The Soarin’ preshow has been at the center of controversy ever since the ride’s Epcot debut in 2006. The original Soarin’ preshow video starring Patrick Warburton (who first found fame as Puddy on Seinfeld) was digitally altered to remove references to the ride’s original title of Soarin’ Over California. However, when the ride changed to […]
Lost and Abandoned Disney Details
Abandoned Fantasia Gardens Pavilion Might Be Master Architect’s Lost Work
Most guests don’t even know about Fantasia Gardens mini-golf. It’s a secondary excursion at best — the kind of freebie they used to dole out on your all-inclusive package, right up there with “free admission” to Wide World of Sports or a crappy t-shirt from Planet Hollywood. Even Disney Transportation forgets about it. A self-assured Cast […]
Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Countdown to Extinction
On the occasion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary, we reflect on its celebration of all animals — living, imaginary, and extinct. And since we’re Parkeology, we’re going to focus on that last part with a Top 20 Countdown to Extinction. It’s fast! It’s a blast! It’s in the past! 20. Poached Elephants Kilimanjaro Safari […]
These Original Fantasyland Dark Rides Have Desperately Unhappy Endings
“Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young-at-heart, for they are most susceptible to nightmares. All that lurks here is graphic death, horror, and eternal damnation. Abandon all hope, ye who enter.” — Fantasyland Dedication Plaque, July 17, 1955 You want happily ever after? Go to Universal or something. We’re peddling unhappy endings here. […]
Long-Lost Epcot Double-Decker Bus Found!
Years ago, guests could explore Epcot World Showcase by double-decker bus. Over time, the bus disappeared. But now we have located a remnant of the past!
35 Freaky Flashbacks to Celebrate the Epcot 35th Anniversary
Epcot has always been a strange theme park concept. In honor of the Epcot 35th Anniversary, here are 35 loony details from its history.
The Great Movie Ride’s LAST secret
This is the coolest part of the Great Movie Ride you have NEVER seen: We all know about Big Al’s bloody saddle but have you ever heard of the Great Movie Ride’s bloody shirt? Thanks to a kind reader and original cast member who helped open the Great Movie Ride in 1989 we have unearthed […]
How to Cope When Disney Closes Your Favorite Ride
The Universe of Energy closing date is almost upon us. Those clever vampires in Disney Merchandising are already selling t-shirts featuring the word “Extinct.” It gives me some ideas about how to monetize my own funeral. This is not the first vintage Disney ride to close. It’s not even the best. In the late 90s, […]
Monsters on Main Street: The Horrifying Masks of The House of Magic
Terror Lurked in the Magic Kingdom Fathers stroll down Main Street hand in hand with their daughters, mothers wrangle the brood keeping everyone on schedule. It’s opening time at The Magic Kingdom and nothing could be more charming or innocent. Yet once there was something much more sinister at play here. Not long ago The […]