Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Trick of the Eye


As soon as you walk into the lobby at Coronado Springs, make sure you take a look upwards at the beautiful painted dome ceiling.

White doves take flight against a blue sky and ornate Southwestern architecture. This design utilizes the Trompe-l'œil technique of creating an optical illusion whereby a two-dimensional painting is created to look like three-dimensional space. This style was quite popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but dates back to ancient Greek and Roman art.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Mask Appeal

The Mask Room at The Adventurer's Club is the setting for Hathaway Browne's exotic tales of adventure... that is, until the masks start to take on a life of their own and steal the spotlight. Designs from all of the world are featured here in a wide array of colors, sizes, and materials which give the new inductees plenty to look at in between stories, songs, and of course, Hooplas.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Fabulous Fifties


In recognizing such hits as "I'm a Pawn Who Got Rooked" and "Alaska If She's Like to Be the 49th State," the Fifties section of Pop Century plays homage to the culture of the decade.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Whistle Stop


The classic Whistle railroad sign is given a whimsical Disney touch as its standard form is converted into a more personalized shape for the path to and from Conservation Station.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Where-speak Continued

To continue with a look at the special Year of a Million Dreams menu designs, here is a trip around Crescent Lake:

Captain's Grille
Beaches and Cream

Spoodles

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

City of Port Orleans

To complete the illusion of the New Orleans cityscape, these authentic manhole covers can be found scattered along the concrete streets.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Meal Time

Flame Tree Barbecue offers a quiet alternative from the hustle and bustle of the typical theme park environment. The seating area is broken up into small isolated sections, with some offering beautiful views of Discovery River and Expedition Everest. The theme of the restaurant is a somewhat morbid one - that of the predator/prey relationship. But each area takes on a unique approach to that overarching theme and explores different groups of animals enjoying or, unfortunately, being lunch.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Fifth Dimension Mouse



The next time you find yourself in the rightmost* elevator shaft of the Tower of Terror, you just may spot a Mickey who has found himself to be a permanent resident of the Twilight Zone.

(Look for him to appear at the :06 mark)

*As you walk through the queue and/or look at the Tower from the outside

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Three Happy Chappies

Panchito's Gifts and Sundries at Coronado Springs lives up to its name well with artwork from The Three Caballeros covering the store. This includes a small Jose Carioca statue perched high above guests:


The walls are lines with tiles murals that depict various scenes from the movie:

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Best in Adventure


These posters line the area leading towards the queue for Kali River Rapids, inviting guests to take a tour down the Chakranadi River.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Safety is Our #1 Export

Typhoon Lagoon's Crush 'n Gusher water coaster is built around the ruins of a fruit processing plant. The company's name is TropicalAmity, which contains a subtle play on words. The Imagineers even made it easy to pick up on the joke by slyly breaking the sign at a critical point.


The small posters on the bottom left feature a great retro-inspired design and supply the origin of the attraction's name through their motto: "Our juices are CRUSHED for flavor, Our produce is GUSHING with taste."


Even the directional signs bear evidence of the area's original occupant:

Monday, February 11, 2008

Famous Mice in History


As part of her open house, Minnie shares a book that she authored, entitled "Famous Mice in History."

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Respect Tradition

These wonderful warning posters serve as the perfect teaser to the danger that awaits you on Expedition Everest.


The bottom reads, "For more than 1,000 years, theses mountains have been protected from intruders by the Yeti. Do not ignore the lessons of the past."

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

An Explosive Situation

When Big Thunder was abandoned, work on the mine shafts was still in full swing, as evidenced by these dynamite sticks left in the rocks.


A waiting supply on dynamite sticks is also within easy reach on the floor nearby.


Another great find in this area is a crate bearing the Tri-Circle-D ranch insignia. Apparently the miners at Big Thunder Mountain are also patrons of Fort Wilderness.




Sunday, February 3, 2008

A Lofty Perch


Hidden high above patrons at the San Angel Inn in Mexico is this elaborate balcony scene. The highlight is a gilded green cage with a colorful parrot inside.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Just Married


On the way to the Storm Slides at Typhoon Lagoon, you may come across this unlikely shipwreck. A small motorboat complete with "Just Married" banner, candles, champagne on ice, and even luggage resides on its rocky perch following the strong storm. Hopefully the happy couple fared better than their boat...