Disney
likes to set thrill rides in mountains. One possible reason is
pragmatic—the conical shape of a mountain makes a good base
structure for a track, and the protruding peak is a natural “weenie”
making it easy for guests to find the exciting ride. Another could
very well be thematic—mountains are places of adventure. They are
the lairs of monsters, the strongholds of villains, things to climb
or cross in the name of exploration. A mountain is a
semi-self-contained environment, a perfect canvas for the theming
that Disney so excels in.
I've
identified three key ingredients that make each of Disneyland's
“mountains” unique. Each one has a distinctive Setting,
an exotic and memorable environment. Its track has a particular
characteristic, a Track
Quirk,
that harmonizes with the setting and imparts a little something more
to the kinetic aspect of the ride than a standard roller coaster. And
it offers a Threat,
turning a simple fast and/or bumpy ride into a story
with the riders at the center.
So
this week, I'll summarize how the five mountains of the Disneyland
Resort use these ingredients, and then propose a couple of entirely
new variations on the recipe.
