The Disneyland Anaheim Disney Quest That Never Was

A few days ago i've posted on the D&M Facebook page a link to a good video about the history of the Disneyland Hotel. One 1990's artwork in the video is specially interesting as it shows the future Downtown Disney at Anaheim. And what do we see on it on the left? A Disney Quest building, which as we know was never built!

The idea driving Disney Quest was that it would be built in multiple key locations across the country, and they built one in Chicago shortly after they opened the one in WDW. They envisioned one in Philadelphia, San Francisco and the Disneyland Resort, then perhaps one at each Disney location around the world.

When the Chicago one opened it did fantastically well…on the weekends. It was virtually empty on the weekdays, so that scuttled the idea of non-Disney locations. Why it was not built at Disneyland…? Not sure but from what i've been told Paul Pressler - at this time at the head of Parks and Resorts - was nervous about its high operating and upkeep costs and not being able to leverage those across six or so other locations. So he pulled the plug on any further Disney Quests, and that was the end of the one envisioned for Disneyland Anaheim Downtown Disney.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Will the Land of Anaheim Angel Stadium be the One Where Disneyland Resort Will Build a Third Theme Park ?

Following the reactions last week about the upcoming Marvel Land at DCA and considering that DLR fans, since years, request a third theme park at Anaheim, i repost this January 2018 article which was precisely talking about the Anaheim Angel Stadium land that some think Disney should buy and build a third theme park park there. And, hey, may be it's the secret project that Disney will announce at D23!


Two weeks ago, in an article titled "A roadmap to a third gate at Disneyland needs Gardenwalk" John Frost from The Disney Blog explained, now that the Gardenwalk property is on the market, why Disney should buy it as "it’s half a block away from Disney California Adventure and across Katella from one of Disneyland’s remote parking lots which has long been rumored to be the potential site for a third gate for the Disneyland Resort". John posted a satellite view of the whole thing and it's true that Gardewalk is just next door to Disneyland Resort, and Disney could create a kind of "East Downtown Disney" there easily.



I did a post on the D&M Facebook page linking to John article HERE and then, one day later, someone whom i won't reveal the name but who is a faithful D&M reader and a Disney insider ( not an Imagineer ) sent me a very interesting message in which he was saying:
"In regards to GardenWalk. I worked in Anaheim for many years and we did a walk with the city through GardenWalk. Disney was interested in buying but it came down to looking back at Downtown Disney and realizing that no vendors stayed, so Disney ended up placing Disney owned shops to keep shops open while vendors would leave. For example, House of Blues left and moved to Garden Walk. Also, the third gate area is currently a cast member parking called K lot (Katella lot) and Toy Story lot is behind K lot. They would need more parking structures before a third gate."

"Also, just down the road if the Angels of Anaheim baseball team move to the new stadium which will be build in Irvine area, Disney would buy that massive open area. For now, they make Anaheim cast members park at the baseball stadium on busy days and they get shuttled into the park backstage for work.

The fact that a third gate could not be considered until 2025 literally sounds accurate as it is the time frame of the new hotel in Anaheim plus the new structure parking. The best bet is for Angels Stadium to be moved to another city and take over that massive land. And Angel stadium if they leave is the best Disney's future potential. Check out the amount of land Angel Stadium sits on."





So i did a screenshot showing the land of Angels Stadium in Anaheim, that you can see below as well as aerial view of the stadium above. Definitely click on the screen captures to see them in big size.



But i thought that the land look a bit too far from Disneyland Resort and even from the Patella lot... I thought that they won't be able to make the junction between the two, even if the Angels Stadium was going elsewhere and the land became free. To what he answered:

"Well, just imagine they make Disneyland Resort cast members park here on busy days! Yes they will be able to make the junction when Bob Iger will approve the Walt Disney World driver less vehicles as behind Toy Story lot the city built a brand new street called Gene Autry Way that connects Disney property to Angel Stadium. I guess you could say it runs behind Toy Story lot. If Angel Stadium move, all the green area you see on the map will be up for sale. "





The red line on the screen capture above shows the way going from Disneyland to Angel Stadium.

Going back to have a look on the Google map where this Gene Autry way i agree that Disney have at least a road to connect. The high green space where the stadium is on the map is probably as big as Disneyland. I still find it a bit too far from the rest of DLR even with the roads to connect but we'll see if they move the stadium if Disney will buy the land.

To what my D&M reader answered: "They say that Disneyland is gridlock like Las Vegas and if Disneyland is going to expand they need to move out more. For example, Disney Sea originally was originally planned for Long Beach that is 28 miles away from Disneyland Resort. It’s going to be really interesting whatever plan falls through but right now it makes the most sense to purchase Garden Walk now that they've bought the land behind Garden Walk where the parking structure was supposed to be built. "

I agreed that that was right, they wanted to build a DisneySea there and the fact that it was near the sea was in favor of a Disney Sea park. But what i've also been told as one of the reason why Bob Iger didn't wanted to have a third park with a Star Wars land and a Marvel land was because Iger is apparently determined to use each square inch available in DL and DCA before creating a third park in Anaheim. The reason why comes from WDW where, because they have four parks there, plus the water parks, the operating costs are so high that at the end they make less money than in Anaheim, or so.

He agreed that "Iger did a great job removing backstage facilities and moving them off site as well as the horses ranch that took up valuable land behind Big Thunder Ranch. There is still a little room behind Haunted Mansion show building to play with if they really got serious. And possibly re-locating TDA could cause an expansion behind Toon Town in the future. I think a third park won’t be considered for a long long time... The Marvel land at California Adventure behind Cars Land is another project not even announced yet. Until they are out of room it won’t happen... back to Garden Walk I think it’s a good investment to have the land there."

To give you a better idea of how big is the land where Angel Stadium is i've copied it and placed it above Disneyland - see picture below - and i'm pretty sure that i've even forgot to include a parking lot west to the Stadium... As you can see the Angel Stadium land is really huge, there is no doubt that there is enough land there to build a 3rd theme park if they wish.


So, will Disney buy the Angel Stadium land and build on it its third theme park in Anaheim? I wouldn't bet on it at 100% but i think my D&M reader has a very good point and it could be a good bet indeed for a third park, probably an even better one than to have the Katella and Toy Story lots used for a third park. What do you think? Thanks to leave your thoughts about it in a comment below!

Pictures: copyright Google Maps

Rare 1954 Color Pictures of Disneyland Anaheim Design Sessions

Although we have plenty of pictures of Disneyland construction and its opening in 1955, pictures of its design are less easy to find. This makes these 1954 pictures with Walt and WED Imagineers priceless, so let's have a closer look at them. On the top and below Walt and Imagineers are in big discussion around a model of Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Behind them, plenty of artworks for Disneyland Fantasyland attractions done by Disney artist Bruce Bushman.


Below, Walt and Imagineers - Harper Goff is on the right - discuss in front of rederings for Disneyland Jungle Cruise.



Another picture showing Walt and Imagineers, this time facing a wall of artworks for the upcoming Disneyland park.


Artist Peter Ellenshaw, famous for his matte paintings in Disney movies was the one who did the huge Disneyland bird-eye view artwork ( in two versions, day and night ). In the series of pictures below he is with Walt and another Imagineer, apparently talking about the artwork.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Video : Disneyland Anaheim Main Street U.S.A Backstage Path

Last time i went to Disneyland, Anaheim i remember walking in Main Street U.S.A, trying to find a way to turn left or right like i do at Disneyland Paris to reach either Liberty or Discovery Arcades. Just to realize suddenly that Disneyland don't have these arcades, neither any other Disney Magic Kingdom except Disneyland Paris where Eddie Sottto and his team of Imagineers had the genius idea to create these arcades both to enhance Main Street U.S.A experience and for weather reasons as it can be wet and cold at DLP between November and April.

DLP arcades are also precious to escape the crowds at the end of the parades or night shows, and because Disneyland can be so packed i always wondered why they don't create the same arcades in Anaheim. The video below filmed recently by Max, D&M contributor, will show you why they don't, and the reason is simple: they don't have the room to do it. Specially on the left side of Main Street ( looking towards the Castle ) as Jungle Cruise is so close to the back of Main Steeet shops buildings.

Still, guests flow remain a problem at the end of parades or night shows and Disneyland had to do something so they opened the backstage path to guests for a limited time and this is what you will see in the video below, going from Disneyland Central Plaza to Town Square. You can see the "back of House", as they say, and even a bit of the back of Jungle Cruise.

When is this backstage path open? According to Max, at the end or during the parades, or when there is fireworks in addition to Fantasmic! or night parades ( all weekends of the year or all summer or during special nights). Or when Fantasmic! is finished and people are waiting for the fireworks, the backstage passage is open as Frontierland and Adventureland are basically completely packed during Fantasmic! This backstage path plays in fact the role that DLP arcades have. Does it hurt the "magic". Well, a little bit of course but DL guests are rationals, they understand why they open the backstage path and as it help to reach Town Square very quickly no one complain. They've even partly themed the backstage path with attraction posters! Have a look!

Video: Copyright DLP Welcome

Will the Land of Anaheim Angel Stadium be the One Where Disneyland Resort Will Build a Third Theme Park ?

Two weeks ago, in an article titled "A roadmap to a third gate at Disneyland needs Gardenwalk" John Frost from The Disney Blog explained, now that the Gardenwalk property is on the market, why Disney should buy it as "it’s half a block away from Disney California Adventure and across Katella from one of Disneyland’s remote parking lots which has long been rumored to be the potential site for a third gate for the Disneyland Resort". John posted a satellite view of the whole thing and it's true that Gardewalk is just next door to Disneyland Resort, and Disney could create a kind of "East Downtown Disney" there easily.



I did a post on the D&M Facebook page linking to John article HERE and then, one day later, someone whom i won't reveal the name but who is a faithful D&M reader and a Disney insider ( not an Imagineer ) sent me a very interesting message in which he was saying:
"In regards to GardenWalk. I worked in Anaheim for many years and we did a walk with the city through GardenWalk. Disney was interested in buying but it came down to looking back at Downtown Disney and realizing that no vendors stayed, so Disney ended up placing Disney owned shops to keep shops open while vendors would leave. For example, House of Blues left and moved to Garden Walk. Also, the third gate area is currently a cast member parking called K lot (Katella lot) and Toy Story lot is behind K lot. They would need more parking structures before a third gate."

"Also, just down the road if the Angels of Anaheim baseball team move to the new stadium which will be build in Irvine area, Disney would buy that massive open area. For now, they make Anaheim cast members park at the baseball stadium on busy days and they get shuttled into the park backstage for work.

The fact that a third gate could not be considered until 2025 literally sounds accurate as it is the time frame of the new hotel in Anaheim plus the new structure parking. The best bet is for Angels Stadium to be moved to another city and take over that massive land. And Angel stadium if they leave is the best Disney's future potential. Check out the amount of land Angel Stadium sits on."





So i did a screenshot showing the land of Angels Stadium in Anaheim, that you can see below as well as aerial view of the stadium above. Definitely click on the screen captures to see them in big size.



But i thought that the land look a bit too far from Disneyland Resort and even from the Patella lot... I thought that they won't be able to make the junction between the two, even if the Angels Stadium was going elsewhere and the land became free. To what he answered:

"Well, just imagine they make Disneyland Resort cast members park here on busy days! Yes they will be able to make the junction when Bob Iger will approve the Walt Disney World driver less vehicles as behind Toy Story lot the city built a brand new street called Gene Autry Way that connects Disney property to Angel Stadium. I guess you could say it runs behind Toy Story lot. If Angel Stadium move, all the green area you see on the map will be up for sale. "





The red line on the screen capture above shows the way going from Disneyland to Angel Stadium.

Going back to have a look on the Google map where this Gene Autry way i agree that Disney have at least a road to connect. The high green space where the stadium is on the map is probably as big as Disneyland. I still find it a bit too far from the rest of DLR even with the roads to connect but we'll see if they move the stadium if Disney will buy the land.

To what my D&M reader answered: "They say that Disneyland is gridlock like Las Vegas and if Disneyland is going to expand they need to move out more. For example, Disney Sea originally was originally planned for Long Beach that is 28 miles away from Disneyland Resort. It’s going to be really interesting whatever plan falls through but right now it makes the most sense to purchase Garden Walk now that they've bought the land behind Garden Walk where the parking structure was supposed to be built. "

I agreed that that was right, they wanted to build a DisneySea there and the fact that it was near the sea was in favor of a Disney Sea park. But what i've also been told as one of the reason why Bob Iger didn't wanted to have a third park with a Star Wars land and a Marvel land was because Iger is apparently determined to use each square inch available in DL and DCA before creating a third park in Anaheim. The reason why comes from WDW where, because they have four parks there, plus the water parks, the operating costs are so high that at the end they make less money than in Anaheim, or so.

He agreed that "Iger did a great job removing backstage facilities and moving them off site as well as the horses ranch that took up valuable land behind Big Thunder Ranch. There is still a little room behind Haunted Mansion show building to play with if they really got serious. And possibly re-locating TDA could cause an expansion behind Toon Town in the future. I think a third park won’t be considered for a long long time... The Marvel land at California Adventure behind Cars Land is another project not even announced yet. Until they are out of room it won’t happen... back to Garden Walk I think it’s a good investment to have the land there."

To give you a better idea of how big is the land where Angel Stadium is i've copied it and placed it above Disneyland - see picture below - and i'm pretty sure that i've even forgot to include a parking lot west to the Stadium... As you can see the Angel Stadium land is really huge, there is no doubt that there is enough land there to build a 3rd theme park if they wish.


So, will Disney buy the Angel Stadium land and build on it its third theme park in Anaheim? I wouldn't bet on it at 100% but i think my D&M reader has a very good point and it could be a good bet indeed for a third park, probably an even better one than to have the Katella and Toy Story lots used for a third park. What do you think? Thanks to leave your thoughts about it in a comment below!

Pictures: copyright Google Maps

Disneyland Anaheim Celebrates This Weekend 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribbean

This Saturday, March 18, marks 50 years of “rascals and scoundrels … villains and knaves” with the anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland park, and Disneyland is planning to celebrate with scoundrels and scallywags alike!

"Beginning Thursday, March 16, guests can feast upon special pirate-themed grub at French Market Restaurant, Mint Julep Bar, Harbour Galley, Royal Street Verandah, Cafe Orleans and the one-of-a-kind Blue Bayou Restaurant."

"Then the party really sets sail Friday, March 17, and on the attraction’s official anniversary, March 18. Guests will find pirate-themed entertainment throughout New Orleans Square by the likes of Bootstrappers and Lucky the Pirate. They can also plunder limited-edition anniversary merchandise, available in New Orleans Square while supplies last. And ye landlubbers who wish ter talk like a pirate – aye, ye’ll getcher chance … with pirate speak collectible cards. And stay sharp, because there will be even more to discover!"

Picture: copyright Disney

A Third Gate For Disneyland Anaheim ? Yes, But Where ?

If you've read recently Al Lutz updates as well as forums posts you might be aware that the WDC could envision to build a third park in Anaheim. Now that the WDC owns the Star Wars and Marvel licenses they surely want to use them in all kind of way including in theme parks and build new lands and attractions. And obviously at Anaheim they don't have a lot of room available whether it's at Disneyland or DCA. 

Also, Universal will build soon its Harry Potter land at Universal Hollywood, and you can be sure that WDC execs, after the Potter effect at Orlando, knows now that they shouldn't underestimate the opening of a Potter land at Universal Hollywood. And they better be ready to counter attack with a concept stronger than WDW New Fantasyland. So, may be this idea of a third park will become reality, after all, as they could create in it both a Marvel land and a Star Wars land, even if others rumors are saying that they might keep a Star Wars land for Disneyland Tomorrowland.

Anyway, if this third park was built, where would it be? As you can see on the picture above there is not a lot of choice as the land that Disney owns in the area is either the small parking lot on the top right... or the big one on the bottom right, which is south of Katella Blvd and east of Harbor Blvd, in the space that was called the Strawberry Farm and is now the Toy Story Parking Lot and Cast Member Lot. 

But the good news is that this big space, as you can see, is not only as big as Disney California Adventure but also just next door to DCA and Disneyland, "on the other side of the street", and not miles away! So, yes, if Disney decides to build a third park at Anaheim, chances are that it will be there. 

Thanks a lot to Mark Hickson from Disney by Mark for the picture!

Picture: copyright Google Earth

The Wikipedia list of never built Disney Attractions, Theme Parks, Resorts, and more...

You all know the great Wikipedia web site, right? Well, last week i had a big surprise when i found this "List of never built Disney attractions" page ! I don't know who had the good idea to do this list, but it's pretty well done, and there is even some projects i've never heard about before!

Here it is below, and i added some attractions that were not listed. I did also web links for some of them, if you click it will send you to previous D&M or Jim Hill articles with more pictures and infos about them. And, when available, i added concept-arts of these never built projects.

The list is divided in different sections - Theme Parks, Properties, Resorts, Theme park lands, Attractions, Restaurants and Attraction additions. Inside these sections, there is sub-sections for each park.

This list is not exhaustive and of course doesn't include the dozens of WDI secrets projects that we've never heard about !

Okay, here is this Wikipedia list, and there we go for probably the longest topic ever published on Disney and more!


THEME PARKS

Disney's America : A patriotic park to be located in Haymarket, Virginia.



Port Disney : An American version of the Tokyo DisneySea theme park to be located in Long Beach, California.

WestCOT : An Epcot park to be located where Disney's California Adventure is now.



Disneyland East : A park to be built on the former grounds of the 1964 New York World's Fair in Queens, New York. It eventually became the Walt Disney World Resort.


THEME PARK LANDS

Disneyland, California

International Land : A land to be placed on the lagoon hosting the Submarine Voyage and the other boat ride attractions. Eventually became the idea for World Showcase at EPCOT.

Chinatown : A side-street expansion to Main Street USA.



Discovery Bay : A Jules Verne inspired land to be located on the far side of the Rivers of America. Ideas went to Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris.



Hollywoodland : Referred to in later development stages as "Roger Rabbit's Hollywood", a Hollywood themed land to be located between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. The side of Space Mountain facing the land would have been converted into the hill with the Hollywood letters on it. In addition, it would have featured the Great Movie Ride from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Eventually evolved into Mickey's Toontown.



Mythia : A Greek and Roman myths and legends inspired land planned.

Tomorrowland 2055 : An update and make-over of Tomorrowland.

"Big City USA" : A New York themed area where the Fantasyland Theater sits now and was to have featured a big Broadway-style theater which was to have presented live stage show every day. Became inspiration for the American Waterfront at Tokyo Disney Sea.

Edison Square : This would have been a sidestreet expansion to Main Street USA themed around the addition of electricity into American homes. Would have featured a statue of Thomas Edison, and a show about harnessing electricity. Eventually became the basis of The Carousel of Progress.




Liberty Street : This would have been a sidestreet expansion to Main Street USA themed around an American town circa 1776. Would have featured shops, The Hall of Presidents, a beautiful bay scene, and recreations of famous American landmarks. This idea would later be brought to life in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom as Liberty Square.





Epcot World Showcase, Florida

Costa Rica Pavilion

Equatorial Africa Pavilion : Announced to be opening in 1983 on both souvenir maps and a TV special on EPCOT Center's opening. This would have mixed tribal dances and shows with African artwork in a recreation of an African village. It was never built due to budget and lack of sponsorship from African nations although many ideas for this land later appeared in Animal Kingdom.



Israel Pavilion : Advertised on billboards when EPCOT opened, this would have recreated ancient Jerusalem with a courtyard stage and open-air restaurant. Unbuilt due to both budget and security issues regarding the state of Israel.

Soviet Union Pavilion : Planned in the early 1990s, this would have been placed between China and Germany and dominated by a recreation of Red Square. The center building would have housed a sled-like ride showing the Russian landscape based on Russian folk tales. There also would have been a unique show mixing together film, Audio-Animatronics and a live actor that would showcase Russian history.
It was in the final stages of approval but was later cancelled due to the breakup of the Soviet Union and the info released by the Russian government revealing the horrors committed by the Communist regime.



Spain Pavilion : Also advertised on billboards circa 1986, this would have had a boat ride similar to Mexico with a design mixing parts of Barcelona and Madrid along with a film on Spain's lush history along with a restaurant.

Switzerland Pavilion : Planned primarily to bring a Matterhorn-style ride to Epcot.



United Arab Emirates Pavilion



Venezuela Pavilion



Iran Pavilion : Was in the final stages of approval but was later cancelled after the Shah of Iran was Overthrown by the Islamic Fundamentalist Regime and the Iranian Hostage Crisis which created a wave of Anti-Iranianism throughout the nation.


Animal Kingdom, Florida

Beastly Kingdom : A myths and legends inspired land planned for Animal Kingdom, Florida. Was replaced by Camp Minnie-Mickey due to budget cuts. May be built in the distant future.



Disneyland Paris

Main Street 20-30's : Instead to have a “turn of the century” theming, imagineers had designed a main street set up at the 20’s-30’s , ruled by gangsters, jazz, cinema, with a totally different theming.




Hong Kong Disneyland

Frontierland/Wild West : Like the other Disney parks, Hong Kong Disneyland would have a frontier themed land. Scrapped for budget reasons.

Toon Town : A much more advanced version than its sisters across the globe. Would have featured a rollercoaster, animatronic show, character houses, and character meet and greets. May have become idea for Toon Studios at Walt Disney Studios park.


Tokyo Disneyland

Sci-Fi City : A whole new Tomorrowland designed by Eddie Sotto, DLP Main Street's show producer. It would have include "Cosmic Way" , the "Main Street" of science fiction with a theming inspired by the Jetsons, Buck Rogers and Rocketeer. And brand new attractions like the "Rocket Bikes" , "Sci-Fi Zoo" an extra terrestrial zoo, "Lunar Rovers" an Autopia version "on the moon" , "Flying Saucers" , an updated version of Rocket Jets and Hyper Space Mountain, an enhanced version of Space Mountain. Probably the best Tomorrowland theming ever done, and unfortunately never built at TDL for various reasons.
Artwork below by Christian Hope.






ATTRACTIONS

Disneyland California

Atlantis Expedition : A re-theming of the Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. In which guests would actually have been able to use a mechanical arm that extended right out into the water from their sub window to grab at the gold coins & gems that lined the sea floor. The failure of the "Atlantis" animated movie put this planned revamp on hold.

Geyser Mountain : A Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror style ride to be built in the Frontierland. Digging through the mountain in a huge drilling machine, guests would have become caught in a massive geyser and thrown into the air.

Museum of the Weird : A funhouse style attraction which was later merged with, then replaced by, the Haunted Mansion. The attraction was shown by Walt Disney on Disneyland, the Disney anthology television series.



Haunted House : A walkthrough haunted house featuring famous movie monsters, a murderous sea captain, dazzling special effects, the lonesome ghosts, and a wedding that was torn to pieces! Became The Haunted Mansion.



Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Ride : A dark ride planned to be built at the character meeting place to the southeast of It's a Small World. Guests would have hopped into coffin sleds (similar to Peter Pan's Flight) and glide through scenes from the movie. Became the inspiration for Haunted Mansion Holiday.



Rogues Gallery : A basement walk-through wax museum beneath New Orleans Square in which Disneyland guests would have seen wax figure scenes recreating pirate history. Basement for it was dug. Was put on hold so Walt Disney and his Imagineers could work on attractions for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Concept eventually evolved into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Pirate Wax Museum : Another version of Rogues Gallery. Would have featured famous pirates narrating wax-made scenes. Became Pirates of the Caribbean, when Walt changed the ride system from walkthrough to boat ride.

Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue : To have been located where America Sings once resided. For a few years, during the planned 'Disney Decade' started by Michael Eisner, a new audio-animatronic show called "Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue" was to open. It would have been an outer-space musical-variety revue featuring a troupe of Audio-Animatronics itinerant alien musicians whose spaceship has landed in Tomorrowland. However, the idea, which was part of the original 'Tomorrowland 2055' plan, eventually was scrapped due to budget. The space that would have been Plectu's Fantastic Intergalactic Revue is now home to Innoventions.

The UFO Show : Armed with air guns, guests would have boarded cars and tried to shoot "eerie, un-human, gremlin-like targets". Would have been staged upstairs over America Sings. Eventually became the inspiration for Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

"Nostromo" : A hi-tech interactive attraction based on the movie Alien.In which visitors would have rolled through the darkened corridors of the Nostromo.Riding inside of heavily armored vehicles. Armed with laser cannons guests would have have been sent on rescue mission to find the missing members of Nostromo's crew as well as rid the spaceship of all alien intruders.Eventually concept evolved Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

Space Port : A Tomorrowland based ride, later the basis for Space Mountain.

Young Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular : An elaborate stunt was to have been produced in collaboration with George Lucas. This action-packed live extravaganza would have thrust Young Indy into a series of thrilling adventures and misadventures, adding a new dimension to the legendary lore of one of Hollywood's greatest heroes." The famous ghost hearse outside of The Haunted Mansion was purchased for the show, until plans were scrapped.

The Island at the Top of the World : A zeppelin ride to a lost civilization in the Arctic designed for Discovery Bay.

Fireworks Factory : An interactive shooter ride designed for Discovery Bay, set inside a fireworks factory, where guests shoot at skyrockets, pinwheels and other fireworks.

Gallery of Illusions : A gallery of illusions. For Discovery Bay.

Voyage Thru Time : A slow boat ride sailing through time which featured dinosaur encounters! For Discovery Bay.

Spark Gap Electric Loop Coaster : A spiraling and dizzy ride designed for Discovery Bay, where the forces of magnetism were demonstrated for guests ( also envisioned for Disneyland Paris ).



Enchanted Snow Palace : A dark ride planned for Fantasyland.

Lightkeepers : A night time pageant created around Tomorrowland 2055 about an entire race of god-like alien creatures that actually created light. They were alleged to come from a far-off mythical galaxy where light was the source of everything. Created as a possible Main Street Electrical Parade replacement. Eventually became the inspiration for the short-lived "Light Magic" nighttime parade.

Rock Candy Mountain : This Disney mountain was planned for Disneyland Anaheim's Fantasyland, but was considered too sickly looking. The Storybookland Canal Boats would have entered and gone on a journey through the Land of Oz while a birthday party for Dorothy Gale took place.

Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition : A huge complex designed to house the Indiana Jones Adventure as well as a mine cart roller coaster and part of the Jungle Cruise, with the Disneyland Railroad going through the middle.[

Adventures In Science : A history of science exhibit for Tomorrowland. In which guests would have traveled through a microscope through the history of science. Idea became used for Adventure Thru Inner Space.



Duck Bumps : A bumper boat ride to be built against International Street alongside the lagoon. Planned for Fantasyland.

Unamed Windmill Ride : A ride next to Duck Bumps which took guests twirling around on a windmill. Might have been based on The Old Mill.

Unamed Motion Simulator Western Adventure : A motion simulator ride for Frontierland where guests would hop on mechanical horses and watch a western adventure movie and become part of the action!

Dumbo's Circusland : A sub area of Fantasyland where Dumbo and Casey Jr. would have been relocated.

Hot Air Balloon : Would have bordered Discovery Bay and Dumbo's Circusland.

Dumbo's Circus : A nutty adventure underneath the big top with Dumbo leading the way!

Mickey's Madhouse A fun house adventure which featured clowns and such.


Disney's California Adventure

Armageddon Special Effects : A special effects show originally planned for Stage 17 of Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Who Wants to be a Millionaire- Play it! was placed there instead.



Rock 'N' Rollercoaster : starring No Doubt An indoor roller coaster ride featuring music from the Anaheim based band No Doubt.

Mickey's Philharmagic : A 3-D Film planned to replaced Muppet*Vision 3D, but cancelled due to theater size and space restrictions.

Circle of Hands : A show featuring various audio animatronics telling the history of California. Due to budget cuts, the show was canceled and replaced by Golden Dreams.

Chocolate Factory Tour : A tour in the Pacific Wharf, featuring free samples of chocolate.

Incredibles Attraction : An E-Ticket attraction featuring robot-arm technology, themed to the Disney*Pixar Movie "The Incredibles". Was put on hold in favor of "Carsland".

Paradise Pier Water Flume Attraction : A "Chute-the-Chutes" style boat ride which would have ended with a splash into Paradise Bay.

Surfing Lessons : Initial concepts of DCA were to feature surfing lessons in Paradise Bay.

Odessea : A nighttime spectacular on Paradise Bay, themed to "The Little Mermaid".

Lights, Camera, Animation! : A Parade to replaced "Eureka!: A California Parade" featuring classic Disney animated characters. Was dropped in favor of "Block Party Bash".

Pixar Superstar Parade : A Parade to replace "Block Party Bash" featuring Disney*Pixar characters. Was dropped in favor of "Pixar Play Parade".


Walt Disney World

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Dragon Tower : A dragon themed rollercoaster planned for Beastly Kingdom. Laid-off Imagineers took the idea to Universal becoming Dueling Dragons.

Quest for the Unicorn : A hedgemaze planned for Beastly Kingdom.



Fantasia Gardens : A boat ride designed for Beastly Kingdom featuring the mythical animals in Fantasia.



Enhanced DINOSAUR : DINOSAUR was originally planned to have Ankylosaurus-shaped vehicles that would have traveled through prehistoric swamps and jungles. Additional scenes would feature feasting Tyrannosaurs, volcanic eruptions, high speeds, deinonychus attacks, and more.

The Excavator : A runaway mine car roller coaster through an abandoned dinosaur dig planned for Dinoland USA.


Disney's Hollywood Studios

Dick Tracy's Crime Stoppers : A ride based on the 1990 film Dick Tracy.



Baby Herman's Runaway Baby Buggy : A "Star Tours" style simulator ride based on Baby Herman, a character from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Toontown Trolley : A madcap adventure that would have flight simulators surrounded by animated screens to take guests on a hare-raising trolley ride through a zany cartoon world with Roger Rabbit at the helm.




The Great Muppet Movie Ride : A misguided tour through movie history -- Muppet-style

Chinese Theater's Villain Ride : A 3D adventure where WDW visitors would have been menaced by three dimensional recreations of Disney's most famous fiends before the forces of good finally came to their rescue. Planned for the Disney-MGM Studios and would have replaced The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World.


Epcot

Mt Fuji Roller Coaster : A roller coaster modeled after the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. It was rejected after protests by Eastman Kodak, sponsor of Journey Into Imagination over a ride sharing the name of their biggest competitor, Fujifilm.

Simulated Bullet Train Ride : A unique variation of Disney's CircleVision 360 show. These WDW guests would have found themselves standing on board a vibrating recreation of the passenger compartment of a Japanese bullet train. By looking out through the over-sized faux windows in this passenger car these folks would then have been treated to a high speed travelogue. As some of Japan's most beautiful scenery continually whizzed by all of the windows. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.



Godzilla Bullet Train Ride : Similar to both the Mt. Fuji and Bullet Train ideas, though having the bullet train run afoul of Godzilla in Tokyo Bay, leading to a race against time to get to safety. Planned for the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.

Rhine River Cruise : A cruise down Germany's most famous rivers -- the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr and the Isar. Detailed miniatures of famous landmarks will also be seen, including one of the Cologne Cathedral. Planned for the Germany Pavilion at Epcot. The building that would have housed the ride is still visible at the Germany pavilion along with the ride entrance section.





Magic Kingdom

Thunder Mesa : A huge complex meant to house the Western River Expedition, Big Thunder Mountains, hiking trails and an Indian Village. Planned for Frontierland.



Western River Expedition : A Pirates of the Caribbean style ride through the Wild West. This was first proposed for Walt Disney's Riverboat Square.



Lewis and Clark River Expedition : An earlier incarnation of the Western River Expedition. Was planned for Disney's America but scrapped with the rest of the park.



Fire Mountain : A roller coaster ride through an active volcano. Planned for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Would have started like Matterhorn bobsleds but a lava spout accompanied by fissures would have sent the cars flying in the air. Intended for Adventureland or Fantasyland.

Unnamed Duck Tales Ride Planned for Mickey's Starland (currently Mickey's Toontown Fair) or possibly an unbuilt version of Mickey's Toontown for the international parks. Sketches and comments can be seen in a hidden menu on the rare special edition Duck Tales DVD set available only overseas. Sketches seem to indicate a dark ride style attraction similar to Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin.


Disneyland Paris

Main Street elevated tramway : The imaginers envisioned an elevated tramway going all along main street and inside the arcades.



Discovery arcade Automats museum : A walk-through concept that would have been dedicated to automats - early mechanical figures, full of real antiques.



Ariel's Undersea Voyage : A Little Mermaid-themed dark ride.



Jungle Exploration : A jeep ride designed for the park, similar to Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

Tarzan Coaster : The Tarzan "coaster" was envisioned to be build near Captain Hook's pirate ship and using in part the Swiss Robinson Tree structure.



Beauty and the Beast : A Tiki Room style attraction planned for Disneyland Paris.



Discovery Mountain : A huge complex designed to be the Disneyland Paris version of Space Mountain, containing the Space Mountain roller coaster, a tower launch ride, a Nautilus walk-through attraction (later moved to outside the complex) and an undersea restaurant.



Indiana Jones Adventure : A large space has been reserved for an attraction of the same size. Unknown if it may become reality, or is even for that attraction all together.

Pirates of Caribbean shooting gallery : similar to the Frontierland shooting gallery, but with a Pirate theming, it was never built.
Eventually could be part of HKD future Pirates land.




Hong Kong Disneyland

Peter Pan's Flight : A dark ride would have been placed in Fantasyland. It would be similar to the Magic Kingdom one.

Ariel's Undersea Voyage : When unbuilt at Disneyland Paris, imagineers planned to remake the attraction at Hong Kong. Again the attraction was neglected. Currently in the works for Paradise Pier at California Adventure.

Raging Spirits : A speedy roller coaster that whisked guests through a very dark jungle. May have been a copy of Raging Spirits from Tokyo DisneySea.

The Boneyard : The popular Animal Kingdom attraction would have been placed in Adventureland.

Big Thunder Mountain : A roller coaster would have been placed in Frontierland/Wild West area.

Pirates of the Caribbean : A thrill water ride would have been placed in Adventureland.



Unamed fort adventure : A dark ride based in a pioneer's settlement. Special effects would have been included.

Haunted Mansion : A haunted mansion style attraction would have been placed in Frontierland/Wild West area. If built it would have broken the tradition of placing the mansion in a different land at each park.

Grizzly River Run : The ever popular California Adventure river raft ride would have been an opening day thrill. Unknown if the design of the mountain would change.

Soarin' : A soarin' style attraction would have been placed in Tomorrowland

Star Tours : A theater would have been in Tomorrowland.


Tokyo Disneyland

UFO Encounter : One of the most secret WDI project for Tokyo Disneyland where guests become prisoners of an alien - a big audio-animatronic - inside his space ship, a kind of huge flying saucer.


ATTRACTION ADDITIONS

Disneyland

Pirates of the Caribbean : Several ideas including drunken pirates in a rowboat overflowing with rum were scrapped. Guard crocodiles and a marooned salesman were also planned for the Treasure Room.

The Haunted Mansion : Many changing and stretching portraits including a man bursting into flames, were drawn but not made. Several other ghost within the mansion such as a ghostly orchestra in the Grand Hall, ghost showgirls, a drunk sea captain, and other hitch hiking ghosts, were all never realized.

A Christmas Carol Overlay for The Haunted Mansion : A Christmas Carol was a considered overlay for the mansion but the imagineers thought it would be boring and not attractive to visitors.


The Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean : A pirate captain that looked up at guests and slowly turned into a skeleton. An entire Island of Lost Souls was planned for Adventureland but scrapped.

Splash Mountain : Critters rolling around in a cart full of jewels in the laughin' place as well as waterfalls reflecting the laughing faces of critters.

Haunted Mansion Winter Terrorland : A holiday overlay for Disney World based on the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay in California. The park declined for the attraction, and all the props made for it was transferred to Tokyo Disneyland for Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare.


Disneyland Paris

Indiana Jones and the temple of péril : A second temple with another coaster was envisioned by WDI in the late 90's, but never built.



Tokyo Disneyland

Haunted Mansion : A new load area was planned when the park was feared too similar to other parks. A new exit crypt was planned as well featuring the crypts of infamous monsters trying to break free ala Corridor of Doors style. Ideas were made by then retired Disney legend, Marc Davis.


PROPERTIES

Mineral King Ski Resort : A Disney-themed ski resort.

Walt Disney's Riverboat Square : An indoor theme park planned for St. Louis.

Disneyland Bowl : A 5,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre suitable for concerts and other live events. Would have been located along Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim. Planned for Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Center : A retail, dining and entertainment area with buildings modeled after memorable Californian landmarks such as Catalina's Avalon Ballroom, Venice Beach's Boardwalk and San Diego's Coronado Hotel along a six-acre lake. The design of which would eventually evolve into Downtown Disney.

Lava Lagoon : A Polynesian themed indoor waterpark planned for Disneyland Paris, with a huge volcano built under a glass dome.




RESORTS


Disney's Asian Resort : To be located where Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was eventually built in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Disney's Venetian Resort : To be located between the Contemporary Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Disney's Persian Resort : To be located adjacent to the Seven Seas Lagoon in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Cypress Point Lodge : A rustic-themed resort that was to have resembled Yellowstone Lodge.To be located were Disney's Wilderness Lodge is located now.

Fort Wilderness Junction : A highly themed, moderately priced 600-room resort in the style of Disneyland Paris' Cheyenne Hotel complex.

Disney's Mediterranean Resort : A Greek themed resort to be located on the Seven Seas Lagoon in Walt Disney World, Florida.



Magic Kingdom Hotel : A hotel bearing passing resemblance to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Would have been located near Downtown Disney. Planned for the Disneyland Resort.

WestCOT Lake Resort : A 1,800 room hotel which would have been built in a horseshoe design curving built in the style of the Beverly Hills Hotel and would been along a six-acre lake.

Disneyland Resort Hotel : A 800 room luxurious complex which was to be constructed in the style of San Diego's world famous Hotel del Coronado : Inspired by Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World.

Indian Hotel Hotel modeled after India's Taj Mahal and would been located in WestCOT's Asia area.



European Hotel : Hotel with European style landmarks such as the domes of St Basil's Cathedral. It would been located in WestCOT's Europe area.

Egyptian Hotel : Hotel with an Egyptian theme, to have been located in WestCOT's Africa area.




RESTAURANTS

Disneyland California

Chinese Restaurant : Was to feature the first human Audio-Animatronic, a recreation of Confucius.

The Enchanted Tiki Room Restaurant : Enchanted Tiki Room was originally meant to house a sit-down restaurant. The show building still houses toilets adjoining the Enchanted Tiki Room theatre.


Disney's Hollywood Studios

Copperfield Magic Underground Based around David Copperfield, the famous stage magician Also considered for Downtown Disney.

Gonzo's Pandemonium Pizza Parlor Muppet-themed resturant, The Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat's version of a pizza parlor.


Disneyland Paris

Main Street Art-deco restaurant : A luxurious and art-deco restaurant , a kind of private“club 33” located behind the Main Street Transportation Co. building, would have give you the feeling you’re dining on a train.



Vulcania and Nautilus Restaurant : A Disneyland Paris restaurant to be built inside Discovery Mountain, with an entire wall looking out the lagoon beneath Discovery Mountain.




All pictures and artwork: copyright Disney Enterprises Inc.

Original text from Wikipedia.org