A Hidden Disney Open House

The Sensory Labs at the Imagination Institute are hosting an Open House event, and we're invited to participate... and to seek out lots of fun Hidden Disney references. In fact, the Imagination pavilion probably features more Hidden Disney than any other single location at Epcot.

It actually starts in the lobby, where the "inventions" on display are actually props from Disney movies. There's Weebo (below), the personal assistant robot (voiced by The Little Mermaid's Jodi Benson) from Flubber, the 1997 remake of The Absent-Minded Professor. Just inside the entrance and to the left, where the queue rarely extends, is even Wayne Szalinski's video camera helmet from Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

A little further along are portraits of the Institute's recent Inventor of the Year award recipients: Dr. Nigel Channing (Eric Idle), Director of the Imagination Institute; Professor Ned Brainard (Robin Williams), inventor of Flubber; and Professor Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis), creator of the incredible Shrinking Gun. Aside from referencing the films, this detail also helps tie together the story of the individual attractions in the Imagination pavilion. In the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience attraction next door, we get to see Szalinski's Inventor of the Year award ceremony, hosted by Nigel Channing.

Of course, the details on this wall might lead one to believe that there's some revisionist history afoot, claiming that Dr. Channing created the Figment of Imagination, but this isn't the case. Channing was inducted for the invention of the Sensory Labs themselves. Everyone knows it was Dream Finder who put together the tiny sparks which formed Figment, and Dream Finder is still part of the attraction today. In fact, he's the Dean of the Institute. He's just a little busy dreaming up new things behind his office door to come along with us on today's Open House tour.

On our way to the first stop on the tour, the Sound Lab, we pass a computer room. Note the sign: "No Tennis Shoes Allowed". It's a nod to Disney's 1969 film The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. You may even spot the pair of high-tops on the floor or the letter jacket hanging on the coat rack inside the room... with a letter "M" for Medfield, the college from the movie.

There's even more in this scene, but you have to have a really sharp eye. The names ID'ed on plates by the front door each refer to characters from Disney films which combined science with imagination: Professor Quigley (William Schallert in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes), Dexter Riley (Kurt Russell in the same film), Wilby Daniels and Merlin Jones (Tommy Kirk's characters in 1959's The Shaggy Dog and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones in 1964)

This next detail is actually a nod to Disney fans. When the original Imagination attraction closed in 1999 and reopened as Journey Into YOUR Imagination, the character of Figment only appeared as a hidden tribute in a constellation of stars. Among other things, the Imagineers involved in the redo of the pavilion underestimated the public's affection for the little purple dragon. A group of fans quickly emerged, calling themselves Friends of Figment and asking for the return of their favorite character to Epcot. When the attraction was redone once again in 2002, it became Journey Into Imagination with Figment. As a tribute to the fans who helped bring him back, Figment has hung a banner over the front window of his upside-down house that reads, "Welcome Friends of Figment."

Finally, as everyone's imagination is set free in the attraction's climactic scene, we're bombarded with visual references to the original Journey Into Imagination attraction. Figment is hang gliding from sheet music of "One Little Spark," the theme written by the Sherman Brothers. There's even a silhouette of the Dream Catcher on the top of the page. Words are styled to resemble images, a common design motif in the previous show, and Figment appears in a variety of different roles: rainbow painter (painting with Figment Pigment, naturally), pilot, mountain climber, astronaut.

There's even a bit of an homage to another former Epcot attraction, Horizons. The image of Eric Idle as the Man in the Moon, singing with Figment in the finale, recalls the old Jules Verne From the Earth to the Moon scene from that other Epcot favorite of the past.

One Little Spark

Another fun detail tucked away inside Epcot Mouse Gear is a contraption that was capturing thoughts and ideas and turning them into new things long before the Mouse Gear machine was constructed. Look closely above the wall bays near the duck office windows, and you'll notice a blast from the Epcot past:

It's the Dream Catcher from the original Journey Into Imagination attraction. While Dreamfinder is enjoying his retirement and Figment is off causing trouble for Dr. Channing at the Imagination Institute, the Dream Catcher has been put to work inside Mouse Gear. In the old show, Dreamfinder would pilot the Dream Catcher around the world, collecting little sparks inspiration to be brought back to the Dream Port. Today, it draws inspiration from Disney's classic cartoon characters to help magically create tangible memories for Walt Disney World Guests.

Since the Journey Into Imagination attraction closed not long before Mouse Gear was built in the late-90s, it was the perfect opportunity for the Imagineers to not only reuse a perfectly good prop, but to pay tribute with a little bit of Hidden Disney.

Making Memories

Mouse Gear, the main shopping location at Epcot, opened in 1999 as a replacement for the former (and smaller) Centorium. The story behind Mouse Gear is that the Disney characters have come together to create and operate this incredible, fanciful machine, capable of turning Disney magic into tangible memories for their Guests to take home with them.

The shop is filled with fun details, from the enormous gloved hand and magic wand, bringing the room to life as it rotates:

To the tiniest components of the fixtures:

All around, iconic imagery of the classic Disney characters combines with an Epcot-appropriate technology angle. Of course, gears and gauges are decidedly "old school" technology, but it all seems to work with the nostalgic nature of the characters.

One detail that's often overlooked by visitors to Mouse Gear is the apparent goings-on in the second story offices of the shop. In one set of windows, Donald Duck is barely able to control his temper as Webigail Vanderquack and his nephews turn the office into a playground. Just around the corner, though, Scrooge McDuck and Daisy are hard at work alongside Mouse Gear inventor Gyro Gearloose. It's a rare park appearance for characters like Webby and Gyro, and if you hang around long enough, you might get to do more than just see them. Periodically, you can actually hear what's happening upstairs. Next time you're in Mouse Gear, stand around and listen. For the less-than-patient, below is a complete transcript of everything that goes on...

HUEY: Quackaroonie! Look at this one fly!

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DEWEY: Epcot Mouse Gear. Dewey speaking. What can I do-ey for you-ey? (chuckles)

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LOUIE: Look at this, fellas! These drawers are full of stuff we can use to make things for Mouse Gear!

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WEBBY: Look at all the pretty cutouts I'm making. Maybe they'll like these at Mouse Gear, too!

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DONALD: Hey, you kids! We've got work to do around here. Wha... Hey! What's the big idea?! (goes ballistic)

SCROOGE: Daisy, were there any calls for me?

DAISY: Yes, Mr. Scrooge. Mickey called from Quality Control to say that everything is looking swell.

SCROOGE: That's great news!

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GYRO: Once I get the kinks out of my Electro-Levitational Numerometer, we'll increase productivity here by 243%! (a power surge is heard) Whoops!

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SCROOGE: Daisy, take a letter. My dear associates, things here at Mouse Gear are running like a dream! (a loud crash is heard) Oh, dear....

Thank the Phoenicians

During the 1990s, several enhancement projects were undertaken to help fill in some of the wide open spaces between Epcot pavilions with interesting bits. One such project was the Epcot Discovery Tiles.

At the center are inspirational quotes from notable scientists in history. This particular quote by Sir Isaac Newton gets right to the heart of the Future World story: "If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." The world we live in today has been created for us by those who came before. It is our responsibility to build the future on the strong foundation which has been laid for us.

Supporting this story, tiles representing significant discoveries or innovations in human history are organized in concentric circles, building out from the center. The circle closest in acknowledges significant achievements of the Prehistoric Era: the wheel, fire, and standardized alphabet.

Next are discoveries of the Renaissance Period...

Followed by the Industrial Revolution of the late-1800s...

And the advances made during the 20th century...

One note about the Discovery Tiles:

Since the tiles signify the discoveries themselves, the dates and countries listed refer to when and where a particular discovery or invention took place. For example, Alexander Graham Bell was Scottish, but his work on the development of the telephone took place in America.

Left Brain, Right Brain

Ever notice that the two sides of Future World have a somewhat different look and feel? Well, it's intentional and part of the story being told in this part of Epcot. Future World is a scientific community where people and organizations from around the world have come together to build a better tomorrow for us all. The work of "building the future" is divided into thematic buckets of transportation, energy, conservation and innovation, and those facilities are further grouped by theme.

The west side of Future World is home to the organic sciences. Here you will find The Land, The Seas and Imagination. The landscape and hardscape in this area is also appropriately organic. Trees are wide and lush. Planters and walkways curve into one another, and water plays a key role.

By contrast, Future World East introduces calculated and precise sciences in Universe of Energy, Mission: Space, and Test Track. The landscape mirrors that with straight lines, angles, and harder edges.

Of course, for every rule there is often an exception. In this case, the former Wonders of Life pavilion appears to have been put in the wrong spot. And, well... it was... but for good reason.

For Epcot's first couple years of operation, billboards around the park advertised coming attractions. Future World West presented billboards for The Living Seas and a Life and Health pavilion, which would have been located between The Seas and The Land. As the pavilion got closer to reality, however, Epcot had an operational need for new attractions on the east side of the park. The west was teeming with Guests, spending hours visiting Seabase Alpha, listening to The Land, and delivering thoughts and ideas to the Dream Port. The east, though, had three pavilions each with a single ride-through experience. Guests did each one and moved on. The park was unbalanced, so the decision was made to place Wonders of Life in Future World East.

Now that Wonders of Life has been retired, the original design intent for Future World is once again intact.

Let's Do the Time Warp

In the nearly 27 years since it opened, Epcot has changed considerably, especially in the area of Future World. After all, between ever-changing technology and the whims of corporate sponsors, the "Future" is something always in flux. But there is one corner of Future World that can take you right back to Epcot '82: The Odyssey Complex.

Located on an island of sorts between Test Track and the Mexico pavilion, Odyssey was originally a quick service restaurant meant to bridge the gap between Future World and World Showcase. It blended the architecture of one with the earth tones of the other. Unfortunately for Odyssey, it also featured a combination of poor location and uninspired cuisine. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beef stew weren't enough to get Epcot visitors to take the long walk across the bridge.

Attempts to drum up business, including offering character dining and entertainment on a small stage, weren't enough to keep the Odyssey going. Today, the location is used primarily for special events and convention groups. But it's also a great peek into the past of Epcot, since not a lot has changed here over the years. Even the signs, typically one of the first things to get an updated look, are just as they were on October 1, 1982.

So the next time you're on your way out to World Showcase, take a jump to the left... then a step to the ri-i-i-ight, and pay a visit to early Epcot at the Odyssey.

He Did Great "Filling in for the Boss"

There's a wonderful article about Wayne Allwine on the D23 site.

Some excerpts:

"There is a profound sense of loss and sadness throughout our company today as we mourn the passing of our friend, colleague and Disney Legend Wayne Allwine," said Disney President and CEO Robert A. Iger. "Wayne dedicated his entire professional life to Disney, and over the last 32 years, gave so much joy, happiness and comfort to so many around the world by giving voice to our most beloved, iconic character, Mickey Mouse. Wayne's great talent, deep compassion, kindness, and gentle way, all of which shone brightly through his alter ego, will be greatly missed."

For the past 20 years, Allwine was married to Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse. Allwine is survived by Taylor and five children from a previous marriage: Erin, Alison, Peter, Christopher and Joshua; and a grandson, Isaac. Funeral services will be private. Details regarding a life celebration will be announced at a later date.

In Allwine's memory, flowers or toys can be sent in Mickey's name to Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, or donations can be made to such children's charities as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Guide Dogs of America or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Wayne Allwine (1947 - 2009)

I'll miss you, Wayne.

Experimental Polyester Costumes Of Tomorrow

As outlined by Walt Disney himself in a 1966 short film describing some of his plans for the Florida project, EPCOT stood for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Shortly after opening in October 1982, however, Cast Members at Disney's newest park came up with some tongue-in-cheek alternatives:

Everyone's Paycheck Comes On Thursday

Experimental Polyester Costumes Of Tomorrow

Yes, in the early '80s vision of the future, everyone would be wearing fabulous jumpsuits made of the miracle product, Polyester. While they may have looked sleek and futuristic (for the time, anyway), the bigger "experiment" was seeing how Cast Members fared wearing these heavy garments in Florida's summer heat. As it turns out, they didn't fare so well. By the '90s, most of the 100% Polyester costumes had been retired and replaced by more comfortable cotton blends.

The costumes seen here were on display as part of the Epcot 25th anniversary exhibit hosted at Innoventions in 2007. Take note of the 1982-era name tag, too. The first "bubble" name tags didn't appear until the 15th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in 1986. Today, the larger size is the standard. The name tag pictured above is from the personal collection of Gary Landrum, an original EPCOT Center Cast Member who today is the Manager of Show Awareness Programs for Walt Disney Imagineering.

A Legacy Left

"To the youngsters of today, I say believe in the future..."

Walt Disney

These words grace the dedication plaque for "Leave a Legacy" at the entrance of Epcot. "Leave a Legacy" was added to the Epcot entrance plaza in 1999 for the Millennium Celebration, as a way for Guests to commemorate their visit. Stopping at an image-capture station nearby, those who chose to participate could have their faces etched in steel and placed here, marking their presence at the dawn of the third millennium.

The Legacy sculpture was designed by legendary Imagineer John Hench, working with a team of Imagineering interns. From the beginning, the project embodied the ideals of its dedication: "The Legacy sculpture celebrates the hopes and dreams passed from one generation to the next. It is a living testament to the promise of tomorrow."

The sculpture's monuments are designed to sweep up to the left and right, appearing to cradle Spaceship Earth. This is a key element in John Hench's concept for the piece. It represents the people of the world, coming together at the start of a new millennium to help carry our planet into the future.

Ambitious plans to extend the Legacy experience online with digital family trees and other ideas never fully materialized, but the Legacy sculpture and its images remain. For those who left their legacy, it captures a moment in time.

For my wife and I, it's a priority to visit our Legacy tile every time we enter Epcot. It's a long story, but suffice to say that Epcot is a very special place for us. This image was captured on April 7, 2000, at the start of what would become our first date. Seeing it brings back all the happy memories of our life together thus far... and reminds us of the promise of many tomorrows yet to come.

Making His Mark

Most Disney fans are familiar with the legend of the creation of Mickey Mouse and the fact that Walt Disney first thought of naming his new character Mortimer. It was his wife, Lillian, who suggested Mickey, but the name Mortimer would ultimately get used. Mortimer became a character in the 1936 animated short "Mickey's Rival," in which Mortimer vies for Minnie's attention. In recent years, Mortimer has appeared more frequently in cartoon segments of the "House of Mouse" television series.

Well, Mortimer pops up at Disney's Hollywood Studios as well. Next time you're strolling along Sunset Boulevard, focus your eyes down to the edge of the sidewalk. Every so often, you'll notice a subtle stamp in the concrete: "Mortimer & Co. Contractors 1928."

So it seems after getting turned down by Mrs. Disney, ol' Mortimer went into the construction business for a while before finally landing a part in a Disney film. Either that, or this is just another fine example of "Hidden Disney" in the Disney Parks.

Citizens of Hollywood

Just off the beaten path at Disney's Hollywood Studios, tucked between the 50s Prime Time Cafe and Hollywood & Vine Cafeteria of the Stars, are the Echo Lake Apartments. During the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Echo Lake area was the swanky neighborhood home to many early stars of the silver screen.

The gate leading up to the apartments is locked - sorry, residents only. Step a little closer, though, and you might be able to get an idea of who lives here. Just take a look at the names on the mailboxes. They're actually the names of several of the Imagineers who worked on Disney-MGM Studios back in the 80s.

Notable is the name on the top right box: T. Kirk.

Tim Kirk started with Walt Disney Imagineering in 1980 and worked on projects ranging from Kitchen Kabaret at Epcot to the new Fantasyland at Disneyland. For Disney-MGM Studios, he was a production set designer and art director for the Great Movie Ride and contributed to Muppet*Vision 3-D and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Tim and his brother Steve now run their own firm, Kirk Design, but before leaving Walt Disney Imagineering they were the senior designer and senior creative VP for Tokyo DisneySea in Japan.

California Crazy

California Crazy is a style of architecture popular in the Los Angeles area during the early to mid part of the 20th century. Some of the best examples, such as the Darkroom duplicated on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios (above), were outrageous physical representations of what was offered inside. The Darkroom is a photo supply shop (the Hollywood original is now a restaurant). Tail o' the Pup, shaped like a giant hot dog, sold... you guessed it... hot dogs!

There's another great example of California Crazy at Hollywood Studios, on the far edge of Echo Lake. And the fun of it extends to other details beyond just the architecture. Approaching from the area of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, you might first notice these enormous footprints pounded into the pavement:

A little further, and you'll discover the culprit: a giant, concrete dinosaur which has apparently stepped over the fence, down the grass, and into the lake:

It's Dinosaur Gertie, home for Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction. Steam flows from Gertie's nostrils, and a coating of snow lies across her back. The connection to ice cream is somewhat tenuous (at one time, the theory was that dinosaurs were driven to extinction by the last Ice Age). The connection to Hollywood and animation history, however, is much cooler.

"Gertie the Dinosaur" was the first character animated with true personality. The creation of animator Winsor McCay, Gertie made her debut before vaudeville audiences in 1914. McCay himself would appear on stage and "summon" Gertie to step forward. As the animated film of Gertie played behind him, McCay timed his movement to appear as if he were interacting with the dinosaur in real time.

As for the ice cream. Today, Studios Guests can find a selection of soft serve flavors here. Back in 1989, though, the offering truly was ice cream "of extinction." For a short time after opening, the location specialized in the sort of ice cream treats once popular in America, but hard to find in modern times. Sadly, those treats became more and more difficult to keep in stock, so the original concept itself became extinct.

Raiders of the Last Set

On the edge of Echo Lake Park at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a small, tent-like structure known as the Dip Site. For Studios Guests, it's a great place to grab some popcorn, a soft pretzel, or a cold drink. For the story of the Studios, though, it plays another role.

A movie is shooting in the area... the latest installment in the adventures of Indiana Jones. This structure was built as one of the production's first sets, a work tent at an archaeological dig. Once filming moved over to the stunt stage nearby, this set was taken over by Craft Services as a place to prep food to satisfy a hungry cast and crew. They've just modified the sign with a little graffiti humor.

Film buffs will notice something else about that sign. It identifies Dig Site #1138. The "1138" is a reference to Indiana Jones Producer George Lucas's first feature film, THX-1138. The number 1138 makes cameo appearances in many of George Lucas's movies. The "THX" has even been reused. Today, THX is the name of the high-fidelity sound reproduction standard established by Lucasfilm, Ltd.