Although it wasn't my intention, at the last minute I broke down and renewed my D23 membership. My primary motivation was the Destination D thingy toward the end of September. It is my impression that it will be a member only benefit. As I live in Southern California, D23 conveniently had most of its events in my backyard. I am pleased to see that they are trying to figure out a way to share my bounty to those not living in the cultural capital of the World.
Of course, that meant I got the Disney Undiscovered Calendar as a bonus! Sticking with the whole “23” theme, D23 has crafted a 23-month calendar that promises “Rarities! Extraordinary Finds! Whimsical! Surprises!” and features “Disney’s unrealized masterpieces.” The 12” x 11” calendar is printed on medium weight card stock and comb-bound. Overall quality of the printing is excellent. Each month features artwork and a brief essay explaining what was proposed. The monthly calendar is designed to be used and is easily marked up. Holidays and important dates in Disney history are noted. I understand you can order this calendar at various D23 events.
A blow-by-blow review of each month:
· Feb 2010 - Edison Square – Disneyland 1963
o The eastside of Main Street has been the home to more ideas including this one. Although this didn’t work out, the main attraction became the inspiration for the Carousel of Progress.
· Mar 2010 – The Pirate Museum – Disneyland 1961
o Great drawings of what could have been if Pirates was a walk-through. I wish they would credit the artist.
· Apr 2010 – The Walt Disney Sketchbook – 1946
· May 2010 – Mickey’s Madhouse – Disneyland 1976
o Okay, just build this one. A wild mouse coaster indoors set to a Mickey black and white short. Stick it right where Mulholland Madness is. Fits the area perfectly.
· Jun 2010 – Meet and Greet with Tikis – Disneyland 1963
o Walk around tiki characters? Sometimes there are good reasons why these projects don’t move forward.
· Jul 2010 – Treasure Island – 1949
· Aug 2010 – Tokyo Sci-Fi City – Tokyo Disneyland 1997
o “A rocketbike ride through an otherworldly strange landscape”…even tested the ride vehicle…isn’t there a film called Tron coming out soon?
· Sep 2010 – Lewis and Clarke Adventure – St. Louis Project 1964
o The centerpiece of an indoor theme park done Walt’s Way – and then there was DisneyQuest.
· Oct 2010 – Garden of the Gods – Disneyland 1972
o There have been lots of rumors of villain themed attractions but I have never seen this one by Marc Davis before.
· Nov 2010 – The Hero From Otherwhere – 1977
· Dec 2010 – Rock Candy Mountain – Disneyland 1957
o First off, I can hear the grumbling from Walt Disney World fans. So far we have seen movies or things for Disneyland (even Tokyo). Well Rock Candy Mountain was meant for Disneyland and would have become part of Casey Jr. Train. Although Harriet Burns crafted an extraordinary model, it was the sheer mass of gooey stuff that turned the Imagineers away from the idea.
· Jan 2011 – Mineral King – Sierra Nevada Mountains 1969
o What a brilliant concept. Imagine a compact mountain resort with with a small physical footprint and your entry to the resort is to park outside of the gates and you leave the real world behind by taking an innovative, themed cog railroad to the front gates. Toss in the Country Bear Jamboree for entertainment after a day outdoors and you have a wonderful natural retreat.
· Feb 2011 - The Rescuers – 1975
· Mar 2011 – Scruffy – 1973
· Apr 2011 – The Little Mermaid – 1939
· May 2011 – Discovery Bay – Disneyland 1984
o In the world of the Disneylands that never were but always will be, Discovery Bay is way up on the list. I like how the essay describes the architecture as “steampunk”. To understand the scale of this new land all one has to do is look at the Disneyland Railroad as it exits a tunnel but is dwarfed by a crystal palace and a mountain.
· Jun 2011 – Herbie the Love Bug Ride – Disneyland 1976
o Taking Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to the next level, this illustration takes us through many of the elements of this would be attraction.
· Jul 2011 – Western River Expedition – Walt Disney World 1968-1969
o I hear the cheers from Walt Disney World fans loud and clear. I would suggest D23 crack out the model (if it still exists) and put it on display. Imagine Marc Davis trying to top his work on Pirates and the Haunted Mansion. The Mary Blair concept drawing is just another example of her brilliance.
· Aug 2011 – Hansel and Gretel – 1940s
· Sep 2011 – Museum of the Weird – Disneyland 1964
o When given the freedom to explore it is amazing what can happen. Especially when an artist as talented as Rolly Crump is at the helm. Very strange objects indeed.
· Oct 2011 – Mickey Columbus – 1980s
· Nov 2011 – Switzerland Pavilion – EPCOT 1985
o I won’t give away the very cool ending proposed for this Matterhorn clone but it would have been great. Can somebody point me to the chocolate shop?
· Dec 2011 – Enchanted Snow Palace – Walt Disney World 1977
o You can’t argue with the idea considering the Florida heat. An attraction that would take you to a winter wonderland of polar bears and fairies.
0 Yorumlar