No Foolin'

Today is Friday, April 1 - April Fool's Day - a day when many a Disney website or blog runs phony stories about developments in and around the Walt Disney Company. Well... I won't be doing that. Instead, I present to you this week's final series of vintage Disney Parks photos. Each tells a story that, if not for the photographic evidence, might seem just as far fetched as an actual April Fool's Day prank. Enjoy.

Epcot replaces Disney Characters with

Larger-than-Life People of the World

When EPCOT Center opened in 1982, it was the first Disney Park designed outside the Disneyland mold. To help further differentiate the park from the Magic Kingdom, it was decided the traditional Disney characters would not appear in EPCOT Center (it was actually this decision that led to the first wide-spread use of "Hidden Mickeys"). Instead, the new park would feature a cast of characters all its own, from Dreamfinder and Figment in Future World to the People of the World in World Showcase. These oversize, doll-headed characters were adapted from America on Parade, which ran at the Magic Kingdom in the mid-70s. Brought to EPCOT Center, they were dressed in international costumes and set out to pose with guests around the World Showcase Lagoon. It wasn't long, though, before visitors to the park expressed their expectation that Mickey and friends would be on hand, and the People of the World were retired in favor of the Fab Five in "futuristic" silver jumpsuits.

"Three Little Pigs" Musical Added in Expansion

of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

As part of an early effort to add extra offerings to the Magic Kingdom (significantly more modest than the current park expansion), the Fantasy Faire Stage was created in the back of Fantasyland to host musical performances starring popular Disney characters. Various shows telling stories ranging from "Winnie the Pooh" to the "Three Little Pigs" graced the stage over the years. Even as recently as the mid-90s, this spot was home to Disney Magic Music Days guest performers and Miss Minnie's Country Christmas during holiday events. The Fantasy Faire Stage closed for good in 1996, to be replaced by Ariel's Grotto, and the site is now being transformed once again into part of Belle's village for New Fantasyland.

Disneyland Rivers of America Run Dry

You're not seeing things. This is the dry riverbed of the Rivers of America in Frontierland at Disneyland, with the guide rail for the Columbia and Mark Twain visible on the ground. This level of refurbishment on the park's main river has only been undertaken a handful of times. This particular photograph is from early-1992, when the original infrastructure was added for a new Disneyland nighttime spectacular set to debut that spring - Fantasmic!

Goofy Seen Water Skiing on Seven Seas Lagoon

In the early years of the Walt Disney World Resort, when the Magic Kingdom was the only park to visit, guests crossing Seven Seas Lagoon were often treated to surprise appearances by the Disney characters. Favorites like Goofy and Mr. Smee could be seen water skiing alongside the ferries on their way to the park. More than just entertainment value, these stunts also served as a promotion of sorts of the resort's varied recreation offerings, something new that had never been available at Disneyland.

Replica of Mos Eisley Cantina Built at Entrance

to Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios

It's true! Full disclosure, though: The cantina structure was temporary, only built for the official grand opening ceremonies for Star Tours held on January 14, 1990. Look closely at the photo, and you can see the band playing (that's Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes for you die-hard Star Wars fans out there). Michael Eisner and George Lucas presided over the day's events. Star Wars stars Mark Hammill and Carrie Fisher were also in attendance. Even though Darth Vader and his Imperial Guard made an appearance atop the attraction building to try and stop the proceedings, everything opened according to plan. Now, twenty-one years later, we await the debut of the next chapter with Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, opening May 20.

Donkey Italiano

Guests strolling the World Showcase promenade at Epcot are likely to notice this colorful cart just outside the Italy pavilion, if only as a stop for a refreshing Italian ice or gelato on a steamy Florida afternoon. It's here for a reason, though, to represent part of the cultural heritage of Italy.

This is a traditional Sicilian donkey cart, or carrettu Sicilianu, much like those typically used in the early 20th century on the island of Sicily (the roughly-triangular bit of land just off the "boot" of Italy). Carts like these were often used to carry everything from produce and wine to passengers into the village market. The most colorful examples also found their way into local parades and other festive occasions.

The dominant reds and yellows come from the Sicilian flag, while the ornate carvings and colorful painted scenes depict historical figures and events. For the Sicilian people, it was a way of celebrating and passing down their history. In modern Sicily, the donkeys have been replaced by motorized vehicles, but they're still painted in the traditional way, keeping that heritage alive for generations to come.

The Sound of (Mexican) Music

The live entertainment offerings throughout the Walt Disney World Resort have changed constantly over the years, always offering Guests something new to discover and enjoy during their day in a Disney Park. While many performers have come and gone, a few have managed to stand the test of time.

Mariachi Cobre was formed in Tucson, Arizona, in 1971 by founding member Randy Carrillo. Randy and his brother brought their traditional 12-piece Mexican Mariachi band to Florida in 1982 to perform for the opening of Epcot, and they've been there ever since.

Mariachi is a form of Mexican folk music which originated in Jalisco, in Western Mexico. The Mariachi Cobre features three musicians on guitar, two on trumpet and seven on violin.

The next time you're passing the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase or visiting the Plaza de los Amigos inside, be sure to take time to stop and enjoy one of Epcot's original cultural treasures, Mariachi Cobre.

Gateway to Scandinavia

Throughout this "Disney Under Construction" series, we've followed the building of some of the icons of Walt Disney World (primarily the mountains, since those happen to be the pictures I have). Well, I thought we were done, when I happened upon this little gem. It's a scan of a picture I took on a family trip back in the summer of 1987.

The steel structure may not be the most easily recognizable, but take a look at the construction fence, promising:

"Set sail on a thrilling voyage through time and experience the myths, majesty and modern wonders of Norway - Gateway to Scandinavia - Opening Summer 1988"

Norway was the 2nd (and as it turns out, last) major addition to the World Showcase at Epcot. During the early years of the park, billboards around the promenade touted such future pavilions as Israel, Spain and Equatorial Africa. Each of these failed to materialize for one reason or another, often a sponsorship issue since all the World Showcase pavilions are presented in whole or in part by an entity from the host country.

Over the years, though, World Showcase has managed to feature more than just the eleven nations represented by the major pavilions. During the Millennium Celebration in 2000, Millennium Village (now World Showplace) played host to a couple dozen smaller exhibits from countries as diverse as Sweden, Brazil, Scotland and Eritrea.

Each year during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, even more countries come to the park by way of kiosks placed around the promenade. Guests have the opportunity to sample cuisine from the host nations, as well as Australia, Greece, Thailand, Poland and more. The Food & Wine Festival each fall is one of my favorite times to visit Epcot, not just for the food, but for the truly international experience it offers.

Oh, Canada

Canada is one of the largest and most diverse countries on Earth. Depicting that scope and breadth within the limits of a World Showcase pavilion was a huge challenge for the Imagineering design team. The result is a delicious sampler platter of cultural and geographic influences. Let's take a look, eh?

The totems toward the front of the pavilion pay tribute to the native peoples who called this land home for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The totems to the right of the steps have been there since the pavilion opened in 1982. The large totem on the left (below) is a more recent addition.

In 1998, artist David Boxley was brought to Florida to carve this totem onstage while interacting with Epcot Guests. During carving, the log was laid on its side on a raised platform (what is now the stage for performances of Off Kilter). The final piece tells three traditional stories of the Raven.

Nearby is the Northwest Mercantile, representing the explorers and adventurers - not to mention trappers, prospectors, loggers and traders - who helped forge the great Canadian frontier. The shop is dressed as an outpost, a last stop for supplies before heading into the wilderness, and is filled to the roof with props that help tell the story.

Lining the street that leads back to the Circle-Vision theater are structures that call up the British and French heritage of Canada. The stone cottages on the left, a common sight in English-speaking Canada, were once home to a Tourism Information Center. The French Gothic Hotel du Canada on the right is patterned after the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and at one time housed the collectibles shop La Boutique des Provinces. The architecture remains, although the locations have since closed due to a lack of foot traffic (the pavilion's retail was shifted to locations closer to the promenade).

In the base of the hotel can still be found Le Cellier Steakhouse, one of the most popular restaurants in the entire Walt Disney World Resort.

Another remnant of the past is the Canadian National Hotels plaque affixed to the side of the structure. Chateau Laurier was originally part of the Canadian National chain, a group of hotels built by Canadian National Railways in the early 20th century to accommodate cross-country travelers. Canadian National sold off their hotel properties in the late-80s. Today, Chateau Laurier is operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Returning to the World Showcase promenade from a satisfying meal or a visit with Martin Short-in-the-round, we pass through Victoria Gardens, inspired by the famous Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia. The gardens are breathtaking, and they're backed by a stand of maple trees, the national symbol of Canada.

Eat, Drink & be Mary

Cheers! The United Kingdom pavilion at World Showcase is bursting with treats for all the senses, from the sight of a variety of merchandise to the sounds of the British Invasion, but don't forget about the tastes that can be enjoyed here.

Along the promenade is the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, featuring Harry Ramsden's famous fish and chips. Ramsden's, an Operating Participant in this location, is perhaps the best known fish and chips brand in the world. The details on the sign pay tribute to where it all began. Ramsden opened his first shop in Guiseley, Yorkshire in 1928. (In this case, that year is not used to refer to the beginnings of Mickey Mouse. It turns out there were lots of other things happening in the world at the time. Go figure!)

Nearby is the Rose & Crown Pub. As you walk around and through the Rose & Crown, you might notice the design style of the building changes. That's because it's actually an amalgam of four different pub styles from across the U.K. - Dickensian, City Street, Waterfront and Provincial.

By the way, the Latin on the pub's marquee below translates as "Leisure with Dignity." (Although, I'm sure the dignity part is inversely proportional to the number of pints imbibed within.)

For the teetotalers in the group, there's the Tea Caddy. This quaint shop is housed in a structure inspired by Anne Hathaway's family cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. (That's the William Shakespeare's wife Anne Hathaway, not the Princess Diaries Anne Hathaway.) Inside is a wide selection of teas and tea paraphernalia from sponsor Twinings Tea. The 1706 date on the sign refers to the opening of the original Twinings tea room in London.

Overlooking Britannia Square at the rear of the pavilion are residential structures, including these row houses inspired by set designs for Mary Poppins. A bit of Cherry Tree Lane at Epcot, perhaps?

Impressions of France

Bienvenue! Welcome to the France pavilion, a fabulous tribute to the entire country (but mostly Paris). The mansard roofs. The beautiful fountains. The parterre gardens. All evoke the romantic spirit of La Belle Epoque, the "Beautiful Age."

The main attraction here is the spectacular film Impressions de France, presented in the Palais du Cinema. Modeled after elements of the Chateau de Fontainebleau, the Palais also includes some unique details of its own. Take a look at the relief sculpture in the pediment, and you'll find depictions of the traditional masks of comedy and tragedy.

To visit the France pavilion is to experience art. The art of architecture, of the cinema, of gardens and of food. The restaurant Les Chefs de France holds a prominent spot at the front of the pavilion.

The restaurant gets its name from three famous French chefs - Paul Bocuse, Gaston LeNotre, Roger Verge - partners in the ownership of Les Chefs de France and the creation of its menu. Today, Les Chefs is managed by Bocuse's son, Jerome. The restaurant has also recently played host to another famous chef, Chef Remy from Ratatouille.

For art in the more traditional sense, look no further than the park near the river. Here is a kiosk plastered with posters, a common sight in the city. Closer inspection reveals, however, that all the ads on this kiosk promote the work of well-known French artists.

Over by the water's edge, the work of unknown French artists appears to be on offer from a street vendor, along with postcards and other souvenirs of "Gay Paree."

There's lots of detail here, but some of the best is actually just over the wall. Along the quais by the Seine, the little stories of unseen Parisians are told through props and staging. There's a rowboat lifted from the water, perhaps awaiting a young couple. Nearby, someone is fishing, and around the corner, a hopeful artist is practicing his craft. Take a close look. You may be seeing the beginnings of the next great master... or maybe just the clever work of an Imagineering set designer.

Salaam and Good Day to You, Worthy Friends

Although the Equatorial Africa pavilion never materialized, the African continent did gain representation at Epcot with the 1984 addition of Morocco. From the Bab Boujouloud Gate to the Koutoubia Minaret and the winding streets of the Medina ("old city"), Morocco provides one of the most immersive experiences in all of World Showcase.

Unique among the Epcot pavilions, the Kingdom of Morocco is the only one actually presented by the government of the host country. The pavilion was sanctioned by King Hassan II, who even had some of the country's finest craftsmen sent to the United States to ensure the authenticity of the artwork presented.

Just off the main courtyard of the ville nouvelle, the "new city" at the front of the pavilion, is an exhibit gallery currently showing "Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment." The entrance to the space is intricate and lovely to behold. True to Moroccan culture, however, true beauty is held within.

Step through the doors and look back. The stained glass of the doors glows brilliantly, bathing the interior of the gallery with a magical glow.

The exhibits inside the gallery change from time to time, but the tile and carved stone work here have been around from the beginning. The piece pictured below, found on an interior column, is an example of the art of Zellige, or Moroccan mosaic. Often in Moroccan art, the maalems (craftsmen) concede perfection to Allah, working slight imperfections into their work. In the example below, follow the groupings of three tiles encircling the central ring of the design. The pattern is generally tile-tile-tile-space, but between 7 and 8 o'clock you'll see that the pattern is broken by the inclusion of an extra tile. It's subtle and not immediately noticeable, but important to the artist.

Deeper in the pavilion is another fun discovery, the Fez House. A representation of a dar, or traditional domestic structure, Fez House is an open air courtyard from which several residences radiate. Standing in the courtyard, the first thing you notice is the incredible artistry in the wood carvings and tile work on the fountain and columns. Stay for a while, and you may just hear some of the activities of the families who "live" here.

Back out toward the promenade is a fairly recent addition to the Morocco pavilion, a quick-service dining location known as the Tangierine Cafe. The restaurant takes its name from the Moroccan city of Tangier, the port from which a certain type of citrus fruit was first shipped across the Mediterranean to Europe. That fruit, a small variant of an orange, became known as a tangerine.

Konichiwa

This dramatic torii gate, a symbol of good luck, welcomes us to Japan. Torii are found throughout Japan at the entrance to ancient shrines. This one is a replica of the gate at the Itsukushima Shrine on an island in Japan's Inland Sea. Just like the original, this torii displays signs of weathering from the ebb and flow of the tides, as well as a growth of barnacles at its base. The difference is that here those details have been painstakingly added by artists from Walt Disney Imagineering.

The pagoda standing above the entrance courtyard of the Japan pavilion is also modeled on an actual structure. This time, the inspiration was the pagoda of Horyuji Temple in Nara, which dates to the 8th century. Different from a Chinese pagoda, the Japanese style typically features less color, a less-curved roofline and much less ornamentation. Instead, the pagoda emphasizes simple lines and purity of form. The five story pagoda, Goju-No-To, represents the five elements which Buddhists believe make up the universe. In ascending order they are earth, water, fire, wind and Heaven.

At the back of the pavilion is a reproduction of Shirasagi-Jo, the White Egret Castle, which overlooks the Japanese city of Himeji. Fortresses like this were built during Japan's feudal period to guard the country's ports and waterways. Here, the castle guards a hidden space once intended for an attraction. The show "Meet the World" was designed as a carousel theater presentation of Japanese history. It played at Tokyo Disneyland from 1983 to 2002, but never made the trip west to Epcot. Today, the space is occupied by gallery exhibits, an expansion of the Mitsukoshi Department Store and a backstage maintenance facility.

Ah, Venice!

The Italy pavilion is unusual among World Showcase pavilions in that it primarily represents just one region of the host country. While the stucco building on the right is meant to evoke Tuscany, the majority of the design is drawn from the distinctive architecture of Venice. From the bridges and gondolas of the Isola del Lago to the towering columns guarding the Piazza di San Marco, the romance of Venice is brought to full life here at Epcot.

The Italy pavilion also provides excellent examples of Long Shot, Medium Shot and Close Up in the Imagineering art of set design. The Long Shot seen in the photo at the top of this post establishes the scene with a view of St. Mark's Square. As we approach the pavilion, we can appreciate the architectural features of the Doge's Palace and Campanile (bell tower).

Closer still, and we discover that no detail was left out, no matter how small. The replica of the Doge's Palace is complete down to the intricate sculpted columns and aged marble.