Fantasyland Expansion - Part 2

[rhino4evr]

SO this is probably old news to most of you, but I was watching the Little Mermiad Blu Ray with my daughter, and stumbled upon the "virtual ride" of the original Little Mermaid concept. I personally had never seen this, but I think it's really interesting to see what was originally planned.

It looks like it was orginally a much "scarier" ride, the most notable loss is the Giant Ursulla scene which looks just incredible, and would have MADE this entire ride a classic. I can't believe Disney made this video, then proceeded to make a less-than attraction. Bet it's the last time they release a concept video like this, as it just makes the whole project seem like a failure in my eyes...ugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReGmF8B3mdM

 

[Superior62]

SO this is probably old news to most of you, but I was watching the Little Mermiad Blu Ray with my daughter, and stumbled upon the "virtual ride" of the original Little Mermaid concept. I personally had never seen this, but I think it's really interesting to see what was originally planned.

It looks like it was orginally a much "scarier" ride, the most notable loss is the Giant Ursulla scene which looks just incredible, and would have MADE this entire ride a classic. I can't believe Disney made this video, then proceeded to make a less-than attraction. Bet it's the last time they release a concept video like this, as it just makes the whole project seem like a failure in my eyes...ugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReGmF8B3mdM

Wow! Thanks for sharing that link, rhino4evr. Very cool concept indeed! Although the video seemed a bit out of order story wise (Ursulla's death before Kiss the Girl scene for example) I liked that ride much better than what we got. I particularly like how the ride vehicle plunges under the water beside Prince Eric's boat in the beginning. I wonder how they would have achieved this in reality though? Oh well, unfortunately the ride is already built. It is interesting though to see the elements from this concept that ended up being retained on the finished ride. Unfortunately, as you said, it does make what we got instead look like a bit of a 'failure'. The funny thing is, I wasn't too disappointed with the current ride before I saw this. Sure it isn't a great ride by any means but I didn't think it was all that bad. Now, however, it does seem a little more disappointing.

 

[UNIrd]

I so wish we got that version. You'll notice some of the elements of that concept in the queue for the Nemo ride in Epcot.

The Mermaid ride is disappointing mostly for what it cost. And I've actually found that people who ride it in MK vs DCA find it even more disappointing because the queue sets them up for an even grander experience..but falls flat.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

That does look way better, but it doesn't surprise me that Disney budget cuts practically neutered the ride.

 

[GAcoaster]

The mere fact that they just made it a standard omnimover that looks just like the Living Seas (and most people in line say "it's the same ride as in EPCOT") was a HUGE mistake. Imagine if they had done suspended cars (like Peter Pan) and had them floating OVER the scenery like you were really floating "under the sea". They could have even had them so they could raise and lower along the way so it really felt like you were floating on the current. Instead they made it generic and bleh...but I'll bet they blew the budget putting in all kinds of references to people who work for Imagineering, Hidden Mickeys® and tributes to 20000 Leagues because that's the "Disney Difference".

 

[KRAKENvsMANTA]

Wow, haven't been on OU in months, and this project is far from completed. I shouldn't be shocked, but I thought the rumor was for softs around February? Obviously that's not happening. I really try to give Disney the benefit of the doubt, but with the amount of time invested in this ride and the amazing concept art to live up to, I don't see how it's going to live up to expectations(which weren't that high to begin with). I hope I'm proven wrong.

 

[WolfmanJ]

From @bioreconstruct : "A forest of pine trees is rising over Dwarfs Mountain"

"Pines now frame the big drop (dark center cave opening) of Dwarfs Mountain"

 

[AvoidTIMtation]

They could've at least used more than one type of tree. They just dragged and dropped one into the scenery 20 times like they're playing Roller Coaster Tycoon.

 

[Teebin]

^ So, now Disney installs fake trees outdoors? Where else on WDW property has Disney ever installed multiple fake trees, out of doors, to make up a landscape? I can't think of one.

 

[rioriz]

i think it looks good and there are plenty of real trees on the ground....hard to mix real trees nwith concrete

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Hmm, need to see the final product to judge the trees.

 

[Superior62]

^ So, now Disney installs fake trees outdoors? Where else on WDW property has Disney ever installed multiple fake trees, out of doors, to make up a landscape? I can't think of one.

Don't they have multiple fake cactus on Big Thunder? Not sure. I don't have a problem personally with the fake trees as long as they don't start falling apart or just generally looking horrible in a few years. I think it looks good right now and it is probably the best way of doing it on a fake hill top.

i think it looks good and there are plenty of real trees on the ground....hard to mix real trees nwith concrete

That is a good point. I'm sure it is a lot easier to decorate the fake mountain (okay hill) with fake trees. Otherwise they would have to build large elevated planter sections sturdy enough to support the trees, their root systems, the soil they grow in, and the water that will eventually saturate that soil. Not to mention a way to drain that soil and even then, in a heavy down pour, soil erosion down the hill sides would become an issue. Then there is the problem of trimming the trees. The uneven contours of this would make that a real chore I would think. Not to mention that evergreens similar to the fake ones they have planted grow pretty quickly. They would also, of course, have to use specific types of evergreens, ones that only grow to a certain height, or in a decade or so they could have full on 30-40 foot pines dwarfing (no pun intended) the mountain!

Is there any mountain type Disney ride that uses real vegetation on top of the 'hollow' part of the mountain? Specifically trees. I know Splash Mountain has some planter areas of small shrubs and grasses on the outside portions but any and all trees are fake. I also know there are several buildings around the globe that have gardens/grass on the roof to be Eco friendly (like the California Academy of Sciences) but multiple tall trees? I'm sure it could be done but the building structure would have to be extremely robust. A lot stronger than what Disney put up here I would think.

 

[Nick]

^ So, now Disney installs fake trees outdoors? Where else on WDW property has Disney ever installed multiple fake trees, out of doors, to make up a landscape? I can't think of one.

Beast Castle.

 

[Teebin]

Beast Castle.

Well, the fact that it is miniature isn't quite in the genre of landscaping to which I was referring. The cacti at splash don't bother me as they fit the cartoon scenes from the movie.

I am just surprised to see plastic plants being used outdoors as landscaping at WDW. It has not been the norm in the past.

 

[UNIrd]

Well, the fact that it is miniature isn't quite in the genre of landscaping to which I was referring. The cacti at splash don't bother me as they fit the cartoon scenes from the movie.

I am just surprised to see plastic plants being used outdoors as landscaping at WDW. It has not been the norm in the past.

Real trees = 2015 opening.

 

[Nick]

OTPN posted a set of pics with a much better view and it seemed like the trees by the drop are fake but others are real. I could be wrong, but with the naked eye, there seemed to be a difference in the trees at the drop and the rest of the mountain.

 

[Mad Dog]

If I remember correctly, I read that the real shrubs on Splash Mountain have caused structural damage. So perhaps Disney, being aware of that, are not using live trees in areas that could present potential damage.

 

[MrRoamer]

If I remember correctly, I read that the real shrubs on Splash Mountain have caused structural damage. So perhaps Disney, being aware of that, are not using live trees in areas that could present potential damage.

You are correct. The real shrubs and other plants along with the irrigation caused many of the issues with splash mountain including being unable to drain it properly for maintenance.

 

[rioriz]

Oh and teebin another fact on the trees as they also serve the purpose of being lightning rods ; )

Plenty of real trees on the ground but due to being winter they are not grown in

 

[rhino4evr]

Trees look OK, but I was expecting more of them.