Special Features for Members

“Zoom out” from individual parks and attractions in this epic collection of Special Features, which trace the larger stories, threads, and connections of the industry! Dive deep into Disney’s sensational cross-continental secret society frame story, explore the lessons behind the eras of attraction design, see how Disney and Universal “co-parent” Marvel heroes in their parks, explore classic Roadside Wonders, and so much more!

The Extra Features below are available exclusively to Park Lore Members who support this ad-free theme park history project with a Gold or Platinum Membership of $8 / month or more.

Passholders can unlock our entire Vault of quick-read Extras and in-depth Special Features, receive a member card and merch in the mail, unlock podcast extras, reveal rare concept art and audio streams in stories, and much more! If you appreciate the in-depth stories on Park Lore, join the story and become a Member to keep this unique theme park project growing!

Armchair Imagineering Blue Sky Build-Outs

In-depth walkthroughs of hand-drawn creative reimaginings and “Build-Outs” of existing theme parks as well as design ideas for just-for-fun, from-scratch “concept parks.”

Disney Fantastic Worlds
Disney California Adventure
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Universal's Islands of Adventure

Hand-Drawn Park Art Projects

New ways to see the parks we know and love, these unique art projects include a collection of over 100 hand-drawn entries in Park Lore’s Ride Layout Collection, turning parks’ “negative space” (their pathways) into embodiments of their stories and histories, and unique graphical representations of parks’ ride lineups.

Then & Now
Here & There
One & Only

Park Lore’s Ride Layout CollectionsThen & Now | Here & There | One & Only

  • Comparing Kingdoms: Diagramming Disney’s Six “Castle Park” Ride Lineups, Exclusives, & Overlaps
  • Park Paths: The Histories & Personalities of Theme Parks As Seen From a New Perspective

In-Depth, Big Picture Industry Explorations

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  • The Bob Swap: Parting Words to Chapek’s Era and Essential Reflections on What Went Wrong
  • Universal Alignment: The Path to Universal’s Epic New Theme Park… and Why Disney Doesn’t Seem Worried
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  • Disney+ Parks: Thoughts on the Diminishing Themes and Increasing Interchangeability of Disney Parks
  • MyMagic Minus: The Fall of Disney’s Billion Dollar Pre-Planning MagicBand Empire
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Road Trips, Amusements, and Asides

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  • MEOW WOLF: A Glimpse into the Cosmic, Creative Future of Themed Entertainment Design
  • LOST ISLAND: An Opening Year Expedition into the Country’s Newest Major Theme Park
  • Gatorland: Florida’s “Cold Blooded” Theme Park, the Alligator Capital of the World
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  • Exploratio Continua! Inside Disney’s Secret S.E.A. – The Society of Explorers and Adventurers
  • The Real Pizza Rat: How Chuck E. Cheese Revolutionized Gaming and Reinvented Family Entertainment
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  • Dole Whip: The Sweet Story from Polynesian Paradise to Tropical Hideaways
  • PARKSTROLOGY: A Park Lore Primer on Disney Parks, the Zodiac, and the “Magic in the Stars”

Beyond The Blacklight: Stories, Scores, and Scares from the Industry-Changing SALLY DARK RIDES

Disney History, Imagineering, & Trip Planning

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  • Genie+ 101: Park Guide to Getting Your Magic and Money’s Worth at Disney World Parks
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  • The Waiting Game: A Brief History of Queueing and the Many Lives of Lines at Disney Parks
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  • Enchanted Tale: The 30 Year Wait for a “Beauty and the Beast” Dark Ride and its Unusual New Genre
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  • Poster Art: Stories & Secrets Behind The Poster Art of the Disney Parks
  • EDITORIAL: Why Disney Parks Should Get Rid of FastPass & Line-Skipping For Good
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More Special Features coming soon!