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A real estate developer's view of Disneyland

Over at the fantastic blog "SamLand's Disney Adventures" is the following:






"James W. Rouse, a wildly successful real estate developer whose notable achievements include the first enclosed shopping mall east of the Mississippi and an entire city called Columbia in Maryland. He then went on to save historic downtowns by creating festival marketplaces such as Faneuil Hall in Boston. In 1963 he gave the keynote speech at the 1963 Urban Design Conference at Harvard University. This is what he had to say about Disneyland:

'I hold a view that may be somewhat shocking to an audience as sophisticated as this: that the greatest piece of urban design in the United States today is Disneyland.
If you think about Disneyland and think of its performance in relationship to its purpose, it’s meaning to people – more than that, it’s meaning to the process of development – you will find it the outstanding piece of urban design in the United States.
It took an area of activity – the amusement park – and lifted it to a standard so high in its performance, in its respect for people, in its functioning for people, that it really does become a brand new thing. It fulfills all its functions it set out to accomplish, un-self-consciously, usefully, and profitably to its owners and developers.
I find more to learn in the standards that have been set and in the goals that have been achieved in the development of Disneyland than in any other piece of physical development in the country.'"

You can view the full article here.


It's amazing how much of an impact Disney had on the real estate community and in people's lives.  Disneyland was a true inspiration for building techniques, layout, and design for amusement parks.  It's cool to hear a successful real estate man be that impressed by it.


Gotta love Disneyland!

A summary of 2009 and rumors of things to come


Here's a summary of what happened at WDW in 2009: link


I'm excited to see what happens in 2010, especially after reading about those rumors for DHS.

Disney Parks Blog talks more about Space Mountain updates

From the Parks Blog:


Space Mountain
"We have more details to share about the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Parkas renovation work wraps up.
As you know, the classic Space Mountain experience still exists — it’s just being updated with new technology and 21st century gadgetry. Inside the attraction, there’s new lighting as well as special 'darkening' effects. And you’ll see updated color schemes for rocket capsules, line and load areas. Imagineers worked with Walt Disney World Facilities Asset Management for even more enhancements, including new paint, carpet, seat fabric and other décor elements.
Space Mountain
But what caught my attention during a recent walkthrough were details about track upgrades. It’s the same track layout and overall look and feel but workers integrated new technology into the track while not changing the classic Space Mountain ride experience. 'As technology evolves, it helps us enhance those elements without losing any essence of the attraction,' Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright says.
You should also know that a ride photo system will capture guests during their space flights on Space Mountain. It’ll utilize Disney’s Photopass, allowing you to access, share and purchase photos during and after a visit.
Alex says he thinks you’ll be 'pleasantly surprised' with the enhancements. The attraction is scheduled to reopen on November 22."

First look at the new Space Mountain

From the Disney Parks blog:

"When renovation work finishes on the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, it’ll be the same classic experience with a few new surprises. And now, Walt Disney Imagineering is offering an early peek at some of those surprises and the first images from inside the attraction.




As you know, with any Imagineering project, the story comes first. And the updated Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort is no exception. With the update, the storyline is being extended – and you’ll be able to take part.

Passengers will be able to immerse themselves in unique game play as they prepare for blast off, becoming part of the space station adventure. During a recent walkthrough, we deflected asteroids to keep runways clear as part of the story.

The interactive experiences are based on duties you’d find on board a long-traveling space craft, according to Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright. Each game lasts about 90 seconds with a 90-second interval and the games can accommodate 86 players at one time.




As you move along on your journey, there are “insider” touches typical in projects created by Imagineers. For example, if you’re up on your Disney trivia, you’ll recognize a sign bearing the logo “H-NCH 1975″ as a tribute to late Imagineer and Disney legend John Hench. There are also other “Disneyphile” references hidden throughout the attraction.

Space Mountain celebrates the Golden Age of Rocket Travel – inspired by the jet age of the early 1960s. The attraction highlights excitement around the endless possibilities regarding space travel. It did back when it opened in 1975 and I think you’ll agree it still does."

Oh man - I can't wait to check this out!

"it's a small world" TV spot

From the Disney Parks blog:

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