Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Disneyland Paris Update : Frontierland New Indian Teepees - Edited 8/5



Recently, the Indian Teepees located at the entrance of Frontierland, near Fort Comstock, were changed and replaced by new one with Indian paintings as you will see on the high-res "wallpaper" pictures below. Although it surely will look native-american to most of DLP guests it seems that the result is not historically perfect, not to mention that the paintings colors looks a bit too much freshly painted...



When WDI Imagineers built the original teepees, back early 90's, most of the resource material they used for reference was from a Lakota tribe. That was when even the interiors of the teepees were being propped out in anticipation of guests looking inside which is not possible any more.

According to Imagineers who built the original teepees to whom i show these pictures: "Originally we had the interior liners - which are now missing from the redone teepee - which would close that bottom gap as it was the case in original teepees to keep varmits out and the heat of the fire in. They should reinstall them on the new teepees so you can't be looking under the teepees. The lodge poles showing are correct at the base if you have the liners.

Each door on the teepees should have the symbol of the Indian Warrior who live within. It should match the shield on the nearby poles. Back in 1990's we used Buffalo Head, Running Bear, Flaming Sun, Black Widow, etc.. It also should be different from the other story telling depicted on the teepee. The top flaps of the center teepee - where the smoke is coming out - should be darkened a sooty gray black where the smoke exit. There are a few symbols on the new tents which I don't recognize as from an Indian tribe...

The color pallet looks pretty good but the freshly painted colors are too intense, like they came from a paint can rather than from a natural source like crushed berries or leaves or the deep rich oxide powders from the earth... But I suppose that we should be grateful that the Park cared enough to redo the teepees at all. I just wish they had taken a look at the color documentation books that our Frontierland team put so much time and effort into as their guide for inspiration..."



Above, original artwork for Frontierland entrance. Below, a picture of the original teepees shot in 1992.



And now, lot of pictures of the new teepees. You'll note how the trees have amazingly grew up in 18 years...







































See you next week for a new DLP update and in the meantime don't forget to check my special offer below on the great Disneyland Paris book!

All pictures: copyright Alain Littaye - Disney and more

If you enjoy Disney and more, thanks for your support!




Thanks to leave a comment or discuss this article on D&M english forum on Mice Chat

12 comments:

Marco Antonio Garcia said...

At least there is something "new" at the Disneyland park in Paris.

Anonymous said...

Alain, I think the lodge poles also need to be smoked up around the top opening where the smoke does exit up. Do you know what happened to the interior Indian artifacts?

Robert/Cologne said...

I still dont understand why this area is not used as a meet and greet (brother bear etc)but its nice its at least being lokked after

Anonymous said...

C'est quand même la seule nouveauté du Magic kingdom depuis pas mal d'années ! Grandiose, vraiment incroyable !

Anonymous said...

I hope this is a clue about what Disneyland Park's next attraction will be... When can we expect that DLP announce a development plan?

Anonymous said...

Where can I find a picture of the old ones?
This location obviously can't be used as a meet'n'great location : there is no space, no real access, no way to deal with crowds and almost no visibility.

Brian said...

Nice to see that DLP Magic Kingdom is getting so much refurbishments this year! You can really see they're getting the park in beautiful shape for its 20th anniversary.
Alain, is there a little possibility of getting a new ride in the Magic Kingdom for the 20th birthday?

Anonymous said...

Seems like there is not enough time left before the 20th anniversary to add an E ticket Log Ride to Thunder Mesa. I dont see the drying buffalo hides on the wooden racks anymore that were there in 92. Glad the trees have prospered so well, and money is being spent to ready what's in the park.

Anonymous said...

How are the TeePees holding up at Hotel Cheyenne. They looked very abandoned last time I saw them.

John said...

Do you know if it's true that Ratatouille will open between March 2012 and May 2013?

Alain Littaye said...

Yes, Ratatouille will open at the WDS during "fiscal year 2013" which means between sept 2012 and sept 2013, probably at the end of 2012 or easter 2013 the latest.
As far as i know, no E-Ticket scheduled for the Disneyland Park, but may be Star Tours 2...

Unknown said...

Paris apartments and accommodation. Paris short term stays for vacation and holiday rentals accommodation. Self catering, family and group holidays and luxury apartments in Paris France.Short term vacation rentals, holiday apartments and accommodation experts. Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Venice and worldwide. Book online or speak to us for luxury, short-term, beach rentals and city breaks.
short term vacation apartments in paris