Star Festival) program at Tokyo Disneyland will start on June 24, a little earlier than previous years. During this period, Guests will be greeted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed as the star-crossed lovers Hikoboshi and Orihime (representing the stars Altair and Vega) in a Disney-style celebration of this traditional festival. There will also be a large monument in World Bazaar where Guests can hang cards with their wishes written on them.
July 8 - September 2, 2013
Special Event "Disney's Natsu Matsuri" (Tokyo Disneyland)
Tokyo Disneyland will heat up the summer again in 2013 with a Japanese-style festival packed with lots of Disney fun. Guests will enjoy an entertainment program featuring tons of spraying water at the festival location in front of Cinderella Castle, and the Park will be decked out with Japanese-style festival decorations. This will be a hot summer event filled with the happiness of a truly lively and exciting festival.
July 8 - September 2, 2013
New Special Event (title to be determined) (Tokyo DisneySea)
Tokyo DisneySea will host a new special event held mainly in Mediterranean Harbor.. There will be new entertainment featuring tons of splashing water, and other elements to bring even more happiness this summer to Tokyo DisneySea.
September 9 - October 31, 2013
Special Event "Disney's Halloween" (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)
During the 30th anniversary year, Guests will find the happiness of enjoying all the fun of each Park's style of Halloween. The event at Tokyo Disneyland will feature a new theme for a spirited and mischievous Halloween with the Disney characters and ghosts. Lots of pumpkin decorations will further enhance the Halloween atmosphere. And at Tokyo DisneySea, Guests will enjoy a distinctly gorgeous Halloween masquerade. In the show presented at Mediterranean Harbor, the Disney characters and skeletons come together for a happy carnival. Guests will also enjoy a variety of Halloween fun at American Waterfront, Lost River Delta and other areas in the Park.
November 7 - December 25, 2013
Special Event "Christmas Fantasy" (Tokyo Disneyland)
Tokyo Disneyland will host the event "Christmas Fantasy" themed to Disney Santa Village, a Disney-style village where Santa Claus lives. There will be a parade with the Disney characters and elves, as well as colorful Christmas decorations throughout the Park, for Guests to enjoy a holiday season filled with fantasy and happiness.
November 7 - December 25, 2013
Special Event "Christmas Wishes" (Tokyo DisneySea)
Tokyo DisneySea will host a heartwarming Christmas event themed to the happiness of making Christmas wishes come true. In the nighttime entertainment, a gigantic Christmas tree will rise from the waters of Mediterranean Harbor, filling the area with romance. In addition, each themed port will be decorated with Christmas trees and other monuments that manifest the Christmas wishes of Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends. Guests will be able to enjoy a fantastic and romantic atmosphere at Tokyo DisneySea during this special holiday period.
January 1 - 5, 2014
New Year's Program (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)
The Park entrances will be decorated with Japanese-style New Year's decorations, and the Disney characters will appear in special costumes to welcome the New Year. Guests visiting the Parks can start their new year in an atmosphere full of hope and happiness.
Disney Hotels

During this anniversary period, Disney Ambassador® Hotel, Tokyo Disneyland® Hotel and Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta® will work their Disney magic to host programs filled with happiness. In particular, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel will offer room amenities and room keys designed especially for the 30th anniversary and the restaurants at all three hotels will also offer special menus to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Furthermore, special banquet and wedding programs, as well as exclusive, limited items, will be offered for this period only. (end of press release)

All this looks exciting, will you be there?



Talking about Tokyo Disney Resort, if you have not download yet on iTunes my great TDS Wallpapers application for iPhone or iPad - see below - it's still time to do it! Click HERE for direct access to the TDS Wallpapers HD iTunes page or READ my article first HERE.



Picture: copyright Disney - Oriental land Company