The West Side of the Kingdom
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Over the years, there has been discussion about re-doing the scene and adding a completely different effect or theme to it, such as a huge spider lair. Plans were also in place to re-do the Dart Corridor at the end of the attraction to be completely three-dimensional carvings as opposed to simple blacklight paintings on a wall. These ideas appear to have fallen through the cracks for now, but Indy is still, a relatively new attraction at Disneyland. Anything is possible in the future. As long as there are Imagineers such as Tony Baxter around that feel Indy is one of Disneyland’s gems, the attraction will likely, never be complete. "Walt once said something that I’ve taken to heart," he says. "He said, ‘If I didn’t create a believable environment, then no one would believe the magic when they get down to that point in the show.’"
Regardless of these set-backs, the Indiana Jones Adventure remains a guest favorite at the Park.
The opening of Indy was spectacular, as stated earlier. Three days of intense international media coverage followed by one incredible party in Adventureland kicked off the legacy of one of Disneyland’s best attractions ever. It was a moment in the Disneyland story to behold and not only be a part of, but to savor as well. It’s not too often that an attraction of this scale comes to life. Designing something as complicated as Indy and walking it through its paces on the road to realization is no easy task. And we are so pleased that a dedicated group of dreamers and doers did just that.
The Indiana Jones Adventure is a ride that I enjoy no matter how many times I have ridden it. Since that first 35-cycle excursion into the depths of the temple, it’s been my pleasure to introduce my wife and her family to Mara, as well as numerous other friends of mine. That is one very magical aspect of Indy for me, personally.
As a kid that grew up in the shadow of the fedora and bullwhip, having Indiana Jones come to life before my very eyes was nothing short of stunning. No matter how many times I ride, no matter how many times I have walked the track and no matter how many Imagineers I have discussed this attraction with, the minute I sit in my seat aboard a transport and am admonished by Sallah not to gaze into the eyes of Mara, I’m not an industry journalist or editor anymore; I am an 11 year-old boy wide-eyed and overwhelmed by the adventure set before me. And that is what Disneyland is all about.
Trust me.
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-- Rick West (March 26, 2001)
Rick West is the publisher/editor-in-chief of Theme Park Adventure Magazine. Through his involvement with that he has been able to meet and interview some of the biggest names - past and present - in Walt Disney Imagineering. Rick draws on those experiences, and his experience in the theme park industry, for The West Side of the Kingdom.
The West Side of the Kingdom is normally published the third Wednesday of each month. We apologize for it being late this month.
The opinions expressed by Rick West, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
©2001 Theme Park Adventure Magazine and LaughingPlace.com. All rights reserved.