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Category Archives: History
Tom Sawyer: the Man, the Myth, the Island
Tom Sawyer: the man, the myth, the island…or the boy, the novel, the attraction.
Samuel Langhorn Clemens, aka Mark Twain, is one of America’s best-known humorists, lecturers and novelists. His The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) launched him to celebrity status, with his subsequent The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) being considered “the Great American Novel.” Mark Twain’s masterfully written colloquial speech and dialect created lively, authentic characters who, it seemed, lived out the action in front of the reader’s own eyes and helped develop and popularize a distinctive American literary genre.
Twain’s Sawyer/Finn books appealed to Walt Disney as they were set in his familiar boyhood home state of Missouri and they spoke of true adventure, something Walt could never resist. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer chronicled the escapades of a kid who was prone to mischief, loved to explore and often found himself in a heap of trouble.
Of Tom Sawyer, Twain wrote, “MOST of the adventures recorded in this book really occurred; one or two were experiences of my own, the rest those of boys who were schoolmates of mine…Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls, I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account, for part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in” (Mark Twain, Hartford, 1876, emphasis mine). I think Tom Sawyer, the book and the character, certainly reminded Walt Disney of what he once was, and it’s no surprise he added an entire island dedicated to those “queer enterprises” of youth to his beloved Disneyland Park in 1956. The attraction was also added to the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Frontierland in 1973.
At Tom Sawyer Island, kids can relive the adventures of Tom Sawyer and his pal Huck Finn. Located in the middle of Rivers of America, this lush playground is accessible only by rafts that periodically launch from Tom’s Landing near the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Here the deepwoods mischief Mark Twain’s characters got into along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River springs to life.
Once ashore, kids can scramble up the hill and explore the old windmill. They can hide from “Injuns” and discover treasure in cool, dark caves. They can man the guns at Fort Langhorn, watch out for river pirates and escape down the tunnel and across the “barrelly” bridge if the enemy gets too close! And if they trek to Tom Sawyer Island first thing in the morning and discover one of the paintbrushes Tom has cleverly hidden in the scrub, they can return it to a Cast Member and receive a special prize. Tom Sawyer Island is a great place for kids to release some energy (and for their parents to reclaim a bit of their youth).
Related articles
- Tips: Tom Sawyer Island (aglassslippervacation.com)
- Wordless Wednesday – Tom Sawyer Island (mydreamsofdisney.com)
Red Car Trolley Tests the Track at Disney California Adventure Park
Clang! Clang! Clang! … went the Red Car Trolley as it started making test runs through Hollywood Pictures Backlot (soon to be called Hollywood Land) at Disney California Adventure park recently. Take a look at these photos from Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer!
Paul also grabbed this shot from inside the trolley – check out these fun ads for some of the food and merchandise locations that will be featured on Buena Vista Street.
The Red Car Trolley, inspired by the historic Pacific Electric Red Cars which once criss-crossed the Los Angeles area, will make its debut on June 15 when Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure park.
Related articles
- Disneyland Resort Announces June 15 Grand Opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre in Expanded Disney California Adventure Park (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
- Grand Opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre on June 15 (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Epcot Hidden Details
Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows that Disney specializes in the details; and I’m always on the look-out for new details or hidden Disney magic that isn’t so easy to find! Today I’m sharing with you my favorite Epcot hidden details that I have discovered on my visits to the park. Enjoy!
1. Club Cool-Located near the Fountain of Nations in Future World, this indoor spot offers cool Coca-Cola merchandise and soda fountains offering soft drinks from all over the world. Grab a paper cup and feel free to sample all you want for no cost at all!
2. Stave Church-At the Norway pavilion, you will see an tall, old wooden structure that is actually a replica of the old stave churches in Norway. While many guests see this building, they don’t realize that you can go inside! Go ahead and open the door and learn about Norway’s history in the mini-museum you find inside.
3. Timeline of Discovery-If you head towards The Land pavilion from Innoventions West, look down to find a large circle in the pavement with names and dates of those who have made scientific discoveries or accomplished great things.
4. Outpost Coca-Cola Coolers-Located at the World Showcase’s Outpost, take some time to explore the area next to the quick service counter. Open up the Coca-Cola cooler, listen, and then get refreshed! Just do it!
5. Lighted Sidewalks-Near park closing, after Illuminations, look down as you walk between Innoventions Plazas and Spaceship Earth towards the exit. You will find that the sidewalk twinkles in cool designs with fiber optic lights! Kids are sure to enjoy this!
Have you discovered any of these Hidden Details during your visit to Epcot? Let us know!
Related articles
- Countdown to Disney: Favorite Epcot Feelings (aglassslippervacation.com)
- How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Walt Disney World Attractions that are Underrated
Anyone planning a trip to Disney or who has been there before knows that are certain attractions that get a lot of attention and fill up the queues really quick. Therefore, some other Disney attractions that may not offer the latest technology or the biggest thrills sometimes get overlooked and are definitely underrated. This is unfortunate since some of Disney’s best secrets are underrated attractions. Therefore, I have compiled a list of Top 5 Underrated Disney World Attractions for you to check out on your next trip to Disney World!
1. Carousel of Progress-This attraction came from the mind of Walt Disney himself and was shown at the 1964 New York World’s Fair to raving reviews! Today, this show still runs in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom and has the honor of being the longest running show in American theater! The Carousel of Progress is unique in that the theater rotates around to different stages where you get to see how progress and new inventions impacted daily life in the early twentieth century. This charming show is both educational and entertaining. It’s usually not at the top of many Disney guest to-do lists; but it definitely should be! All ages enjoy it and it gives us a glimpse into the mind of Walt Disney himself.
2. TTA-This attraction is a favorite among Disney regulars, and it’s one of my personal all-time favorites too. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority WedWay People Mover has guests board a vehicle which takes you on a covered track all around Tomorrowland and even into some of the buildings and attractions! This attraction is rather simple in that the gentle ride and the view is the primary draw; but its underrated because it’s so enjoyable! Our family likes to hop on the TTA to get off our feet, enjoy the breeze you get from moving down the track, and enjoy good conversation. The seats in each car face each other which is ideal for chatting and planning the rest of the day. It’s also a great attraction for parents who have tired kids or who just need a break from the heat and crowds.
3. The American Adventure-This attraction is an audio-animatronic show located at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. I think this show gets overlooked as most of the attention focuses on the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents; but the American Adventure is just as good, if not better, with it’s elaborate sets and variety of American heroes. In fact, one of the audio-animatronics actually twirls a lasso! This patriotic show is moving, entertaining, and I believe it’s a must-see for any Disney guest!
4. Living with the Land-Living with the Land is a gentle boat ride located inside The Land pavilion at Epcot. This attraction educates guest about the earth and different landscapes before taking them through greenhouses where guests witness new agricultural methods. Adults will find it very interesting; and kids will enjoy the ride and seeing Mickey shaped pumpkins being grown!
5. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse-This classic Disney attraction is based off of the Disney film which was based off of the famous novel! This attraction is one of the most comfortable, innovative treehouses you have ever seen! At The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, you walk through the different rooms in this tree and see how the Robinsons used whatever they had to make a home, such as a huge seashell for a sink! There are tons of detail and clever egineering everywhere so be sure to take your time and keep your eyes open!
So what do you think? Do you think these attractions are underrated? Are any of these attractions some of your favorites?
Related articles
- Wanted: Indiana Jones Adventure at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
- How to Tour the Parks – Floating through the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Behind the Tarps: Matterhorn Bobsled Refurbishment
The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened at Disneyland Park in 1959, becoming the first tubular steel track roller coaster in the world and setting the standard for future designs to follow. The attraction was overhauled in 1978, at which time the ride vehicles were replaced and minor enhancements were made. However, no major construction has been done since.
Until now.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds are currently under a scheduled six-month refurbishment. The repairs mark the first time since its construction in 1959 that the entire mountain has been covered in scaffolding. While the outside is completely covered, Disney allowed Guests a rare peak behind the tarps.
Watch that video again. This time pause at about the 1:13 mark. Did you see that? It’s the long-rumored basketball goal! Much lore has been told about this notorious net. One of the tallest tales states that a basketball court was installed to satisfy building codes for a structure of such height and size. In reality, it was simply a makeshift hoop where workers passed idle time. Nevertheless, yes, it really is there! Enjoy this slight glimpse, though. The only folks likely to see it in person are mountain climbers, repairmen and Tinker Bell.
The Bobsleds will reopen June 15, 2012, featuring new three-rider cars—six riders per train—a new loading station to accommodate single riders and Guests with disabilities, a shimmering paint job and a refreshed interior.
Related articles
- Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule March 2012 (chipandco.com)
- Inside the Matterhorn with New Ride Vehicles and a Basketball Court? (thedisneyblog.com)
