Originally Posted By leemac <<I agree that the DCA queue and show building make sense>> I still don't like the overbearing architecture though!
Originally Posted By leemac <<If I had any criticism, it is that the scale of the structure is a bit overwhelming. I would have preferred some breakaway elements, especially with other uses (ie: Meet 'n Greet or a shop). But, of course, the realities of space, budget and schedule all come into play when these kind of decisions are being made.>> It is lumpy - a big blob. Well done but it should have had a lot more subtlety on multiple levels. MK really needs structures that offer a sense of discovery on multiple levels - like DL's TSI or the Tree of Life at DAK.
Originally Posted By leemac <<It's florid.>> That means excessive, right? No subtlety about that thing!
Originally Posted By DlandDug I was referring to DCA's in my comment, but they do apply to the MK as well. They do have Eric's castle to relieve the "lumpiness" somewhat. Not having seen it in true scale and inside the park, I will reserve judgement for now.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I was referring to DCA's in my comment, but they do apply to the MK as well. >> So was I. It is an ugly domineering blob. However it could probably have been the greatest show building in history and I'd still miss Califia - so what do I know.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>That means excessive, right?<< Years ago I worked for a client who liked very heavily embellished designs. A few times I was assigned to accompany reporters through the facilities and give noncommittal answers to their questions. Invariably someone would as, "Why is everything so gaudy?" My standard reply was to cheerfully say, "I wouldn't describe it as gaudy. But I would say that it's florid."
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "It is an ugly domineering blob." Well early 20th century seaside pier architecture wasn't exactly elegant, inspired, or classy, was it? I would probably agree with your opinion if the building stood out, but to me it looks perfectly fine in the surrounding environment. Had I not known it was a new addition I could have easily assumed it had been there from the beginning; it's nothing particularly special (like the MK version), but it isn't horrible either.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>It is an ugly domineering blob.<< I don't know that I would use the word "blob" to describe the DCA Mermaid structure. It's pretty crisp. It really does dominate, but then it is intended to serve as the background for Paradise Park. It works very well at a distance, which is important, because it is a major visual element from most of the shoreline around the Pier. It is up close that it could have used more small details, or something that visually cut down the size of the actual facade. Even fake storefronts or signs or something, to relieve the sheer scale of the building. (And Calafia was only INSIDE Golden Dreams. That was one of the beautiful Breck girls on the exterior billboard, wasn't it?) <a href="http://www.yesterland.com/images-caladventure/golden_muraldetail2007ww.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.yesterland.com/imag...07ww.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By DlandDug And seriously, you think this: <a href="http://www.yesterland.com/images-caladventure/golden_moremural2001ah.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.yesterland.com/imag...01ah.jpg</a> Is more beautiful than this: <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/Showpic.asp?filename=http://s231432788.onlinehome.us/lotion/pics/SS20110601-DLMermaid/big/P02-0006.JPG&caption=Attraction+fa%E7ade" target="_blank">http://www.laughingplace.com/S...fa%E7ade</a>
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ I really don't like "character" architecture - and that Triton sculpture with the bas relief daughters I have clawing and trite. It is totally unncessary - leave it as an aquarium in the SF section of Golden State. I just can't warm to a structure as overbearing and domineering as TLM show building - it looks out of place IMHO. I always like the mural - it wasn't the most effective show facade but it had a charm to it. It didn't detract from the Palace rotunda - it knew its place (even if that was driven more by cost decisions than architectural considerations).
Originally Posted By leemac <<I don't know that I would use the word "blob" to describe the DCA Mermaid structure. It's pretty crisp. It really does dominate, but then it is intended to serve as the background for Paradise Park.>> Blob was a clumsy term - but I wouldn't call it crisp. It is an uninspired structure. I also wouldn't call it a background to PP as there isn't a position in the park where PP is in the foreground and TLM in the background. I'd just wished for something classier and more appropriate for the Palace rotunda and the neighboring SF buildings. However it is a big improvement over Dinosaur Jack's.
Originally Posted By leemac <<^^ I really don't like "character" architecture - and that Triton sculpture with the bas relief daughters I have clawing and trite. >> Try again: ^^ I really don't like "character" architecture - and that Triton sculpture with the bas relief daughters I find to clawing and trite. It is lazy LCD design.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <(Haunted Mansion, anyone?)> Boy howdy. If ever a queue needed to be redone and re-themed, it would be Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. That, and "Pirates of the Caribbean" at Disneyland. : )
Originally Posted By DlandDug Is your spell check having trouble with "cloying???" Maybe those bas reliefs have YOU clawing-- clawing out your eyes with frustration! The design sensibilities of the seaside pleasure piers were... not very sensible. I like the building for what it is-- a big piece of confectionary fantasy. Buildings on the pier were intended to startle and beguile-- not appeal with a sense of subtlety or good taste. And the view to which I refer is from across the Bay, and along the sides. The massive facade does a good job from those distances. Otherwise it... well... a big blob!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>...and that Triton sculpture with the bas relief daughters I find to clawing and trite.<< Ever since I saw the first pictures of them during construction (and on countless visits in person after they were installed on the facade), I always thought that the daughters looked like the sculptures of the various athletes on the side of ESPN Zone in DTD. You know, the ones with the heads that inexplicably tilt back and forth. I keep thinking that the daughters should begin to move their heads too, but that might just be a little too creepy (not that it isn't creepy at ESPN Zone)
Originally Posted By leemac <<^^ I really don't like "character" architecture - and that Triton sculpture with the bas relief daughters I have clawing and trite. >> CLOYING - oy vey - typing way too quick. <<The design sensibilities of the seaside pleasure piers were... not very sensible>> Sensible? Are you talking about the structures on the piers like the dance halls etc. or those at the entrance to the piers? Some of the old Victorian piers in the UK had some amazingly detailed dance halls. I guess the La Monica Ballroom was a little oversized for its location. At least it had a more unique architectural style.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: leemac, duckling, can you tell us how tall Prince Eric's Castle is at the Magic Kingdom? If I had to guess I'd say it looks to be about the same height as Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland.
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ I'm not sure I've got the elevation drawings but I'll check just in case. Sleeping Beauty Castle is about 77 feet I think - I suspect that the highest point on Prince Eric's Castle is below that height. Not by much though.
