Lost Imagineering: Thunder Mesa

It is likely the most enduring legend of Lost Imagineering: Thunder Mesa and its signature attraction, the Western River Expedition. Press materials from 1969 provided this description:

"THUNDER MESA....A major attraction in the Frontierland area will be this spectacular panorama, where the old west will live again through a series of exciting adventures. Designed to resemble a 'table-top mountain," typical of those on southwestern deserts, it will include a pueblo-style village and other attractions, including the -Western River Expedition," a frontier fantasy on the grand scale of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' in California's Disneyland."

The very best account of the history and development of Thunder Mesa can be found at Widen Your World. Take a look!

Lost Imagineering: Venezuela

Among the very earliest of proposed countries for EPCOT Center's World Showcase was this conceptualization for a Venezuela pavilion. Little information has been made accessible beyond this concept painting that features a quite elaborate design and showcases an aerial tram car attraction.

Lost Imagineering: The Crocodile Aquarium

Predating both EPCOT Center's The Living Seas and Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon by decades was this slightly more whimsical themed aquarium attraction featuring a design based on the character of Tic Tok from Peter Pan. The Crocodile Aquarium was conceived for Fantasyland at Disneyland but never realized.

Lost Imagineering: Space

Over twenty years before the current Mission: Space attraction was realized, concepts were drawn for a space-themed pavilion that would have debuted sometime during EPCOT Center's first decade of operation. Much grander in both scope and design, the centerpiece of the pavilion would have been a simulated journey on board a "huge interstellar space vehicle."

Lost Imagineering: The EPCOT Transportation Lobby

Long before there was EPCOT Center, there was EPCOT--the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. Conceptual designs for EPCOT were unveiled at a press conference in February, 1967, shortly after Walt Disney's death the previous December. Press materials provided this description of the city's dynamic Transportation Lobby:

This cutaway rendering shows how differing modes of transportation will be channeled into non-conflicting traffic flows below the pedestrian level of the city. The Transportation Lobby (top half of photo) will be located at the very heart of EPCOT, directly beneath the 30-story theme hotel. This will be the central arrival-departure for all passengers using the monorail or the newly-designed "WEDway People Mover."

Lost Imagineering: Dick Tracy's Crimestoppers

Back in 1990, Michael Eisner and many other Disney execs were hoping that Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy would become a popular and potentially evergreen property. So much so, that even before the film's June release of that year, plans were already on the drawing board for attractions in both Disneyland and Disney-MGM Studios. Dick Tracy's Crimestoppers looked to be an elaborate extension of the gangster scene from The Great Movie Ride, coupling audio-animatronics with interactive elements (ala tommy guns in ride vehicles).

The film was only a moderate success and the concept soon faded back into the blue sky from whence it came, another casualty of the curse of the Disney Decade.

The film did have a presence in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World that year in the form of the Dick Tracy Diamond Double Cross stage show.

Lost Imagineering: Victory Field

The Victory Field area of Disney's America would have paid tribute to World War II era servicemen and military technology. It would seem that some of those blue sky concepts ultimately evolved into the Condor Flats section of Disney's California Adventure. Press material provided the following description of Victory Field:

"The flight of the Wright brothers opened a new chapter in American history, bringing with it thrilling exploits and military advancements. With the assistance of modern technology, guests at Victory Field may parachute from a plane or operate tanks and weapons in combat, and experience firsthand what America's soldiers have faced in defense of freedom."

Lost Imagineering: The Rhine River Cruise

The show building still exists behind the Germany pavilion in Epcot for what had been planned to be the Rhine River Cruise. The 1982 book Walt Disney's EPCOT provides this brief description of the proposed attraction:

"The future River Ride promises to be as enjoyable as it is informative. An early concept has visitors boarding a "cruise boat" for a simulated ride down the Rhine and other rivers, the trip affording a visual impression in miniature of the cultural heritage of Germany's past and the highlights of its present. Among the detailed models envisioned are scenes in the Black Forest, the Oktoberfest, Heidelberg, the industrial Ruhr Valley . . . the possibilities are limited only by the planners' imaginations."

Lost Imagineering: RCA System Communication Center

"The focal point of WEDCOMM would be the RCA System Communication Center, open to the public as a highlight of the Tomorrowland area of the new Theme Park. Through this operational nerve center, the staff would be able to monitor, receive and transmit information to guests and operating personnel.

All communications would tie into the Center -- including telephones, radio paging and two-way radio, computer operated displays, television and signals from the automatic monitoring and control system. Contact can be quickly established with any location and key personnel can be reached without delay."

WEDCOMM? The RCA System Communication Center? In Tomorrowland???

Those were in fact the plans that RCA proudly announced back in 1969 as the Walt Disney Company made public much of its initial planning for Walt Disney World. One of Disney's key corporate partners, RCA was set to create and produce the computer and communications infrastructure for the entire Disney World project. The system was named WEDCOMM--Walter E. Disney Communications Oriented Monitoring and Management System.

This very ambitious plan vanished quickly, at least from public view, when RCA sold its computer division to Sperry Univac in 1970. RCA would ultimately sponsor Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom a number of years later. Sperry Univac would in turn sponsor The Astuter Computer Revue at EPCOT Center which was a clear evolution and relocation of the RCA Communication Center.

The above passage was from a RCA press release, that was part of a press kit released to media in 1969. Here is the release in its entirety:


ORLANDO, Fla., April 30 — What shape will electronic information handling take by the year 2000?

RCA is developing plans to provide a dramatic preview of tomorrow's system technology at Walt Disney World — establishing the first 21st Century information-communications system as a total service for guests, residents and management.

The advanced concepts under study would range from personal TV bulletins for visitors to computerized profiles of guest activity. Called WEDCOMM (Walter E. Disney Communications Oriented Monitoring and Management System), the program was designed by the RCA Systems Development organization in conjunction with Disney personnel.

As a planned "System of Systems, WEDCOMM would link computers, telephones, automatic monitoring and control devices, mobile communications and television in a multi-faceted network capable of expansion as growth demands. Through a modular design concept, it would unfold in phases over several years to take advantage of operational experience and technological advancement.

Robert W. Sarnoff, RCA President and Chief Executive Officer, declared that "today the systems approach is being turned to a new task --to meet increasingly urgent social and economic challenges including problems of health, urban planning, natural resources and education.

"RCA Systems Development was established to explore these needs and focus the diverse capabilities of RCA in fulfilling them. One of the first assignments of this new organization was to help develop the integrated information-communication system for Walt Disney World."

WEDCOMM's design will capitalize on the framework for electronic innovation created by the Walt Disney World hotel and recreational complexes, as well as its residential community.

Among the system's first tasks would be a continuous electronic tracking of events throughout the widespread Vacation Kingdom. News and previews of Walt Disney World activities will be broadcast over special television channels into hotel rooms and at other locations.

Plans also call for the use of a closed-circuit TV system to train new Disney employees, and to monitor shows and attractions.

The computer will link administrative, financial and operational functions into a single management information system unique in scope and providing a new dimension in control of a major enterprise.

RCA officials said the WEDCOMM computer system will help Walt Disney World guests make reservations for hotel rooms, entertainment and recreation quickly and simply during their stay.

In addition, it will automatically build "guest profiles" to assist the staff in progressively improving their service to return visitors. Through attendance predictions and inventory control programs, the computer will help insure an adequate staff and sufficient food and supplies at all times.

The focal point of WEDCOMM would be the RCA System Communication Center, open to the public as a highlight of the Tomorrowland area of the new Theme Park. Through this operational nerve center, the staff would be able to monitor, receive and transmit information to guests and operating personnel.

All communications would tie into the Center -- including telephones, radio paging and two-way radio, computer operated displays, television and signals from the automatic monitoring and control system. Contact can be quickly established with any location and key personnel can be reached without delay.

RCA officials said WEDCOMM encompasses proven product line components in an original advanced system configuration.

It will be continually fed by a stream of new technology from RCA laboratories and technical centers, particularly to meet the expanding requirements of EPCOT (the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow).

The system is expected to contribute to broad improvements in education, health, safety, utility operations, municipal government, monetary systems, recreation and transportation. These will be an outgrowth of such WEDCOMM applications as computer assisted instruction, multi-test health screening systems, safety monitoring, automated reading drills, and billing and collection for utility services.

RCA said its approach to the design of WEDCOMM is based on experience gained from major systems projects — among them color television, automated information systems, microwave networks, and the TIROS/ESSA weather satellite series.

"We of RCA are proud to be associated with Walt Disney Productions in a project that holds so much promise for the future of human society," Mr. Sarnoff said.

Lost Imagineering: Japan's Bullet Train

A high speed ride on the famous Japanese Bullet Train, right in the heart of EPCOT Center's World Showcase? This was just one of a number of attractions that went unrealized for the Japan pavilion. This immersive adventure would have featured an interesting variation of Disney's 360 Circlevision process. Also conceptualized for Epcot's Japan were a Mount Fuji-themed thrill ride, and the multimedia presentation Meet the World, the latter of which ultimately found its way to Tokyo Disneyland.

For a complete tour and Disney Scene Investigation of the Japan pavilion, tune in to this week's edition of the WDW Radio Show. And check out our earlier Lost Imagineering post on Meet the World, right here at 2719 Hyperion.

Lost Imagineering: Quest for the Unicorn

Like many of the mythical creatures it was intended to showcase, Disney's Animal Kingdom's Beastly Kingdom has become legend itself in the annals of Lost Imagineering. Budget constraints ultimately resulted in this concept being replaced with the shows and character greets of Camp Minnie Mickey.

One of the proposed attractions for Beastly Kingdom was the interactive walk-through Quest for the Unicorn. Imagineer Maggie Parr, who was the lead designer on the project, provided this description of the attraction:

"The three-part hedge maze was long and complex, with surprises at every turn. Along the way, a sphinx, phoenix, griffin, and several mischievous gargoyles delivered clues or guarded dead ends. The maze culminated in a gothic topiary castle where guests could either look out over the land, or descend into a leafy chamber where they finally met the mysterious unicorn (an audio-animatronic figure). It was an ambitious and unusual attraction."

For a very detailed look at what might have been, check out Maggie's article Quest for the Unicorn at MousePlanet.

Lost Imagineering: A Happy, Fun American Adventure

An American Adventure not unlike El Rio del Tiempo or It’s a Small World?

Interestingly enough, one of the early ideas for World Showcase’s host pavillion, was a far cry from the elaborate theater presentation that Imagineers ultimately produced.

In an interview a few years prior to his tragic death in 1990, American Adventure show producer and Disney Legend Randy Bright said this about one of the attraction’s abandoned concepts:

“We went through six abject failures before we got to an American Adventure that we all felt comfortable with, which ultimately became what we have today. For example, one designer decided that the American Adventure should be a happy, fun ride-through with audio-animatronic vignettes of characters singing patriotic American songs as you go through”

Concept art featured a more comical Ben Franklin as part of a fireworks display, Paul Bunyan with his blue ox Babe, and an odd scene of a cowboy and Indian shaking hands while a movie camera films in the background.

Most Disney fans are more familiar with the Imagineers’ original intention to have Will Rogers serve as the show’s third host, along side Ben Franklin and Mark Twain, with each one representing a century in the country’s history. Bright told of how they took that idea to a college class consisting of 150 political science students, of which only five knew who Will Rogers was. Rogers was then quickly relegated to a small supporting role. Roughly three hundred other historical figures were considered before they ultimately gave up on the idea of a 20th century host.

Lost Imagineering: Liberty Street

As early as 1959, Disneyland souvenir books were featuring artwork of a proposed patriotic-themed area adjacent to Main Street U.S.A. called Liberty Street. The concept was ultimately realized twelve years later as Liberty Square in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Potentially inspired by the 1957 film Johnny Tremain, Liberty Street would have featured two elaborate attractions themed to American history and located in the area's main structure, alternately referred to as either Liberty Hall or Independence Hall. One attraction would have focused on the birth of the country as related through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence. The other, "One Nation Under God," would have showcased American history, and its concept would later evolve into Disney World's Hall of Presidents.

For more details on Liberty Street, check out Wade Sampson's excellent article The Liberty Street Story 1959 at MousePlanet.com.

Lost Imagineering: Crossroads U.S.A.

Like other Disney Parks, Disney's America also had its version of a Main Street hub that served to transition guests to the other areas of the park. Here's the description of Crossroads U.S.A. that appeared in press materials from 1993:

CROSSROADS USA 1800 - 1850
A spirited portrait of mid-19th century commerce, Crossroads USA is the hub of DISNEY'S AMERICA, launching guests on an unforgettable journey through the vivid tapestry of American history. An 1840 train trestle bridge marks the entrance to this territory and supports two antique steam trains that visitors may board for a trip around the Park's nine territories.

Lost Imagineering: Switzerland

The next stop on our tour of the World Showcase that never was is Switzerland. The 1991 EPCOT Outreach fact sheet provided the following description of a proposed Swiss pavilion:

Matterhorn Mountain and Bobsled Ride; Inspired by Europe's tenth most famous mountain, this imposing landmark will be built on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon beside a charming Swiss village. Bobsleds will race up, down, around, and through a chilling ice-covered adventure. It will be the centerpiece of a picturesque Switzerland showcase.

Lost Imagineering: Russia

We are going to continue this week's imaginary stroll around the World Showcase that never was and drop in on the fabled Russian pavilion.

An EPCOT Outreach fact sheet from January of 1991 mentioned briefly a USSR-themed pavilion:

Soviet Union Showcase; A USSR showcase is the addition most requested by EPCOT Center visitors. Its towering onion-domed spires and bold architecture will add a breathtaking new silhouette to the World Showcase skyline by the end of 1999.

An internal Disney Team publication from 1992 reflected the dramatic world events of the prior year--the showcase was now referred to as the Russia pavilion, and a much more detailed description of its attractions was provided:

Imagineering has recenty completed "blue sky" concept work on a Russia Pavilion for World Showcase. Marqueed by the spectacular onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, it will feature the spellbinding attraction, Russia - The Bells of Change. This innovative theatrical experience will combine Audio-Animatronics® characters, animated sets, film, and a live actor to surround guests with the personalities, achievements and volatile history of this vast land. Also planned for this new pavilion is a ride-through attraction inspired by one of Russia's best loved folk tales, Ivan and the Magic Pike.

Lost Imagineering: Meet the World

This week on the WDW Radio Show, Lou and I use the Wayback Machine to take a look at the EPCOT that never was, and focus primarily on many abandoned ideas from World Showcase.

It was very disappointing when Meet the World never materialized as part of the Japan pavilion in 1982 as originally planned. Developed simultaneously for both EPCOT and Tokyo Disneyland, it was an extensive multimedia presentation that combined live action and animated films with audio animatronics figures. The 1982 Abrams book Walt Disney's EPCOT provided the following detailed description of Meet the World:

Inside the castle, the audience is seated in a rotating carousel theater, which will revolve in front of four stages, each presenting a chapter of the story of Japan.

The first chapter traces the volcanic origin of the islands. Then, in the company of two Japanese children and an animated magical crane (symbol of good health and long life), we explore the early history of the inhabitants of the islands.

Stage II deals with Japan's first emissaries to a foreign country—a splendid scene in Imperial China. Much of China's culture was absorbed and subsequently adapted to distinctive Japanese forms. A new foreign influence arrives with the epochal visit from Portuguese traders, who introduce the Japanese to firearms. This chapter ends with the closing of the country to almost all foreign visitors.

In Stage III, Japan, in self-imposed isolation,develops artistically and intellectually. Here we are introduced to Yaji and Kita, guards in the family of a powerful Shogun in the Edo period, whose story is a Japanese classic. But in the Disney version they are a couple of amusing characters. Enter Commodore Perry and his great Black Ships. His visit gives rise to heated debate between Japan's isolationists and expansionists.

The scene ends with the cataclysmic expansionism of the 1940s, but Stage IV demonstrates,
amply and ably, the rehabilitation, stabilization, and outreach of a modern, caring people, at once sophisticated and traditional, whose influence now extends far beyond the shores of their islands.

The show ends with the children and the crane waving farewell from the gondola of a balloon. But we can return to Japan, at least for a moment, after we leave the theater: it is there all around us, and our appreciation will be heightened after what we have just seen.

Meet the World was ultimately realized as an attraction at Tokyo Disneyland, but its EPCOT Center counterpart sadly never found a home at World Showcase.

Lost Imagineering: Roger Rabbit's Toontown Trolley

Ahh . . . what if?

This week's DSI segment on The WDW Radio Show, featuring Lou Mongello and yours truly, is all about Roger Rabbit. Part of the discussion focuses on the abandoned plans for Roger Rabbit's Hollywood, an area that was supposed to have been built at the Disney-MGM Studios in the mid-1990s. The centerpiece attraction was to have been the Toontown Trolley, a next generation simulator ride.

For more Roger Rabbit zaniness, check out my DSI article, The Rise and Not-So-Funny Fall of Roger Rabbit at Disney World Trivia.com, and our prior posts Snapshot: Roger Rabbit Larger Than Life, and Freeze Frame - We Visited Splash Mountain, here at 2719 Hyperion.

Lost Imagineering: The Industrial Revolution

One of the more interesting concepts from the ill-fated Disney's America theme park was an area called Enterprse 1870-1930. Press material from 1993 provided the following information about Enterprise and its headline attraction, the Industrial Revolution:

"The factory town of Enterprise plays host to inventions and innovations spawned by the ingenuity and can-do spirit that catapulted America to the forefront of industry. Within Enterprise, those daring enough can climb aboard the Industrial Revolution, a high-speed adventure through a turn-of-the-century mill culminating in a narrow escape from its fiery vat of molten steel."

Lost Imagineering: Mickey's Movieland

In the spirit of today’s other post on the original Disney Studios, formerly located at 2719 Hyperion Avenue, we present another sadly abandoned concept from the ever more infamous Disney Decade.

Mickey’s Movieland was planned for the Disney-MGM Stuidos Theme Park. A Disney Crew publication in 1990 provided the following description:

“A replica of Disney’s original Hyperion Avenue Studio, where guests will encounter whimsical, hands-on movie making equipment where they can live out their own motion picture producing fantasies.”

I don’t think I would have even cared what was inside. Just to stand in front of an authentic reproduction of the studio would have been awe-inspiring in and of itself.

An open appeal to John Lasseter: Please somehow resurrect this concept!