Fantasyland Expansion Model.

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I love to look at scale models, especially ones of theme parks.  I made scale models for a living for a couple years and ever since I can't pass up a chance to study a good model.

What do I think of the new Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion, you ask?  Mixed feelings.  

In a nutshell:  I'd rather have 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea still in this space, no doubt about it.  I am thrilled they are ripping out Mickey's Toontown Fair (a pathetic excuse for a land). I am not thrilled with the emphasis on character meet-and-greets.  I do like the idea of an omni-mover Little Mermaid ride (believe it or not).  I do not like the idea of a Dumbo interactive area, simply for the fact that Disney has not a great job with anything interactive since Communicore (opened in 1982) -and- it doesn't seem to fit Fantasyland well.  Two Dumbos... that's pretty cool.  I do like the extensive 'theming' as most people would call it.  The design is pretty.  The stories are separated.  Anyone who reads this blog knows that character cross-overs the bain of my existence.  Thank you, Imagineering/Entertainment for not making a "Princess House" or some junk like that where they all hang out together.  Thank you for that.

More thoughts to come, but for now, a cool-looking scale model to look at.  A couple of other (even greater) models to look at here.

Related post: Matterhorn For Magic Kingdom

LEGO Disneyland

This is pretty impressive.  Click on the link see more of Disneyland made of Legos.  Look for details.  I love the old school Tomorrowland complete with PeopleMover.  Also they made some of the interior of Pirates!  Not bad.

http://planetoddity.com/disneyland-made-out-of-lego/

2 Fantastic Disneyland Scale Models

There are not many scale models of Disneyland so when I come across one I'm like a kid at... Disneyland.  The two shown here are particularly exciting.

OPENING DAY MODEL
The one on the left is on display in the Opera House on Main Street.  If you remember the old lobby outside of Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, there was an animatronic owl that used to talk to us as we waited, the model is now in his place.  It shows us what the park looked like on Opening Day in 1955, to the best of anyone's knowledge.  The model was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland and remains on display today for our enjoyment.  The park was underdeveloped by today's standards but it was still oh so wonderful.  It's fun to study and imagine was was (and wasn't) around when the gates first opened.
 

WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM DISNEYLAND MODEL - photo courtesy of MiceChat
A brand new model was recently unveiled to the Disneyland-loving world.  It is the centerpiece of the new $100 million (family-funded) museum in San Francisco.  This highly-detailed 12' model represents "the Disneyland of walt's Imagination".  Translation: Disneyland as is was when Walt Died (1966) plus things he had in planning stages before his death which were later installed- Pirates, Mansion, Space Mountain, PeopleMover, etc.  Check out Space Mountain.  Just like the early concept art.

Related Links:
Walt Disney Family Museum on CBS Sunday Morning News
Inside Walt's World- Wall Street Journal report
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