Author | Lightnews

parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 22h

Most of the character figures seen at the end of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train were recycled directly from Snow White’s Scary Adventures, but did you know the vultures were as well? Point this out to your friends and family annoying them to no end. That’s what we’re here for.

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 1d

In the 90s, Tomorrowland received big updates like Alien Encounter, but have you heard of Robo-Newz? This long-forgotten talking robot is the exact type of detail we love. The irony of a print-on-demand newspaper salesman from the future is fantastic! But why remove him?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 2d

Is this the most 1982 photograph ever taken? We challenge you to beat it. The short shorts, the tube socks, the jersey, the hair, FREAKING BRAND-NEW EPCOT! You may not have been alive, but trust us, this was amazing! Who remembers?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 3d

Disney is known for its animatronics, but apart from presidents, they don’t often make recognizable living people. Johnny Depp, Domhnall Gleeson, John Boyega, and arguably Harrison Ford are exceptions. But there’s at least one other CURRENTLY in a park. Who are we missing?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 4d

Old or young. Clean shaven or mustache. Thick head of hair or plugs. It’s impossible not to love Chief Flight Attendant Patrick. Is he the GOAT of pre-show hosts?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 6d

Has enough time past that we can honestly ask: What were they thinking?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 6d

World Showcase is actually about more than cartoons and booze. We suspect this isn’t how the real Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan, was built, but we still love how authentic EPCOT’s Japan feels. Are we alone in thinking it’s the best pavilion, despite not having a major attraction?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 7d

Should Disney bring the physical bride effect back to The Haunted Mansion? First, she was a faceless spook. Then, a fully realized figure. We eventually got digital projection versions, fancier, yes, but the original effect hasn’t been seen in a long time.

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 9d

Is Lumiere from “Enchanted Tales With Belle” the most underappreciated audio animatronic on property? Others get a lot of praise, but this figure moves incredibly fluidly, is jammed full of tech, and faithfully represents the character. Have you ever even bothered to see him?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 9d

Most guests rush past G2-9T, AKA “Scandroid,” in the queue for Star Tours. They are oblivious to dozens of inside jokes hidden in the X-rays. In a fun attraction crossover, one suitcase contains Madame Leota herself! We love this kind of stuff. What’s your favorite gag?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 10d

Have you ever caught a glimpse of the Pandora Utility Suit (Pandora Rangers) roaming around the World of Avatar? It’s another instance of Disney creating a fantastic design that’s built, promoted, and then almost impossible to find in use. It’s been ages since we last saw him.

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 11d

Are you old enough to remember when Madame Leota sat stationary in her crystal ball? She’s been floating for 20 years, and an entire generation only knows her that way! It’s one of the few Haunted Mansion updates that didn’t spark controversy, but is it actually better?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 13d

The Empress Lilly “Riverboat” once held WDW's finest restaurant. Now, she's been stripped to her bare bones and sailed to Disney Springs. In reality, it's a boat-shaped building that’s never moved an inch. Have you ever boarded this fine "vessel" in any of her incarnations?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 13d

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney Hollywood Studios used to be a big deal, but now it seems like no one cares anymore. Is it the generic name, the mediocre food, or the possibly outdated theme that’s keeping crowds away? Regardless, we always love the cameo by Walt.

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 14d

Do you remember these? If so we’ve got some good news and some bad news for you.

Bad news first: you’re old!
But the good news is that you got to experience Disney during a very special time!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 15d

Does this image send chills down your spine?

Can you name this cult classic that is now on Disney+, but pushed Disney’s boundaries in the early 80s? It may be their darkest film to date.

By the pricking of my thumbs…

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 16d

Can you believe it’s been almost forty years since Disneyland demolished its iconic Skull Rock? Tokyo, Shanghai, and Paris still have their versions! Isn’t it time for Disney to finally bring this beloved landmark back home?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 17d

Does this look familiar to you? Sea Castle, and the other “Choose your ending” films in EPCOT’s Horizons were HUGE productions! Each was a massive physical model (look at the size of those guys), and took over a year to create. Crazy! All for 31 seconds on a ride!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 18d

Does anyone remember this guy? Better yet, who’s on the other end of that “futuristic” video call? EPCOT used to be very forward-thinking, and they absolutely nailed this!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 20d

EPCOT and Tron were born the same year. Back in 1982, Disney erected a billboard at CommuniCore promising a Tron Arcade. We dreamt of riding light cycles on the game grid. Would you be psyched to see this built today? They’ve been trying to make Tron a thing for over 40 years!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 20d

With Indy replacing Dinosaur, will Disney bother changing the logo on the rides’ control panels, or should this remain as a tribute to the past? It’s the tiniest imaginable detail, we admit, but that’s what we are all about after all. Is this abnormal? (We already know.)

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 21d

Have you heard of (or better yet, seen) Q'aráq, a gigantic crocodile monster hidden deep within Shanghai Disneyland? We’re willing to bet that he’s the least known character from any Disney attraction, but he’s also one of the coolest!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 22d

Did you know that the finale of Spaceship Earth was originally way more elaborate? Besides the trapped astronaut we talked about yesterday (check her out!), there were satellites, spacewalkers, robotic arms, and even more! Seriously, does ANYONE remember?

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 23d

Do you look for the abandoned space station scene in Spaceship Earth when you ride? More specifically, for the poor lady trapped within for decades! It’s one of the creepiest remnants of the past, solitary confinement x 1,000,000. She’s back there, watching, always watching!

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parkeology.bsky.social @parkeology.bsky.social · 24d

Disney’s most amazing creations aren’t just inside the rides. Magellan’s, in Tokyo DisneySea, is simply breathtaking; it’s one of the most incredible interiors ever. Honestly, we don’t think any other restaurant even comes close.

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