Who puts the “Magic” in Magic Kingdom? Who puts the “pixie” in pixie dust? Who creates this wonderful place where all of our dreams can come true? Taking inspiration from that original dreamer, Walt Disney, it’s Disney’s Imagineers of course! Just think of how much fun it would be to come up with new experiences; new innovations; and new magic. Have you ever dreamed of becoming an Imagineer yourself? (If you have, then go for it!). But even if being in Imagineer isn’t in your future, it’s still fun to pretend. And, probably just like you, I’ve often played the game of “what if?” in my mind if I were able to be an Imagineer…even if it was only for one day. So here are some totally random (and admittedly somewhat self-serving) things I might do, big and small, if I were holding the Disney Magic Wand. To start, let’s head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and nope, this isn’t even a Star Wars thing!):
The Tower of Terror
Oh how I love the Tower of Terror! The story, the details, the unbelivable special effects…well everything except that drop. It’s not that the drop isn’t thrilling (and possible because of an incredible feat of engineering and imaginative know-how!), it’s just that it’s…well…too thrilling. At least it is for me, one who has forever been plagued with a sensitive tummy. And likewise, too thrilling for the younger set. So if I got to play Imagineer I’d take a cue from Mission: SPACE and offer up a “gentler” version of the Tower of Terror. Since the elevator cars aren’t just dropped but controlled (the better to mix up those drops so you never know what’s coming next), I would think there’s no reason why they couldn’t make the drop niiiiice and slow. You’d still have the experience of rising up 13 stories and plummeting down the elevator shaft – but instead of “plummeting” it would be like a gentle return from the Twilight Zone. This could be programmed to be every other drop, or fouth drop, or whatever that case woud be; but it would allow for those in the “chicken line” (and I have no shame in admitting that that would include me!) to wait for that slow journey into another dimension, knowing that they won’t be leaving their lunch behind. The plus is that we can all then experience the wonders that the Tower has to offer. Everyone can marvel at the masterful effects; soak up all the details in the lobby, and to see those ghosts and other Twilight Zone mysteries for themselves. This is one of Disney’s greatest attractions…and having the option for a “gentler experience” would allow it to be experienced by all…much as we can all now partake in Mission: SPACE, even if we don’t have the “right stuff.”
The Mysteries of Space
Speaking of Mission: SPACE, the junior astronaut in me has always dreamed of this sort of attraction. I remember when Mission: SPACE was announced, my first thought was that it might be a slow, dark ride…in keeping with the other attractions in Epcot (which were more about discovery and education then wild thrills). While I do love orbiting the Earth on the Mission: SPACE Green Team, I wonder what it would be like to have an attraction that took you on a tour of the Solar System and beyond. And I’m thinking more in a Spaceship Earth or Horizons way…slow, relaxing, and more about staring in awe at the wonders that unfold around you. Imagine if you traced a path around Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune…and yes Pluto (you will always be a planet in my eyes). And even to destinations far far away. To pass through colorful nebula, to gaze upon magnificent galaxies…and maybe get caught in the crushing pull of a black hole, escaping just in time (OK, we can add a bit of thrills in there). In the same way that we can explore the land, the sea, and the world of imagination, it would be great to be able to explore the far reaches of space in an educational, relaxing way. And just imagine if, as we were just starting out on our journey, we could see the Earth recede into the distance; quickly becoming a tiny blue dot in the blackness of space. That would give us a great sense of our place in the cosmos, and even reinforce the message of World Showcase; that we go on together on this little tiny rock. (And imagine if your journey was accompanied by the famed Star Tunnel music…!)
Make Mine Music
As we’ve talked about many times, music plays in integral role in every facet of your Disney experience. No matter where you are, whether it be a resort or park, music is always playing in the background. And that music is always authentic to where you are; whether it’s the exotic rhythms in Adventureland or the cultural stylings of every World Showcase pavilion. But what if there were an attraction that celebrated music to its fullest? While the Imagination pavilion offers up an exhibit where can play virtual music with the wave of your hand, it only scratches the surface of what might be possible. The attraction could be two experiences. One part could take you on a musical journey through Disney animated history…everything from Fantasia and Peter Pan to The Lion King and…dare I say Toy Story 2 and “When She Loved Me.” (*crying alert*). But the attraction could also be about the creation of music. We could explore the beauty of music throughout the ages, from classical to modern, and the different styles of music heard throughout the world. We could visually journey through time and throughout the world in a style similar to Soarin’ or Spaceship Earth, with stunning 3D visuals to go with the music (though make no mistake, the music would be the star!). Famous composers could be highlighted…and of course we’d have to have a segment devoted to the Sherman Brothers. And what if we had a final sequence like the scene in Ratatouille where Remy is trying to explain the wonderful world of flavors to Emile…and the flavors become swirling ribbons of color that come together in new and inventive ways. But in our case, the colors would represent music, and we could hear…and see…how different musical elements can come together to create a beautiful and emotional sound. Better still, what if the attraction were interactive, in the sense that WE could contribute to the great symphony of sound ourselves? Music is a vital part of the Disney experience, and I think it would be wonderful to have an attraction solely devoted to this universal and beautiful language.
I’ll take this opportunity to stop at three (I could go on forever, and indeed, this is definitely lending itself to parts two, three, four, and beyond), but what do YOU think? If you could be an Imagineer for a day (or week, or year!), what would YOU like to do? What would you create? What magic would you make come to life? Let us know, and remember, never stop dreaming!
