On Facelifts and Updates

When you think of the truly iconic attractions at Disneyland, some of which have been there from the start, it's difficult to imagine ever seeing them removed. It isn't just a question of coming up with something better to fill the space, it's also the issue of how it would profoundly change the complexion of the park. Sure, attractions come and go -- they always will. But take the Jungle Cruise, for example. It was there on day one and I'm not aware of any suggestion that it be replaced.

That being said, this 'foundation' types of attractions are ultimately well served by either a facelift, update or both. The Jungle Cruise is one of the attractions that has been updated on several occasions and received a facelift to its entrance in the recent past. In truth, I don't know for sure which one was most beneficial, but I suspect it's the facelift.

There's no question but that veterans of any attraction will always be pleased when there's an opportunity to see something different on a ride. They may or may ultimately like the changes, but there is something to be said for shaking it up. However, in many instances, those changes tend to be rather negligible. Pirates of the Caribbean has had a few alterations over the years -- the most notable coming in the wake of the successful film franchise of the same name. Captain Jack Sparrow's appearances on the attraction (not to mention Barbosa and Davy Jones making cameos) is fun, but it hasn't materially changed what was already there. Changes to the appearance of an attractions facade, on the other hand, seems to have a greater effect. In short, it energizes the environment around that attraction and isn't limited to a comparatively brief effect when one is actually on the ride.

Adventureland, in my opinion, took on new life with the addition of the Indiana Jones Adventure and the facelift on the Jungle Cruise entry and queue area. It's clearly more dynamic than it had been before (see pictures) and that's a factor that spreads out through the entire area very quickly.

In 1983, Fantasyland made both types of changes to its attractions. The dark rides were updated with state-of-the-art technology and took on a greater excitement than they'd had in years. Still, I contend that the changes to the facades in Fantasyland was the most important part of this renovation. Why? Quite simply, that environment, the feeling of that old world village is so fullt encompassing and altogether charming that it makes you want to be in Fantasyland. I remember the pre-1983 Fantasyland well. I always felt that it was the least interesting themed area in which to spend time. I went on certain of the rides there, but I never felt inclined to linger as I passed through it. That's entirely different now.

At the end of the day, those cornerstone attractions at Disneyland that will always be a central part of the park's identity have great power in their presence. Still, think about the value of a timely facelift to keeping things fresh in a place where freshness is a quality that cannot be dispensed with if it's to remain at its best.