Tag: Walt Disney World

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BODY WARS: An “Inside” Look at EPCOT’s Abandoned, Pulse-Pounding Voyage Through the Human Body

Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to build a library of Lost Legends, telling the in-depth behind-the-scenes stories of beloved-and-lost rides from around the globe. We’ve survived Disney’s scariest attraction ever, Alien Encounter; ventured 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to revisit the sunken Magic Kingdom classic; taken flight to relive the lost experience of Soarin’; toured the skies of Walt’s Tomorrowland aboard The Peoplemover; we’ve even merrily raced along to Nowhere in Particular aboard Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Across the site, keep your eye out for links to other Lost Legends, or set course for your favorite.

But today, we return to what may be the international capital of closed classics: EPCOT. It seems that rides at this uniquely ambitious park are doomed from the start, and a number of our Lost Legends resided here once upon a time. Today’s entry earned its place in Disney Parks’ history books by being the first thrill ride at EPCOT; a unique fusion of education and entertainment in a shuttered pavilion.

This can only be the story of BODY WARS, the would-be classic that nauseated a generation en route to an unfortunate and unusual closure. Even today – a decade after its closure – Body Wars is sealed away behind closed doors, rusting and awaiting its own demolition. In today’s in-depth entry, we’ll explore the history of the doomed Wonders of Life pavilion, the experience of its headlining thrill ride, and what became of it. Brace yourself, because this ride is not for the feint of heart… or stomach.

And before we head off, remember that you can unlock rare concept art and audio streams in this story, access over 100 Extra Features, and recieve an annual Membership card and postcard art set in the mail by supporting this clickbait-free, in-depth, ad-free theme park storytelling site for as little as $2 / month! Become a Park Lore Member to join the story! Until then, let’s start at the beginning…

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“Kungaloosh!” Secrets and Stories from Inside Downtown Disney’s Lost and Legendary Adventurers Club

“Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you… But always dress for the hunt.”

Years ago, we began our Lost Legends series with a simple idea: to build a library of stories that encapsulate the most complete and accessible histories of these forgotten fan-favorites. By doing so, we hoped to save these stories for a new generation of emerging Disney Parks fans who simply might not understand what the big deal was about Journey into Imagination,  Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Maelstrom, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or any of the dozens of other Lost Legends entries.

As we’ve told these tales – exploring the way they intertwine and weave through time – we’ve asked you to share your thoughts and memories and stories. Today especially, we’ll need your help, because there may be no attraction on Earth that relied as heavily on community, storytelling, and camaraderie than that of The Adventurers Club, the mysterious and revered living theater venue in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island.

Image: Disney

Packed with special effects, Audio-Animatronics, songs, hidden wonders, ancient artifacts, and mysteries worth years of exploration, even in retrospect it’s hard to say exactly what this venerated and beloved attraction was. A nightclub? A walkthrough? A show? An exhibit? Hmm…

Join us in this in-depth look at the history of the beguiling Adventurers Club, what waited within, and where its ingredients have spread across the globe… As always, the story begins years before the Adventurers Club would ever open its doors… in this case, it’s rooted more than a century ago in a fairytale history that many Disney Parks fans don’t know…

And before we head off, remember that you can unlock rare concept art and audio streams in this story, access over 100 Extra Features, and recieve an annual Membership card and postcard art set in the mail by supporting this clickbait-free, in-depth, ad-free theme park storytelling site for as little as $2 / month! Become a Park Lore Member to join the story! Until then, let’s start at the beginning…

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: The Nautical Legend of Walt Disney World’s Sunken Submarine Voyage

This is Captain Nemo speaking. Welcome aboard the Nautilus. We are proceeding on a course that will take us on a voyage 20,000 leagues under the sea.  En route, we will pass beneath the Polar Ice Cap and then probe depths seldom seen by man.”

Here at Park Lore, we’ve set course for Lost Legends, journeying through the revered history of long-gone, fan-favorite attractions… To the cold depths of space in the terrifying Alien Encounter, the whimsical realms of Journey into Imagination, the sleek aerial highways of the PeopleMover, the “inside” story of Epcot’s nauseating Body Wars, the frigid north of Maelstrom, the distant cities of tomorrow on Horizons, and so many more. But for Walt Disney World fans, there may be another epic adventure that stands among the best of all time…

Today, we’ll set sail to explore the cloudless waters of a Magic Kingdom classic: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage. We’ll dive into the history of this stunning underwater dark ride, walk through the ride experience, then discuss what happened to the ride and what you’ll find in its place today. So, as Captain Nemo would say at each Nautilus launch: “Make yourselves comfortable, but please, remain seated at all times. Prepare to dive!”

And before we head off, remember that you can unlock rare concept art and audio streams in this story, access over 100 Extra Features, and recieve an annual Membership card and postcard art set in the mail by supporting this clickbait-free, in-depth, ad-free theme park storytelling site for as little as $2 / month! Become a Park Lore Member to join the story! Until then, let’s start at the beginning…

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“One Little Spark”: How Epcot’s Journey into Imagination Inspired a Generation

EPCOT is one of a kind. For Disney World fans, there’s no park as marked by nostalgia, change, promise, and loss. With hopes to “instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere,” EPCOT today is a park defined by reinvention. And yet, among its staggering collection of closed classics, there’s one particular attraction that stands out… Alight with the musical creativity, this ride inspired a generation with a simple reminder:

“One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation! Right at the start of everything that’s new, one still spark lights up for you!”

Art by Tom Morris. Image: Disney, via D23.com

Journey into Imagination is long gone. That means that a generation of Disney Parks fans never had the chance to take flight with Dreamfinder and Figment, or to sail through realms of art and science on a quest for “sparks.” But that’s where our library of Lost Legends comes in… Today, we’ll soar through the clouds as we preserve this timeless experience for good, crystalizing the creation of this spectacular closed classic, our memories (and yours!) of the experience on board, and its unfortunate history since…

Ready to set sail for the Dreamport?

And before we head off, remember that you can unlock rare concept art and audio streams in this story, access over 100 Extra Features, and recieve an annual Membership card and postcard art set in the mail by supporting this clickbait-free, in-depth, ad-free theme park storytelling site for as little as $2 / month! Become a Park Lore Member to join the story! Until then, let’s start at the beginning…

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ExtraTERRORestrial: The Terrifying True Story of Disney’s Abandoned Alien Encounter

Shattering glass. Pitch black darkness. Pulsing heartbeats. Sparks illuminate a twisted, spider-like figure with gnashing fangs and horrible claws, its eyes fixed on you… Wings beat against the stagnant dusty air, thick with breathless horror. A guttural growl rumbles inches from your ear. Warm, thick drool drips against your neck… This is the end.

Though it may sound like the horrific makings of a paralyzing nightmare, a carnivorous insectoid alien was set loose among the crowds of Magic Kingdom every ten minutes or so, every day, for eight years. With one of the shortest lifespans of any attraction to occupy a Disney Park, The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (emphasis included) has developed a cult following from those who experienced — and in some cases were traumatized by — Disney’s edgiest attraction.

Image: Disney

In the hazy view of hindsight, Alien Encounter has become little more than a memory for some, and an urban legend for many, many more. But that’s what we’re here for: to capture the full stories of closed classics and forgotten favorites for a new generation, while allowing Imagineering fans to relive the rides of yesteryear. Today, we’ll walk you through the making of this one-of-a-kind Disney attraction, endure the harrowing experience of Alien Encounter from the entrance doors to the exit and then discuss what brought about its demise. Think you know the story of Disney’s scariest attraction ever?

Naturally, the story of any Imagineering experience begins long before the first guests ever step inside… And today’s tale begins with a prologue familiar to fans of Disney parks history… Strap in…

And before we head off, remember that you can unlock rare concept art and audio streams in this story, access over 100 Extra Features, and recieve an annual Membership card and postcard art set in the mail by supporting this clickbait-free, in-depth, ad-free theme park storytelling site for as little as $2 / month! Become a Park Lore Member to join the story! Until then, let’s start at the beginning…

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