This photo is driving me bonkers – what intersection is this?
I’ve lived near madison square park for 4 years and i have never seen this view. Where is this? If this was the intersection of 23rd and b’way where is the plethora of cars?
Well, most people realized pretty quickly that my last post was riddled with lies! If you didn’t recognize the pictures, they’re a combination of Disney World and Universal Studio’s wonderfully wrong New York City streetscapes. If you’re a NYer, the subway entrance should have been the first giveaway…
The W and D trains of course run on completely separate lines, and Jersey travelers would be amazed to find a PATH train at 18th Street. So why WD? Walt Disney, of course! Also note that the steps lead nowhere.
My parents never took me to Disney World as a kid, and my first time visiting was at the ripe age of 25. I was all set to be cynical and unimpressed, only to have my preconceived notions blown out of the water. I’m clearly a huge fan of detail work, and I think a major reason why Disney World is such a singular phenomenon is the overwhelming attention to every single inch of the parks.
I was down in Orlando recently and stopped in for the second time. I was hoping to do a full article on the park’s hidden treasures, but I didn’t have time. Here are a few of my favorite bits…
As you’re walking down Main Street, you might notice the building proportions seem a bit off. The reason is, of course, forced perspective. While the first floors are full-sized, the second (fake) floors are all 3/4 size, and the upper floors even smaller.
This effect is used most notably on Cinderella’s Castle, which, while actually 189 feet tall, appears much larger in person.
Also on Main Street, if you note the windows on the upper floors…
…you’ll see names listed along with the fake businesses. These are all former Disney employees who have made various contributions. Yale Gracey, for example, was a park “Imagineer” who designed many of the special effects in the Haunted Mansion ride (the Mansion’s “owner,” Master Gracey, is named after him). Wathel Rogers was an imagineer who was responsible for many of the Animatronics in the Hall of Presidents.
My favorite part of Tomorrowland are the elements of retro-futurism that have managed to survive various renovations (modern futurism is so boring!). This “future salon” as seen on the People Mover ride is pretty great.
I also dig this view of a futuristic diner along one of the rivers cutting through the park.
Most people run past the entrance for the Muppet 3-D show, but if you stop and take a moment to look at the front desk…
…You’ll see a sign that says “key is under mat”…
…Yes, there is a mat…
And hey, there’s a key! (glued down, unfortunately – Disney! This should be a souvenir for those who find it!).
To me, the rides are great, but I have the most fun taking in all the details…Like looking up and noticing the huge ACME anvils being held up by giant magnets overhead…
And there is no better place for detail than the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, which, late at night, is exactly where my 8 year old self hoped to live.
Someday, I’d love to do a full behind-the-scenes article on the over-looked details of Disney World. Any favorites?
-SCOUT
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