Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORGOCH: All right, ducklin's, it's time fer an old witch ta conjur up an old subject I been belly-achin' 'bout fer years. Instead a lettin' folks git away with complainin' that Snoozin' Floozie's Castle's too short--an' oughtta be built taller--why not git out the axe and start choppin' away at all them dang TREES that covers up the place? ORWEN: For once I have to agree with a certain nasty old biddy. I mean, it really doesn't make any sense to build such a charming castle--only to go and hide it behind all these unnecessary trees! ORDDU: The last time we visited Disneyland, it seemed there were so many more trees than ever--working very hard to hide Uncle Walt's original structure. And it's not that my sisters and I are against having SOME trees around the castle--as accent pieces. But to have so MANY is ridiculous. A witch practically has to become a professional contortionist in order to get a decent photograph from any angle that's not dead center. ORWEN: If I wanted to see that many trees, I'd just go off to the Black Forest or some sort of tree farm. But when I go to Disneyland, I want to see the Castle!! ORDDU: Aside from that, too many trees ruin the forced perspective of the castle. I say it's time to hire some hunky Lumber-jacks--first to cut down the trees--and then to escort me off to some dark, quiet, private place of my choosing--where I can really peel some bark.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess Okay, I must know what your acronyms stand for! I have been on this site for months now and haven't seen anyone ask, and haven't figured it out!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: What's an acronym? ORDDU: I'm sure the duckling is referring to our names. I'm Orddu and my two sisters are Orwen and Orgoch. Have you ever seen THE BLACK CAULDRON, dear? ORWEN: That's where we come from, you see. ORGOCH: Just had ta go 'n embarrass the @#$% outta me, didn't ya?
Originally Posted By PsylocibeFrog dude what are you talking about?! the castle is and has always been highly visible from where it should be. the imagineers wouldnt do something so foolish as to throw off the forced perspective. and whats with trying to be a witch
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORGOCH: Hey, Froggy boy! I ain't pretendin' ta be nothin' more 'n what I is! By the way, how plump are them legs a yers? I happen ta just LOVE frog legs. An' yer soundin' mighty fine ta me
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: When we compare various photographs that we've taken over the years of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, we notice a big difference in how many trees have been added over the years--which end up hiding the castle more than ever. You tend to notice it more from the sides, of course, than from the front. Also, there are the two smaller trees in the courtyard which only serve to impede guest flow. There really aren't necessary--in our humble opinions...
Originally Posted By DlandDug When the venerable olive trees in the central plaza were removed (just in time for the 50th events), there was a tremendous hue and cry from the purists. But it is undeniable that the smaller scale trees now in place are a much better frame for Sleeping Beauty Castle. (The only Disney theme park castle personally supervised and experienced by Walt Disney.) Removing trees at the sides would, perhaps, cause even more anguish for some. But a judicious trimming couldn't hurt, in my opinion.
Originally Posted By friendofdd I agree with Doug on this one. And, witches, you've got to post a lot more so the newer members can get to know you and appreciate your wonderful creativity.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Sure, the castle is fine and dandy, and everything, but I don't think it is the focus in DL that it is in the other parks. In a way, the Matterhorn has become a symbol of DL, since none of the other MK-style parks have it. There are plenty of places to see the castle from, but far more where it can't be seen. Unlike in WDW, where you can hardly find a place where you can't see the castle, this castle does a much better job of working in with the theme of each area. A mountian fits in to pretty much everywhere (except NOS and possible TT, but isn't that clear from either) but a castle has a very definate place. I don't think that the trees need to stay as big as they are, but they do a better job of making castle work for the park on the whole.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Well, now, FerretAfros duckling, some of your comments serve to underscore exactly the point my sisters and I were tyring to make. The fact that you don't consider the castle to be the main focus of the park is--in part--due to the fact that current management has lost its own focus on making the castle stand out more. ORWEN: But if it weren't for there being so many trees to hide my favorite princesses home, that wouldn't be the case. ORGOCH: It's just like some old has-been hag, who complains all the time 'bout how the men folk cain't appreciate her good looks no more--all on account a the many warts she's got all over herself. 'Course, if'n my sister Orddu ever found a way ta git rid a all HER warts, she'd still be just as ugly. Ta tell ya's all the truth, them warts a hers serves ta HIDE just how ugly she really is! (Sounds of slaps ans shrieks...followed by deadly silence...)
Originally Posted By DlandDug Regardless of how any of us feel about it, Sleeping Beauty Castle remains the primary symbol of Disneyland. While the Matterhorn is certainly the largest icon in Walt's original magic kingdom, the castle is the go-to symbol. A few years ago, when there was debate over cutting back the trees in the hub, I pointed out that the kings of France routinely had all the mature trees in Versailles removed, so that properly scaled trees could be put in their place. If it's good enough for the kings of France, it's certainly good enough for Disneyland!
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt I gotta side with the Witches on this issue. The trees around the perimeter of the Hub are too large. Disney gardners should also consider thinning the vegetation around the Autopia and Submarine Lagoon too. Those 50 year old trees and hedges are looking a little too mature.
Originally Posted By dresswhites i like the trees, especailly the one that are in bloom right now. They are very beautiful. As to the icon of the park I think it is a combination of the castle and The Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is almost the equivalent of the castles in other parks. It can seen from outside the park and from most angles in the park.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess ROFLMAO... Many thanks for the explanation! I feel so silly now. Forgive me; I work for the Dept of Defense, and acronyms are burned on my brain after 19 years in this crazy place!
Originally Posted By CrouchingTigger I recall Walt Disney was encouraging the landscapers to plant the biggest trees they could find/afford. Someone complained that it would make the buildings look out of scale. Walt's reply was "Trees don't have scale."
Originally Posted By ewenome "Disneyland will never be finished. Why, even the trees will continue to grow and the thing will become more beautiful" - Walt Disney
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt Walt's reply was "Trees don't have scale." I always thought that was such a silly remark. Especially considering that the trees in Storybook Land are miniaturized and the trees up the Matterhorn are scaled accordingly.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: Well, CrouchingTigger, I'm sure Uncle Walt wanted big trees in the park for SOME locations. But certainly not where they would end up blocking his park's most famous Icon. Now, in Frontierland, the more trees the merrier. ORGOCH: I think Crouchin' Tigger--bein' cat-like an' all--just likes ta sharpen his claws on trees an' then CLIMB 'em!!
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>I recall Walt Disney was encouraging the landscapers to plant the biggest trees they could find/afford. Someone complained that it would make the buildings look out of scale. Walt's reply was "Trees don't have scale."<< I have never heard this story. Do you have a source?
Originally Posted By friendofdd The full quote was "Silly Rabbit, trees don't have scales, fish have scales">
