The Fabulous Disney Babe
Page 1 of 2

A model of Discovery Bay
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Before I start Part 2, some addendums to Part 1

• I have been inundated with mail about Discovery Bay. Apparently, this story has really hit a nerve! Thanks to everyone who sent pictures and stories from the days when they, like me, would spend way too much time poring over the model in the Preview of Coming Attractions Showcase and at the stockholders' meeting.
• There were so many different versions of Discovery Bay; if your information differs from mine, it's probably because I've got an earlier/later version. I'd like this to be as complete and accurate as possible, so if you have information, please share it! I'd be glad to either give you credit or bury your identity as you so wish.
• The Chowder House, mentioned in last week's column, was based on San Francisco's famous Cliff House, which was tragically destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906. There's a great little website with pictures of the building in its days of grandeur at: http://www.sanfranciscomemories.com/cliff/house.html.
• I also learned that the Chowder House was, at one point, called the Cliff House. It was to have been a fast food establishment, a big one, though, seating 300, similar to Columbia Harbor House at the Magic Kingdom in terms of service. The Cider Mill was to have been a smaller fast food restaurant, the Chinese Restaurant a buffeteria, and Nemo's Grand Salon a 300-seat fine table service restaurant. Many groveling and loving thanks to the two fellow Rivetheads who clued me into this.

Another angle of the Discovery Bay model
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Discovery Bay Part 2: The Island at the Top of the World Attraction

The Hyperion was to have been the "weenie" of Discovery Bay. You know, that thing that sits deep inside a Magic Kingdom "Land" and doesn't block the integrity of the view from the hub, beckoning guests to come inside? Inside the Hyperion Hangar, as I mentioned last week, would be the Island at the Top of the World attraction.

The queue area would be the interior of the hangar, with the airship being prepared for its voyage. The passengers would wait in small boarding areas, and as they boarded, the Captain would appear and welcome them aboard. Both live Captains and virtual (on video) captains were discussed, and both considered. (Having visited Sea World's Wild Arctic attraction, I have often wondered if any of the Island team developed the attraction. There are quite a few similarities.)

The passengers are seated and properly restrained, and their adventure begins. Remember, this is 1976, long before there were simulators at every theme park and shopping mall under the sun. This is groundbreaking stuff. During this time, the sounds of cold engines being heated up and some "obviously disturbed chickens" is heard, and no matter what time of day it is, the airship ascends into a gorgeous sunset, which is shortly transformed to a breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis. The Captain recounts some of the legends regarding the Northern Lights, but is interrupted by heavy turbulence. For safety, the ship is lowered to surface level, below the storm, after the First Mate suggests this.