Sea World Orlando Infinity Falls Raft Ride Now in Soft Opening - 4K Video

The awaited Infinity Falls raft ride is now in soft-opening at Sea World Orlando and Midway Mayhem did a great 4K video of it - you even have three takes! The ride look great - and wet! - with a good vegetation theming and truly roaring rapids, Sea World even claim that the ride has the "world's tallest water drop", and it sure looks like they're right!

Sea World Orlando new park map is also released and you'll see that Infinity Falls is located near the Nautilus Theatre and Shamu Stadium, on the top right.

Pictures: copyright Sea World

Video: copyright Midway Mayhem

D&M Tribute to WED Imagineer Bruce Bushman - Part One

Here is the first part of D&M tribute to Disney artist and WED Imagineer Bruce Bushman who did plenty of wonderful artworks for Disneyland, California. And i've got for you today something really cool as it is a document published in a non-Disney american magazine prior to Disneyland opening in 1955. What's really interesting in it - click on each images to see them in big size - is of course these WED Enterprises renderings drawn by Disney artist Bruce Bushman, and specifically the one about the Snow White dark ride showing how the ride was envisioned back in 1955.

As you can see, a lot of scenes still  now exist in the Snow White dark ride but here they're not shown in the same order and a slightly different ending scene.  

You'll note also the difference of design on the ride vehicle itself as at that time they envisioned to have a sculpted dwarf on the front of the vehicle. 

The rendering above showing the Dumbo ride also prove if needed that they thought to have pink colored Dumbo elephants instead of the grey ones that we know.

But the other artwork interesting on this double page is this flume ride with Monstro, the giant whale from Pinocchio. We've seen this artwork before and know that it is one showing "a ride that never was" but obviously the magazine, specially in 1955, got all these artworks from Disney, meaning that the ride was at that time really envisioned to be built and may be even shortly after Disneyland opening day. This Monstro sketch showing a quite vertical fall was likely in reaction to the popular ride at Coney Island that every operator told Walt he needed to have. Finally the Monstro ride was never built but who knows, may be it will be one day?

On the second double page of this 1955 article we have the original concept for the beloved Peter Pan's Flight ride. This Peter Pan sketch is pretty faithful to what was the ride on opening day, the only surprise in it is that the track mechanics are shown on the sketch of the boat at the upper left of the picture above.

Also on this double page another sketch from Bruce Bushman for Mr Toad's Wild Ride vehicle...

...but also this concept of a Donald ride that never was in which "seagoing visitors would have been captain of their own electric powered boats in the shape of wash tubs. Inflated inner tubes would have encircle each craft to absorb the shock collisions." It's funny, but when i see this artwork i thought that they still could do it using the same old Flying Saucers technique, the one they used at DCA for the Luigi Flying Tires attraction.
As for the Dutch mill in the background this one was finally built by Imagineer and DLP Fantasyland show-producer Tom Morris at Disneyland Paris Fantasyland - although with a slightly different design - and was of course a tribute to Disney's short animated and Academy Award winner The Old Mill.

A great idea - specially for a pre-show decor - was this decor of a huge table from Alice in Wonderland which would have made DL guests feel like Alice did after the potion made her tiny...

Last but not least, the artwork of the Alice Mad Hatter tea cups ride is another one showing an attraction that has been built, except that we don't have the table with the Mad Hatter and the March Hare in the center of the ride. It was probably not possible for technical reasons, but it would have been a good idea to have the tea cups turning all around this unbirthday party table...

Thanks again for your support, and if you wish you can use the Paypal button below to make a kind donation to D&M through Paypal, thanks by advance!

Pictures: copyright Disney

New Artwork and Logo for Tokyo Disney Sea's "Soaring: Fantastic Flight" and Full 2019 Tokyo Disney Resort Events Schedule

Tokyo Disney Resort released today a new artwork for the awaited Soaring attraction coming to TDS. In addition, TDR also released its final title which will be "Soaring: Fantastic Flight" and the above attraction logo. Here is the presentation lines:

"This major attraction will open at Mediterranean Harbor in Tokyo DisneySea. Based on the popular attraction, Soarin’ Around the World, which has been enjoyed by Guests visiting the Disney parks outside Japan, the attraction at Tokyo DisneySea will feature original scenes and the newest visual images. Guests who visit this attraction overlooking Mediterranean Harbor will be able to go on a journey soaring over famous landscapes of the world, while experiencing the breezes and scents that match the various scenes."





Tokyo Disney Resort also released the full events schedule for 2019 that you have here below.

Exciting Offerings Coming to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in Fiscal Year 2019

URAYASU, CHIBA— Tokyo Disneyland® Park and Tokyo DisneySea® Park announced their annual schedule for fiscal year 2019 (April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020). The two Parks will continue to offer Guests distinctive, Disney-style experiences over the upcoming year with a variety of new entertainment, special events and programs. Please see below for more details.

From Summer 2019

New Attraction at Tokyo DisneySea: Soaring: Fantastic Flight

This major attraction will open at Mediterranean Harbor in Tokyo DisneySea. Based on the popular attraction, Soarin’ Around the World, which has been enjoyed by Guests visiting the Disney parks outside Japan, the attraction at Tokyo DisneySea will feature original scenes and the newest visual images. Guests who visit this attraction overlooking Mediterranean Harbor will be able to go on a journey soaring over famous landscapes of the world, while experiencing the breezes and scents that match the various scenes.

Thru April 26, 2019

Nighttime Spectacular at Tokyo Disneyland “Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland”

This nighttime spectacular, which premiered on July 10, 2018 as part of “Tokyo Disney Resort 35th ‘Happiest Celebration!’” will come to an end on April 26, 2019. With Cinderella Castle as the stage, Mickey Mouse takes Guests on a magical, musical journey around Tokyo Disneyland.

From Summer 2019

New Show at Tokyo DisneySea “Song of Mirage”

In this show presented at the Hangar Stage in Lost River Delta, Mickey Mouse and his Disney Friends go on an adventure to seek out the Rio Dorado (Spanish for “golden river”) and its legendary city of gold. This show features an original story in a rousing live performance with impressive projection mapping.

Note: With the introduction of this new show, “Out of Shadowland,” currently presented at Hangar Stage, will close on March 31, 2019.

April 4 – June 2, 2019

Special Event at Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea “Disney’s Easter”

This regular springtime event will be held at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea for the first time in two years. At Tokyo Disneyland, the Easter egg characters with bunny ears, known as “Usatama,” are back again. Together with the Disney Friends, Guests can join these mischievous “Usatama” for some wacky springtime fun! Tokyo DisneySea will offer a brand new theme for the event, so that Guests can experience a bright and colorful springtime atmosphere filled with excitement.

June 6 – July 7, 2019

Special Program at Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea “Disney Tanabata Days”

The Japanese star festival known as “Tanabata” will be celebrated in unique Disney-style at both Parks. At Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed as Hikoboshi and Orihime, the two star-crossed lovers of this festival, will greet Guests. “Disney Tanabata Days” will feature traditional decorations where Guests can write their wishes on “Wishing Cards” to be hung at the “Wishing Place.”

June 6 – August 27, 2019

Duffy-related Program at Tokyo DisneySea

Guests will enjoy the world of Duffy and Friends in this program that offers merchandise, menu items and decorations inspired by Duffy and his friends enjoying a bright summer day at a beach in Cape Cod.

July 9 – September 1, 2019

Special Event at Tokyo Disneyland “Donald’s Hot Jungle Summer”

This exciting summer event will be presented with a brand new theme of a colorful jungle, and will feature a stage show after dark in front of Cinderella Castle for the first time in six years. Donald Duck and the Disney Friends entertain Guests in this thrilling performance enhanced with tons of spraying water and fire.

Special Event at Tokyo DisneySea “Disney Pirates Summer”

This special event brings the world of the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean film series to Tokyo DisneySea. At Mediterranean Harbor, Guests can enjoy a show featuring Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and their motley crew of pirates, as well as a variety of atmosphere entertainment presented throughout the Park. The pirate theme is also the inspiration for special merchandise, menu items and decorations, transforming Tokyo DisneySea into a swashbuckling world of pirate fun!

September 10 – October 31, 2019

Special Event at Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea “Disney Halloween”

Each Park will offer in its own unique way a “Disney Halloween” event. At Tokyo Disneyland, the special event will be themed to a “ghost version of Tokyo Disneyland.” Halloween ghosts will welcome Guests to their spooky version of the Park. The special event at Tokyo DisneySea will feature a brand new theme, presenting a cool, but eerie Halloween atmosphere throughout the Park.

November 8 – December 25, 2019

Special Event at Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea “Disney Christmas”

“Disney Halloween” at Tokyo DisneySea At Tokyo Disneyland, Guests will enjoy the special event themed to “pop-up storybooks full of the Disney Friends’ Christmas fun.” The parade presented along the parade route will bring to life pages from storybooks showing the Disney Characters having fun at Christmastime.

The Christmas event at Tokyo DisneySea will feature a splendid, colorful revue presented at Mediterranean Harbor. Guests will be enchanted with live performances that create a wonderful holiday mood unique to Tokyo DisneySea. A nighttime entertainment will also be presented on the harbor waters featuring a towering Christmas tree and illuminations.

January 1 – 5, 2020

New Year’s Programs at Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea

Both Parks will celebrate the start of the year with colorful Japanese-style New Year’s decorations at the main entrances, traditional New Year’s cuisine and merchandise featuring the zodiac animal for the year. Mickey Mouse and his Disney Friends will be dressed up in kimono to welcome Guests in Japanese style.

January 10 – March 19, 2020

Special Program at Tokyo Disneyland Guests can have fun with the Disney Friends in this new limited-period program presented at Showbase, as well as related merchandise and menu items. Note: “One Man's Dream II - The Magic Lives On,” currently presented at Showbase, will close on December 13, 2019.

Special Event at Tokyo DisneySea “Pixar Playtime” This special event will give Guests a variety of experiences themed to the world of DisneyPixar films. Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy their favorite DisneyPixar Characters in entertainment programs around the Park. Guests can also try the interactive decorations and become immersed in the world of DisneyPixar films.

Duffy-related Program at Tokyo DisneySea

Guests will enjoy the gentle and heartwarming world of Duffy and his friends, in this program that offers merchandise and menu items, as well as photo locations where delightful keepsake photos can be taken. Note: Event titles, contents, and dates are subject to change.

For inquiries from the general public, please call the following contact number:

Tokyo Disney Resort Information Center 0570-00-8632 (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Note: From overseas, and from some mobile phones and IP phones, please call 045-330-5211.

Pictures: copyright Disney, Oriental Land

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghaî Disneyland First Competitor, Opens on Nov 16!

For Shanghaî Disneyland the times when the park could reign without no real competitor is over! On November 16 Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, will open officially and the new park located at less than 30 minutes from SDL will be the next major attraction in Shanghaî with a trial run starting on Oct 1! The park also include a new themed hotel, which will also open on Nov 16, and will start to accept reservations from Oct 20.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park was designed by Gary Goddard Entertainment - now Legacy GGE - who won five years ago in front of three others companies proposals, with the blue-sky design below. As a former WDI Imagineer Gary Goddard also designed many E-Tickets attractions for Universal Studios and Legacy GGE team include artists who also worked for WDI, all this to say that even if Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is not a Disney park it was designed by people who know very well how to create quality theme parks. Below, renderings of the Blue Sky Concept design, first design for the park entrance, and the final design.

Regular admission for Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park will run $48 (330 RMB) for adults, and $28 (190 RMB) for children. Peak days – all days in July and August, as well as weekends and holidays - will run $58 (399 RMB) for adults, and $36 (249 RMB) for children. As a point of comparison, nearby Shanghai Disneyland's standard weekday adult admission is $58 (399 RMB) and $84 (575 RMB) on weekends and peak days. With an entrance ticket price 30 cheaper than Shanghaî Disneyland and located at just 30 minutes from SDL, there is no doubt that Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park will be a competitor to SDL, or at least one which must not be underestimated.

Shanghaî Disneyland won't have direct competition from Universal like Disney has in Orlando but instead SDL will have Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park like they have Sea World in Florida, except that Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park will be much more themed than Sea World and will be also much more than just a sea life park as it will include a great Intamin launch roller coaster aimed at families, the world’s longest rapids ride, a train ride, an aerial skyway gondola ride, and plenty others family rides. Click on the picture below to see locations and names of each attraction.




Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is located off the coast of east China sea, beside the Dripping Lake of Pudong New Area, a core tourism destination of Yangzi River Delta area, where seaport, airport, railway, highway and waterway are interconnected. The project covers an area of about 29.7 hectares, with an overall floorage of about 205,000 square meters, of which 147,000 square meters are above the ground. Below, artworks and concept designs for the park.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is Haichang flagship park and the pinnacle among all the ocean-themed parks built over the past two decades in China, with its top international standards achieved in thematic features, project quality, park scale and construction level. Themed on ocean culture, this project can be divided into 5 major theme areas and 1 ocean resort, consisting of 6 exhibition venues, 3 large-scale animal interactive performance venues, 2 large-scale cinemas and over 10 recreational facilities. Guests will enjoy the unique arctic and antarctic scenery, the fantastic deep sea view and the stunning volcano lava, the extraordinary adventure and wonderful animal show, the world’s first 360-degree penguin super bowl where guests can closely observe the daily life of these creatures, and a five 5-star animal-themed hotel rooms with 360-degree panoramic rooftop.

Tickets can be purchased through official channels of the ticket offices, its official website and WeChat platform, as well as a number of retailers such as online travel agency Ctrip and Tuniu.
The park features five theme zones, three animal theaters, two high-tech cinemas and an ocean-themed resort hotel, and below more original artworks and concept designs as well as latest pictures of the park soon to be finished.

Above and below, ODYSSEAS Undersea World Pavilion beautiful facade, suggesting a futuristic marine life research base bored into the tropical mountainscape, was designed by Christopher Smith, translated into color by Tony Archer, and features a logo by Erik Christensen.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's "STEEL DOLPHIN" Intamin LSM Launch Coaster. As shown here in these beautiful sketches by Christopher Smith, Branislav Hetzel, and Christian Hope, this was done intentionally as a means to activate the park's Aquaria entry zone and Rainbow Falls land with high-decibel excitement and visual energy.

More original artworks...

Bird's eye view of the east side of the park, themed to a tropical environment and located next to the in-park hotel.



Bird's eye view of the west side of the park, themed to a polar environment and located next to the parking garage.



A colossal MOSAIC MERMAID will greet visitors as they arrive at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's entrance zone massive MOSAIC SHARK who swallows the track of the STEEL DOLPHIN Intamin LSM launch coaster.




The Steel Dolphin coaster will pass twice over the park's central creek and be the first attractions that guests will see after the entrance plaza.






Below, artwork and pictures of Glacier Court pavilion facade as it approaches completion.

Below, the artwork ( bottom ), models and drone pictures for the "Ice Mountain"

The park's arctic-themed mountain include the Alpine Express train ride, polar animal exhibits and the west Skyway station






Below, artworks, models and current pictures of the huge restaurant designed as a "sand castle".

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's ISLAND HOPPERS Skyway runs an impressive 550 meters (1800' feet) from one end of the park to the other.









The park also has a huge volcano named Rainbow Falls mountain and beneath it guests will find Rainbow Caverns, a whale shark exhibit.

This illustration of Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's Rainbow Falls land by Danilo Montejo depicts the way in which guests will constantly be immersed in the high-energy sights and sounds of the Spinning Rapids Ride and Intamin LSM Launch Coaster. Regrettably, the Dynamic Swing Glider was cut after Schematic Design was completed.


These beautiful custom Flat Ride concepts were created by Scott Sherman for Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's GOLD COAST attraction zone.


A drone view of the huge Dolphin show stadium.



Below, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's killer whale theatre.





Another prominent structure in the construction shots of SHANGHAI HAICHANG OCEAN PARK is the CORAL CATHEDRAL- the park's Jellyfish & Coral pavilion. Seen here as designed by the brilliant Richard Gutierrez, the "Coral Spires" marquee and Ropes Course integrated into the facade were regrettably eliminated in later design phases.



This colorful structure is home to Haichang Shanghai Ocean Park's JOYFUL CIRCUS- a comedic show starring the park's resident Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses.

The facade, and a drone view for show building of the park's seal/sea lion exhibit.




Inspired by the year-round Christmas boutiques of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, WINTER WONDERLAND was designed as an immersive retail experience for Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's PORT MAJESTIC land.

Once open, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's in-park Hotel designed to remind a cruise ship will put its guests right in the heart of the action with dramatic views of the STEEL DOLPHIN Intamin LSM Launch Coaster, CORAL CATHEDRAL Jellyfish & Coral Pavilion, as well as the SAND CASTLE Food & Beverage venue, among other areas and attractions.




Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park trial run starts on Oct 1 and the park grand opening is scheduled for Nov 16!

Artwork: copyright Legacy GGE - Thanks to Themeparx.com who found on Chinese websites part of the pictures included in this article.