Friday, August 02, 2013

Ye Olde Autopia, December 1998

Today we are continuing our look at the Autopia from before 1999's temporary closure for major refurbishments that changed the look of the attraction forever. 

Here's a beautiful (and unusual) picture, taken from an Autopia vehicle. What a great view of the sub lagoon, normally seen from above. Although I am on the record as not being too crazy about these Mark V Monorail trains, this one does look pretty neat. Notice the subs in the distance, with their yellow paint jobs... the Submarine Voyage had closed in September of 1998. As you know, it finally reopened as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in June 2007.


In most of these photos, I am impressed by the lush landscaping; plenty of trees and shrubs help to soften and beautify what could have been acres of concrete and blacktop.


Lastly (for today) we get this nice low-to-the-ground look at those cool Corvette-style cars passing us in the opposite direction. If I could own one of those cars (sure, that'll happen), which color would I want? Decisions, decisions. 


7 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

These are all wonderful shots.  Definitely not the typical 'tourist point of view' angles, but presumably taken from an Autopia vehicle - that forced the camera closer to Mother Earth.

Thanks.

Nancy said...

Tree heaven.....and a Monorail, too!! Its going to be a good day. :-)

Melissa said...

What lovely, tranquil bucolic pictures. It's like taking a peaceful Sunday drive into the future, with a nice picnic of dehydrated deviled eggs, irradiated potato salad, and cryogenically suspended ants wearing tiny space helmets in the trunk.

K. Martinez said...

Nice shot of Monorail Purple. With the added rockwork for Finding Nemo which reduced the Submarine Lagoon footprint this monorail curve just doesn't have the same sweeping effect anymore.

Nice pictures of Fantasyland Autopia I always preferred it over Tomorrowland Autopia when it came to the scenery.

Melissa said...

Oops, didn't realize we were in the Fantasyland Autopia. I guess they're bedeviled deviled eggs, enchanted potato salad in a 1,000-year-old magical singing Tupperware bowl voiced by April Winchell, and sleeping ants in tiny ball gowns who can only be woken by a kiss from the right gnat.

K. Martinez said...

@Melissa - The first two images are Fantasyland Autopia and I'm pretty sure the third image is Tomorrowland Autopia, so now you've got both covered. Your creative commentary always adds to my enjoyment of this blog.

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, I definitely like the "you are there" perspective!

Nancy, all those trees make it hard to believe that this is in the middle of one of the most popular amusement parks in the world.

Melissa, I just take a lunch pill, George Jetson recommended some and they are really great.

K. Martinez, I agree that the lagoon has become a bit clunkier looking since Nemo moved in, but at least we still have the lagoon!

Melissa, George Jetson gave me some other pills as well, but that's another story.