As Environmental Storytelling, the artwork here expresses narrative theme through dimensional design. Consideration goes into designing innovative and inspiring attractions and experiences, while fulfilling logistical needs of land use, guest flow, and memorable and meaningful merchandising opportunities.

Fantasialand, an all new land of Disneyland, based on the storytelling of form, color, and sound from Fantasia and the emotional bond of courage and dreams from Kingdom Hearts. Fantasialand consists of three main areas: Fantasia Springs, home to the Fractal Gardens and a stunning water spectacular; Traverse Town, outdoor and indoor village where guests can interact with the environment through Heart Keys, shop and dine, and learn the mysteries of Yen Sid’s Castle; Bald Mountain, the outskirts of a dark and decrepit village beneath the imposing mountain home of the evil demon Chernobog and gathering place of all villains, the mountain itself houses a high-speed dark ride.

Traverse Town - Passage of the Heart

This is the exterior entrance to Passage of the Heart, a self-paced walkthrough attraction where guests explore tunnels, passages, and pylons to find the Heart of the World, and interact with the environment with customizable Heart Keys. An exploration of the brutality of curiosity and kindness. There are four gates to one palace, and those who seek to enter must abandon all.

Traverse Town - Yen Sid’s Castle

This is the exterior facade, show building, and landscaping for Sorcerer’s Castle, a guided walkthrough attraction. The Sorcerer is recruiting brave individuals to be his apprentices and learn the august art of magic. In this interactive immersive special effects show, guests are tested in virtue, courage, and friendship, and those who persevere to become a Sorcerer’s Apprentice learn the secrets of defeating the evil demon Chernobog in the Bald Mountain attraction opposite. Outside, beautiful gardens, water features, and a small animated garden show provide a calm and grounded contrast to the abstraction and seriousness of the show inside. The castle connects the Traverse Town and Fractal Gardens areas of Fantasialand, and serves as the weenie of the northern plot directly opposite Bald Mountain.

Fantasia Springs

Fantasia Springs is the source and wellspring of water and life that runs through the Fractal Gardens and all of Fantasialand, the rest of the expansions, and the entirety of the parks themselves. Connected through flowing waterways in the land entrance tunnel, it, narratively, feeds the waterfall in the back of Critter Country, which in turn feeds into the Rivers of America. Upon entering Fantasialand, guests are drawn to the immense blue wall where water seems to flow both up and down, towards and away. Every night at sunset, the Springs synchronize with nature and give a fantastical display of water and light, illuminating and changing the colors of the entire land. Standing in the midst between good and evil, the Springs are at once playful and fun, and violent and chaotic. Fountains rejoice and whirlpools consume — a dazzling and curious spectacle to be had. Of note is the disorienting and sublime qualities of the big blue wall when juxtaposed against the intricate texture and detail of the surrounding environment, purple mountains to the left and green hills and hedges to the right.

Disclaimer: Concepts and ideas here are my own and are not affiliated with DisneylandForward or The Walt Disney Company.