Jim Hill
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(c) Disney
Don't believe me? Then take a gander at this official Walt Disney World conceptual art (Circa 1991). The caption on the back reads:
DISNEY'S BOARDWALK -- New waterfront specialty retail and entertainment area is planned in the EPCOT Center Resort Area. Designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, Disney Boardwalk will include an all-suite luxury hotel. (Copyright 1991. The Walt Disney Co.) 891-839 rcw
Notice -- if you will -- in the lower right hand corner the large wooden roller coaster.
You see? Disney opting to include Paradise Pier as part of Disney's California Adventure wasn't just some decision based solely on budgetary considerations. This particular area has obviously been a long standing dream for some of the Imagineers. To recreate a beachfront amusement area from the 1920s & 1930s. But do it up to Disney's exacting standards.
If you can honestly look at Paradise Pier with an unjaded eye (Not the eye of an unrealistic Disney dweeb who insists that every single attraction that the Imagineers burp out must be up to "Indiana Jones Adventure" standards), you'll see that the Imagineers that worked on this side of the park succeeded. They crammed plenty of quality into the area. So -- on those merits alone -- Paradise Pier isn't something that we should be dismissing. It's actually an area in DCA that Disneyana fans should be actively celebrating.
Okay? Everyone understand where I'm coming from now when I say that "Paradise Pier is pretty" and that there are clearly some sections of DCA that are up to Disney's ridiculously high standards? Good.
Now can I please get back to writing my "Disney/Muppet" series?
Discuss It
-- Jim Hill
Jim Hill can be reached using the Talkback form below or by emailing him at [email protected].
Jim Hill is this guy who lives 'way out in the woods of New Hampshire. (Hey, it's not like he wants to live there. But the Witness Protection Program has got rules, you know.) He has one beautiful daughter and three obnoxious cats. When he's not looking for real work, Jim writes about the Walt Disney Company and related matters for LaughingPlace.com, AmusementPark.com, "Orlando Weekly" and Digital Media FX.
The opinions expressed by Jim Hill, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the past decisions and future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted October 10, 2001