With so many loyal enthusiasts upset at the demise of Horizons, WDI was under pressure to create a fitting replacement. No “C ticket” attraction would do. This was going to require a full-bore E ticket experience.

Outer space has long captured the imagination of people, and Disney has capitalized on that over the years. From the Moonliner during Disneyland’s earliest days, to Mission to Mars and Space Mountain, Disney theme park guests could get a taste of what they could only dream about.

Well, not really. None of these attractions really came close to simulated space flight. Indeed, only the infamous “Vomit Comet” jet used to create zero-G could come close–and there is no way that experience would find its way into a Disney theme park. The cost of fuel on a daily basis would require admission prices out of this world.

With Mission: Space, though, Disney Imagineers have given guests a sampling of one experience known to every astronaut: G forces. Using a large centrifuge, WDI allows us to feel the weight as we are “placed” on our backs for lift off. We feel the large G forces during liftoff and encounters with the Moon and Mars. And, some even claim to feel a bit of weightlessness at times during the ride.

For some, the attraction is just another thrill ride. On the other hand, WDI has brought its trademark storytelling to this show. As an astronaut trainee, you play a specific role in the mission, depending on which seat you end up in. No more passive I’m-just-an-audience-member experiences, WDI’s Imagineers are going to make you work. Okay, so your work is managing to reach up and press a button at the right time, but this still brings the kind of active engagement that we typically don’t see in attraction design. (In some instances, such as the new Spaceship Earth, it is better left out.)

Epcot’s original purpose, to inspire ideas about the future, was probably better represented by Horizons. Nevertheless, this hit from WDI is exciting enough to inspire kids of all ages to look more into space exploration.

Take, for example, the smallest little effect you can observe at Disneyland. If you’re at the Disneyland Rail Road New Orleans Square station, and it’s a bit quiet, you can hear the sounds of a gathering going on. The sounds come from a window on an “apartment” in New Orleans Square. You can find a similar instance of this “sound imagineering” on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. Halfway toward the hub, on the right, is a short extension off of the street. Go all the way to the end and you’ll hear the sounds of a hotel guest or two.

These effects are not hard to do, and they don’t blow your mind. They do, however, add a certain depth to the theme park, a little hint of magic. You’d never really miss them if they were never there, but when they are there, your mind quietly takes notice. And that’s what makes these effects so cool.

It’s unfortunate Disney took the easy way out and used its animated film to inspire the revision to the attraction. If Disney felt that Swiss Family Robinson was no longer relevant, why not create something completely new? Come up with an original story and draw guests in. If you have to use a film, pick one of the beloved ones, not the latest “hit” that will be a second-tier film in Disney animation history.

Anyone want to defend Tarzan’s Treehouse and persuade me that I’m wrong?

Although this definition that once appeared on WDI merchandise is now outdated with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, it’s still one of my favorite definitions.

• The Skyway cables are visible going into the mountain (and coming out the back).
• The Matterhorn model has its full range of colors–those of the mountain, and those of the trees on its side.
• The photographs on the wall behind show different views of the mountain.

Disney Imagineers have traditionally gone to great lengths to create their attractions and theme parks. They just don’t “throw up a roller coaster” and paint it green like the Incredible Hulk. Even as late as the 1990s, WDI did all sorts of research to create the Animal Kingdom theme park–and it shows in the details. Take a look at this post from Disney Shawn for an in-depth look at those details. In fact, I recommend reading Shawn’s blog religiously. His examinations of Disney parks and their “plussing” are a real asset to the Disney fan community.

Look for more examples of these great images from WDI’s history in the weeks to come.

If you’re not a Disney Cast Member–and you don’t know anyone at WDI who can get you in for a visit–your only real option is Google Earth (or Google Maps in your web browser). Fire up either one, and type in 1401 Flower Street, Glendale, California. After a moment or four, you should see a map. If you click on Satellite View in Google Maps, you’ll get the bird’s-eye view.

The pin location marks a small parking lot for the main entrance to WDI. Take a look at the street view in Google Maps and you’ll get a nice view of the nondescript building. You could drive right past it and never realize what it is. There’s no sign to announce the magic that takes place in this complex. If you pull in the parking lot and take a gander at the front door, the building’s street number sign might look familiar.

When I visited WDI in 2001, we were able to visit Mickey’s of Glendale by going to the WDI cafeteria, out the doors into a courtyard, which we crossed to reach the building housing Mickey’s of Glendale. We were advised not to wander any further than that.

The current satellite view of the WDI complex shows there is (or was) some earth-moving going on, so I cannot say for sure where MoG is at this point. It was housed in a trailer, and whether the trailer moved or MoG moved into new space is unknown to me. (Anyone know?)

As I dig up more information on different parts of the WDI complex, I’ll pass it on.