Nothing says that the world is tiny like a giant, soaring 120 foot tower. If it was still around today, it would be the second tallest structure in the Magic Kingdom, but of course it’s gone. Pepsi Co isn’t even the sponsor of “it’s a small world” anymore. That honor is reserved for the Daisy […]
Shakespeare’s Ghost
When it comes to famous writers in Disney theme parks, Mark Twain got an island named after his character, a riverboat named after his pen name, and a frontier fortress named after himself. He’s doing pretty good. Jules Verne used to have a submarine ride, a guest spot in Timekeeper, and an entire land at […]
Treasure of the Incas Still Buried Under DisneyQuest Basement
DisneyQuest itself is a virtual treasure trove for parkeologists. Even Alien Encounter, that beloved Magic Kingdom classic, still has a presence here. But on the ground floor, just around the corner from the Virtual Jungle Cruise, in an area currently occupied by a bunch of Jungle Safari-themed video games, there is a lost treasure just […]
The Hall of Imagineers (or how a mop saved the day)
The great thing about parkeology is that you never know where it is going to lead you. Such was the case as I did research on Richard Nixon’s many connections to the Disney parks. As I mentioned in that piece Nixon was the sitting president when the Hall of Presidents opened in 1971, the […]
I am not a Crook!
Well actually I really am not a crook, outside of trying to shoplift a fruit roll up when I was about 12 (and being caught doing so) crime has never been my thing. But I’m not talking about myself; I’m talking about one of the most infamous presidential quotes ever. It was near the end […]
To S.I.R. With Love
The show building now known as Stitch’s Great Escape has seen a lot of changes over the years, but through it all, one thing has remained constant: Stinky chili dogs. Or maybe that’s just the Stitch version. At any rate, I hate that part. But really, there is something else. Every incarnation of the attraction […]
Monsters Before Monsters
Yesterday Universal finally announced an opening date for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Judging by the carefully retouched hi-res publicity photos and the always-accurate concept art, they have obviously knocked it out of the park. Oh, stop being so sarcastic, you say. It’ll be good. And I have to admit, I’m looking forward to […]
Vintage Disney Sunday Movie Intro With Michael Eisner Contains Parkeology Cameo
Note: Make sure to read to the very end to discover a hidden secret in todays video! The mid eighties represented a time of rebirth for the Walt Disney Company. Newly minted CEO Michael Eisner woke up a sleeping giant and started a decade of exciting projects and growth. The new movie Hot Tub Time […]
Guard Duty
Back when Disney’s Hollywood Studios first opened, there wasn’t much to it. Sure, the park was only slightly smaller than the Magic Kingdom, but if you looked at the map, you’d see that it fully half of the real estate was taken up by something called a “Backstage Tour.” Yes, this was a hearkening back […]