Disney's Forgotten Hotel | The Legendary Years Resort

With the success of value resorts like the All-Stars, Walt Disney World began its next phase of construction on further value accommodations in the late 90s. However due to disruption in the tourism industry, only one half, which is known as Pop Century today was built and its companion resort only managed to get a few buildings up before being cancelled. In today's video, we explore the history behind this abandoned resort and take a look at what the Legendary Years could have been, juxtaposed to the Classic Years of the Pop Century.
A special thanks to Ninth Shinigami for suggesting the video idea.
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[@m1lk0meda]

The one thing I appreciated about the eisner era is that he knew to promote "timeless" stories and theming when it came to the parks. Unbound by ip, these stories stick harder and last longer in the public consciousness. They stand the test of time, timeless. Disney has lost this ability to see beyond their next quarterly statement and merchandise sales. They used to stand for universal storytelling. Now they just churn out generic crap, riskless, safe, and the worst crime of all, boring.

[@ChrisB2007]

Very well said!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

While I could nitpick and list a few examples that did age badly, generally I very much agree. Even IP based attractions like the Tower of Terror or The Great Movie Ride feel a lot more timeless than something like Frozen or Ratatouille.

[@m1lk0meda]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Oh absolutely, eisner was by no means perfect, but something about his tenure felt like he trusted imagineering more than current leadership does? Looking at his brainchild of a park, MGM, even the rides you mentioned had that extra touch that just seems to be missing from the company today. Tower of terror being based off the twilight zone barely counts as an IP tied attraction IMO, and would easily stand on its own without it. The show was already an anthology series, so to me the ride plays off of the more vague and universal concept of "the haunted house at the end of the street", much like the haunted mansion does. A brilliant choice for sure, and the og TOT remains my personal favorite attraction in the world, hands down. Likewise the great movie ride played like a "greatest hits" show through the products of old Hollywood, which in itself now feels like its own fantasy gone by. Golden age Hollywood WAS the theme, not any one of those individual included movie IPs, and it would have been difficult to capture the story of movies without movies! There's a way to be tasteful and smart about IP integration. Throwing it everywhere on everything just feels cheap and cash grabby, especially when it destroys the park foundational theming. As always a good experience and story must come first.

[@jonleibow3604]

Plus having things unique to the parks made going to the parks that much more enjoyable. Like Tower of Terror, or the Maelstrom ride. But now it's like, more Marvel and Frozen, okay I can already watch those at home.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@m1lk0meda Extremely well said. I never really thought of the ToT as the "haunted house at the end of the street", but now that you've pointed it out, I really like your observation.

[@NinthShinigami]

Eyy, you came through with the video on the Legendary Years Resort! Glad to see it man! I think it would’ve complimented the Pop Century Resort very nicely. Thank you for the shoutout!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think it was a really good idea lol. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@JavaCake]

Thanks for the suggestion, this was a very interesting video.

[@NinthShinigami]

👍

[@skippysandwich]

As someone who's just a liiiittle bit obsessed with the 20th century, Pop Century has always been my favorite Disney World Resort. I stayed there for my 16th birthday in 2021, and had a great time, even if I had a slightly downgraded experience because of the covid restrictions still in place at the time. I really would have loved to see the Legendary Years section added, it would have been a great addition to an already great resort.

[@SmokeyChipOatley]

Not gonna lie, when you referred to “the 20th century” it took me a second to realize you were talking about basically any year beginning with 19XX. As someone born in the late 1980s who is still in denial about no longer being considered “young” by the general public, your innocent (and admittedly slightly adorable) obsession with the 20th century gave me an existential crisis. To you the 1900s are as “ancient” as the 70s are to me lol. I hope you understand that I’m not picking on you. I’m just a grumpy “old” man who’s being dragged kicking and screaming by Father Time into his late 30s lol.

[@c6rjake]

@@SmokeyChipOatley Ha! I had the same reaction to Skippy's comment.

[@ninabeena83]

I was actually really excited for this resort concept as a whole when it was initially announced, in particular what would have been the legendary years portion. I’d have been really interested to see how they incorporated the very early Disney beginnings into the 20s theming, for instance. Then I feel like they could’ve really done a lot with Steamboat Willie and the silly symphonies for the 30s, had whole areas themed around Snow White or fantasia, Pinocchio, Bambi, etc etc. So many possibilities that could’ve indicated the early part of the 20th wasn’t all depression and world wars I also think it’d have been a great resort to target the part of the customer base that has that certain sense of Disney-related nostalgia, ie people of a certain age of course, adults without children, dapper day crowds…

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I don't know how I didn't think of the Silly Symphonies but that's a perfect theming idea!

[@figmentpal83]

When Disney POP Century Resort opened, the dining area was broken up and had large yo yo's, rubic cubes, in line skates. All that was removed when then removed the indoor bar.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Ohhh, that makes sense why it was so bad. Do you happen to know around when that was?

[@CobraDBlade]

While I know you said you would want to avoid WW2 imagery for the 40s resort, I think the iconic image of the sailor kissing his girl in Times Square after the announcement of the end of the war would be a good fit for one of the larger graphics in front of the walkways, similar to the dancers. It acknowledges the war, but focuses on the celebration of it's end and the positivity that brought with it.

[@PunkSadieLady]

That is perfect!

[@yotsubafanfan]

They could also have a tribute to Captain America and Bucky Barnes too!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Now that you've said it, I think that photos or posters from that era would make sense for enclosing the staircases. I immediately think of Rosie the Riveter too.

[@yotsubafanfan]

Disney also had several films that came out in the 40's. Pinocchio, Dumbo, Fantasia, and lots of shorter films included in their package films.

[@MrsSnide]

That woman did not know that sailor, if you look it up, you can find interviews with her. He kissed her without her consent, she didn't even know him. So that would be in poor taste, even though it is an iconic photo of that time.

[@danielvandersall6756]

Pop Century was actually my first choice when my wife and I went in Sept of 2020--Shortly after reopening. We made reservations at the preferred section, and a few weeks later Disney offered 40% off for annual pass holders, which I happened to have. So we did a one bedroom at Old Key West--a tad larger, and almost empty. A very nice and very peaceful stay.

[@tylerhfroemming]

I think it would be interesting to go into depth on Disney’s utilization of IP over the years. In the Disneyland Era- it was only used when fit. Despite that, Disneyland based its lands off of popular culture from that era (or at least mirrored it), Adventure, Sci-fi, Westerns, and Fairy Tales.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Maybe, but it's something I've continued to talk about through a pretty large number of my videos, so I fear that a dedicated topic to it might just come off as redundant.

[@rylievoyles9719]

Honestly I don’t think doing a WW2 area is a bad idea. I’m sure tons of dads visiting WDW would go crazy for it. I know my dad and brother would have

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think it could have been a thematic element of some sort in the Eisner era. DIsney's America did have that entire land based around the Armed Forces.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah true. I mean WW2 is very grim but to some there is something cool about battle and the armoured vehicles and efforts of soldiers. Like I could see something in the style of old military vehicles and airplanes being included. It would probably be taboo today in the US but during the Eisner Era I could totally see it. I mean heck a local heritage fair in my area that happens every year has a whole section of it themed around military stuff, primarily from World War 1 and 2, with one side featuring authentic German/Nazi equipment and the other side featuring authentic Allied forces equipment, as if portraying to fighting battle camps and everything that went along with them like supply vehicles, military tents, first aid, the whole sche-bang

[@squidpoequo7747]

The big issue I had with the Art of Animation is that it feels lazy. As an animation major myself, I got excited at the idea of a resort dedicated to animation, until I found it was just an excuse to dump popular ips into a hotel. The sketches and the ink and paint theme to the shop is the extent of it. The rest is basically just another version of all star movies, with so much overlap with the other resorts as to not feel too unique (even going so far as to have two undersea ips and areas in the same hotel even just cuz they are big money makers. It’s not a hotel for animation fans. It’s a hotel for fans of those movies and that’s really it. Even all star movies seems more respectful and thought out in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, they’re well themed in areas (the cars area is really cool) but it feels soooo corporate and a is a big let down, especially since it ALSO took the place of the thematically more appropriate classic years hotel

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Taken into the context of the time it was built, I do see it more as a celebration of acquiring Pixar and merging its animation into the Disney canon. While incorporating it and the Renaissance films into the resort does feel like corporate promotion, it's not any different than Toy Story, Fantasia 2000 or the Mighty Ducks at the All-Star Movies. If anything, I find it more visually interesting and there's a lot more detail. Taking into consideration that the resort was built before Iger decided that the parks needed to become billboards for Disney brands though, I think it's perfectly acceptable. I agree that two water themed areas was odd though. I think that the Little Mermaid section should have gone for a purple scheme, themed to Sleeping Beauty.

[@karebear3152]

Great video! Just a few things that I want to say. 1, that's Mufasa on Pride Rock, not Simba as Simba's crossing the log with Timon and Pumba. 2. 8 Track Cartridges are the 70s stairs, not cassettes. They are different. cassettes came out in the 60s but peaked in popularity in the 80s. 3. for the 1930s, Snow White could've been a larger character to place. I think Bambi for the 40s would've been lovely with that color scheme, so that's a good pick. 1920s using Steamboat Willie would've been perfect... but the 00s and 10s would've been difficult to keep Disney when Disney wasn't in existence techincally as a company yet.

[@BeauChaotica]

Would you consider doing a piece on the Boardwalk? The blend of hotel with entertainment district, its transport connections to the parks, its proximity to Swan & Dolphin, the unique attractions (Surrey bikes on the circuit), is all fascinating, but I actually know very little about its conception and development. There's also a broader cultural angle to it which is extra fodder for critique, wherein what's depicted is something like an Atlantic City period setting, with all of the outwardly problematic elements of that time removed & polished down in classic Disney style to leave behind a hyperreal, blended image of a simulacrum focused through their unique lens. It's a really intriguing piece of design. That batch of apparent contrasts & dynamics always made it a very interesting place for a kid on vacation, and I'd love to hear your take on it. The arcades definitely helped, too!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's an incredibly interesting hotel and I filmed a small bit of its exterior earlier in the week because I was at the Yacht and Beach Club anyways, but it is for sure definitely an entire video idea. As far as I'm aware though, I don't think it references Atlantic City at all. To my knowledge, everything directly references Coney Island from the 1890s through the 1920s, or at least it did before Iger and Chapek began removing the theming. I'll probably get there sooner than later to document it before too much damage can be done.

[@frank_waldorf]

@@PoseidonEntertainment There's a lot of Atlantic City in that hotel. AC was the first "boardwalk" as we know it today. I would argue that the architecture of BW would be closer to AC than Coney. It is of course a pastiche of it all, but it still has plenty of distinct references from both.

[@c6rjake]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Wait, Disney is removing theming from Boardwalk? What have they done?

[@TooningIn2008]

Had it been built, I think the contrast between the Legendary Years Hotel and Pop Century would’ve worked super well. The Legendary Years Hotel’s theming could’ve reflected the hardships of the 1910s-1940s and major technological advancements of the era and Pop Century represents the more campy side of history that many have fond memories of, thanks to the progress made in human civilization (Am I looking too deep into this?) Obviously it doesn’t mean that the 1950s-90s were devoid of awful things/tragic events, but I do think that Pop Century taking a more celebratory approach to the decades of the past and Legendary taking a more historical approach would go hand in hand with each other

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I do like the idea of how they could or would contrast with one another. Even the more muted, darker colors would have made for a distinctly interesting aesthetic.

[@nikkijoseph3614]

This Resort has not lost potential, if anything it has gained some. I feel as though it’s been given a future chance by the next Eisner of the Disney Company to come and flesh out! I have hope for Disneys future. Maybe not seen today, but lurking in the shadows waiting for the future!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm not sure what you're trying to say. The property is pretty much full.

[@MnMsandOreos]

As much as I would have loved to see it, I just don’t think a lot of people would want to stay in a 1910s themed hotel room. I kinda agree that the early 20th century just isn’t fun enough. The 20s are the exception, but most people don’t have fun ideas about the first half of the 20th century. I love history and do know that there are fun elements in those early decades, but I don’t think many people know that and would want to book a stay there. I just had my 25th birthday party, which was themed “Dancing Through the Decades”. On the invite, I told people to RSVP quickly, as I was assigning people a decade to dress up as, and many people responded, concerned that I would force them to wear anything prior to 1950. Because it’s just not seen as fun. (And yeah, my party started in the 50s)

[@nicolechapman6440]

Thanks so much for this video. I remember staying at pop century and noticing the buildings on the other side of the water and wondering what was going on but clearly building had ceased. I always found it interesting how it was completely abandoned for a while.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm surprised that they actually decided to keep the old buildings. It seems to be the one thing holding them back from pricing it as a moderate.

[@cherylmaden5989]

Late 90s? Early 2000s?

[@TexTheBest]

Stayed on Pop Century in January, and it was a dream. Not only the resort is well themed and the rooms are so well thought out (the pull-down bed that makes it into a table is a genius stroke!), but the access to the skyrail is a game changer.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I haven't actually seen the rooms, but I do believe that they only just completed extensive room refurbishments this year.

[@aaronsarchive82]

I've spent way too many hours of my time on this planet speculating on what could have been. So glad you made a full vid on this!

[@bjvincent8786]

I didn’t know the whole story behind this resort thank you so much for going into detail. This is a truly interesting part of Disney World (imagineering and development) history and it would have been interesting to see how it would have turned out if they had kept the original theme. But it is pretty neat how they repurposed those original buildings.

[@DavidWRyan]

We stayed in Art of animation in 2018. The Little Mermaid Section does feel older than the rest of the complex, but it still felt fresh and new overall. We stayed there the first night, but we were able to upgrade to the Lion King Suites for the rest of the visit. Pro tip: it never hurts to ask! I did wonder why Pop Century only had half of the century represented.

[@onegirlarmy4401]

The 1900s hotel building could have a Newsie! (yes, it's set in 1899, but they still existed in 1900 and beyond)

[@andrewmullins564]

I'm really glad you touched on the subject of the Legendary Years resort as I've been interested in the what ifs of this resort for a long time. Here's how I thought the Legendary Years could've been: 40's Brown building with yellow railings and green cut out dancers Large props: Tonka Truck, Dumbo, Howdy Doody Pool: Route 66 sign Laundry and Changing rooms: Roadside attractions like the giant dinosaur Stairwells: T.V.s 30's Light blue or Aqua building with purple railings and black cutout dancers Large props: Like in the artist drawing with Buck Rodgers, Rotating Dial Telephone, and Monopoly courtyard Stairwells: Comic Books 20's Pink building with red railings and turquoise cutout dancers Large props: Steamboat Willie and a radio Pool: Coca-Cola bottle with bottle cap kiddie pool Poolside Bar Name: Swordfish Stairwells: Coca-Cola bottles 10's Teal (blueish green building) with dark blue railings and orange cutout dancers Large props: Tinker toys, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. Pool: Rocket or Crossword puzzle Laundry and Changing rooms: Lincoln log toy cabins Stairwells: Lifesavers candy 00's Yellow building with black railings and brown cutout dancers Large Prop: Candlestick Telephone Stairwells: Crayola Crayons

[@ShoraAlchemist24601]

For the figures on the building's for the 40's I think one of them would have Samp Spade or Dick Tracy. Those noir radio dramas were huge back then.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I wondered if there was a place for Dick Tracy, but considering how badly the film flopped, I'm inclined to think he would have been excluded.

[@yotsubafanfan]

They could also include little Orphan Annie also. I mean Disney did make their own version of Annie for Wonderful world of Disney so she could've been included as well as a Silly Putty egg.

[@Waterenthusiast888]

Perfect start to a day 😊

[@DW3010]

I agree with your comment on the color scheme. It would’ve been more drab, but bland colors would’ve been appropriate for the time period. Like black-and-white films, for example

[@leftygurl]

here’s me only now realizing ive been confusing childhood stays at the pop century resort with the contemporary, just because the name contemporary stuck with me more

[@yotsubafanfan]

The 40's resort could have stars and two giant statues. One of the Microphone and one of either Pinocchio, A Beanstock with Mickey Donald and Goofy on it or Bambi. The hotels could be decorated in Stars and Silhouettes of Dumbo the flying elephant (who was due to appear on Time Magazine until Pearl Harbor happened,) and Bongo the bear (making reference to Melody time one of the package films.) They could also have statues of the Three Callaberos as well as Mr. Toad in his automobile.

[@cherylmaden5989]

Omg I grew up with bongo 3 Caballero s and the von duck guy! I had those yellow Disney encyclopedias. Probably should've kept em huh? Lol😅

[@thecarpenter4]

There’s already a 3 Caballeros statue at All Star Music

[@MCRgrrl4ever]

No WAY... I had no idea that when we stayed at the resort in October that we were in one of the ORIGINAL buildings made for the Legendary Years 😱 Thank you for the information, I probably wouldn't have known otherwise!! 💞

[@Wiki021]

I really like seeing another Disneys legendary resort don't see then a lot except for bright sun films

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

He covered it so well that I wasn't sure if a video like this made sense. However, Ninth Shinigami's idea to talk about what the resort might have been was the perfect way to add to the conversation.

[@anthonyruby2668]

(sigh) I remember driving the Disney's Magical Express motorcoach to Pop Century and Art of Animation. Them were the days...

[@Bolero451]

I actually stayed in The Art Of Animation Hotel my first visit to DisneyWorld, crazy that I never knew the interesting history about what it was supposed to be

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

What building did you stay in?

[@zerokiryuu3387]

Don't forget the World Fairs (references to the Late Victorian to Edwardian influences in America), Royal families, and even Charlie Chapman. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried including Luxury Liners (not the Titanic for symbolism). But they might reference the Land of Tomorrow too! ☺️

[@ryuhalto2]

Love your videos!! Super excited to see the upload!

[@disneymagiczack]

What a fantastic video! Very informative, I would have loved to see a finished product of this,and wonder if they would add some of Walts life in the design

[@notaMMJV]

Love to see the magic castle hotel, great The Florida Project reference I love Sean Baker

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Definitely a great film. I'm also fascinated by the history of 192, so it was cool seeing it in the film.

[@yousaysilver]

i dont think disney put enough thought into those rocks at 10:57 lmaooo

[@yousaysilver]

they sure have an... interesting silhouette

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I didn't really look too closely, but now that you point it out...

[@whydidntigetanysoup]

You did a great job picking out exactly the perfect items to represent and color scheme. Maybe you should work for Imagineering 😂

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm certainly not an industry expert, but I do feel that online speculation is often far more interesting than what Disney seems to be producing these days.

[@catpella]

I had never heard about this plan before so thanks for the neat deep dive!

[@trientertainment7628]

Always great to see a new Poseidon upload! Edit: Is that a Pokémon ball at 16:02?

[@JNJNRobin1337]

that does indeed look like a pokeball

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's supposed to be a reflective CD-ROM

[@terinjokes]

​@@PoseidonEntertainmentsounds like a great way to avoid licensing costs!

[@Mockingdragon]

It looks very much like one. I suspect (With no evidence) that LEGALLY it's a CD but someone wanted to sneak the reference in

[@carminecdinoproductions]

@@JNJNRobin1337Yep. I can expect a Nintendo themed resort hotel for the Universal Orlando Resort with Pokémon and other Nintendo IPs!

[@broadwaystar2b]

Great video! I wonder if Winnie the Pooh would have been a good addition for the 1920’s as well, although Steamboat Willie and maybe even Oswald are IP originals from that decade specifically.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think Winnie the Pooh is hard because the Disney take has become the iconic version that everyone is familiar with. I thought about Oswald when suggesting Steamboat Willie, and I think he could make sense for the area too.

[@midnightly7918]

You did such an awesome job on this video!!!

[@Mockingdragon]

Man, I adore Art of Animation. The only thing stopping me from getting a Lion King room as a 30-year-old woman is how far away from the entrance they are. I do better at Pop Century paying a little less than Art of Animation for a preferred room right by the big pool. But I enjoy the value resorts as a whole a lot.

[@terryjackson-chubick2506]

My wife and I honeymooned at Pop Century. This resort has such a valuable place in our hearts with the good memories we have, including our trip with our oldest daughter. The value with this resort (skyliner access being a big one) is great.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I agree, the Skyliner is nice. I would really like to see a Coronado/All-Stars/Animal Kingdom Lodge/Animal Kingdom line added eventually.

[@briansieve]

Dude. Your theming ideas are outstanding

[@davesparrow1372]

its fabulous !

[@bonscott602]

Good job. You know what you're talking about and your narration is tops.

[@taylorlynn534]

I wish they would have finished this 10 years later and built Art of Animation elsewhere using three themes: Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid. Lion King is already represented at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and though the movie is represented differently at both, the company did double dip.

[@vampsith]

Having grown up in the 90’s I can confirm everyone was indeed breakdancing while surfing the net

[@hyperion85]

To trade in quality, artistic design with “LARGE THINGS IS LARGE” is a top notch choice.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Nah, it completely works for their value resorts. There was no illusion about them being anything other than budget motels, but I appreciate them for embodying the "Disney difference" that was once everywhere. These resorts have a lot more depth than most people would suspect (with the exception of the All-Star Movies and Art of Animation). The large figures/props are interesting visual elements placed thoughtfully to draw your eye. They're also extremely useful for navigating to your room as well.

[@JimmyGoodYT]

Fun video! I appreciate your love of story-telling in the parks. I typically stay at Pop Century when I go for both the pricing/Skyliner, so it was nice to see it get some attention here!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Yeah, I think it's really under-rated. Actually, walking around and filming these resorts, I was surprised by how much I like the All-Stars as well. They're a lot more interesting than I remember them being 15 years ago.

[@JimmyGoodYT]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Yeah! I'm curious to see what video you make next! Coming back to Disneyland anytime soon???

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@JimmyGoodYT I'll be there in early October. It's going to be part of a larger trip, but I think I can probably pull a small video out of Disneyland again.

[@JimmyGoodYT]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Very nice! Hopefully you do and I'm hopeful I run into you at the park!

[@disrupter8318]

I love your content and your opinion

[@flintlock178]

At 16:18, there seems to be a Pokeball to the right of the computer. Pokemon IS from the 90s... so perhaps?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's a CD-ROM, but it does look like a Pokeball.

[@flintlock178]

@@PoseidonEntertainment It wouldn't be the first time Pokemon has appeared in the Disney parks, in some form. The store in the Japan pavillion of Disney is absolutely filled with Pokemon merch at the front of it.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

@@flintlock178Yeah! Seems interesting!

[@rockykesha]

nice

[@paulpop9775]

BTW -- They're called 8 track tapes. and if you were born in that decade (like myself) they did a very good job of creating those (including the tape slack...ugh). You've got references to Smoky & The Bandit, Biorhythms which were all the rage in like 76-77 (My mom's Casio Calculator could be used to create yours), Easy Listening which was hugely popular along with Disco...they're truly great and song titles are hilariously awesome if you stop and read them. The 70's, I think is the best of the POP! decades. They did a great job there. AND you also left out one of the coolest things that they do at POP!.... THE HUSTLE. Keeping Disco Alive since 2004 and it's really fun to do. Knowing that WDW is slowly homegenizing all the resorts to look like Marriott properties by removing everything that made them unique...the Value Resorts may be the last bastion of Disney Theming that makes any kind of impression. It is sad that they didn't finish the Century. I think that while MODERN kids wouldn't have understood the first half and may have seemed it too old...their parents and grandparents (who pay for the trips) would have probably loved the trip down memory lane. And they could have done Swing Dancing in the lobby to compete w/the Hustle. :)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I do agree that the 70s was probably the best section of the resort, it felt as if there was an added layer of depth there that was missing from the other sections. I do think that the 80s/90s was the worst, though I suppose it was more difficult to boil down what defined those decades when the resort was still built so close to them.

[@benjaminpfister938]

Another good video. Art of Animation is my favorite, though I think you mistook Mufasa for Adult Simba. I think Michael's quote was bang on-center for the time, but if you did this now and still wanted the Disney theme, it's actually easy for the 1920s (Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit), 1930s (Silly Symphonies and Snow White) and 1940s (anything from Pinocchio to Ichabod & Mr. Toad). The 1910s could feature cross-country railroad motifs while the early 1900s could be based on Walt's home life in both Chicago and Marceline. However, I think your take is better, because it perfectly complements the Classic Years theming.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I like your ideas, at least having them spread out throughout other elements. If built today though, a specific focus on Walt seems like what the company would try to do.

[@benjaminpfister938]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Thanks.

[@starsbookreviews]

Almost all the trips my family and I took to Disney World we stayed at the Pop Century! Always wondered what the classic years hotels might be! If it was built maybe it would have encouraged poeople to look into those dacades, as it got my sister and I looking into the 50's and 80's because of staying at the Pop Century.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

That's what I hope places like this might inspire. While I doubt that most people actually look at the different elements and decide to learn about them, at least the potential is there for those that do. Something I noticed that was similar was the Liberty Tree Tavern. I hadn't eaten there before, but I was surprised to learn that each room was themed around a founding father, full of props and paintings that related to them. While I think that most people would just ignore these as background decoration, I think stuff like this adds a lot of depth because they're telling much more complex stories if you take the time to notice and research their meaning.

[@memethyst]

i always wondered what this resort would've been like

[@ToshisGarden]

I've never stayed at any on-site resort when going to Disney, unless we stayed at the Grand Floridian once or twice when I was waaaay younger (passed by it our fair share of times, so that's why I considered it a possibility). Being older now, as fancy as that hotel looks, it's the Fort Wilderness Lodge and Pop Century that I've been wanting to stay at specifically *for* their themeing. I had a basic knowledge of what each hotel had before watching this video, so knowing the things that are there now makes me want to stay at Pop Century even more! It's sad to picture what could have been with the Legendary Years, really. In terms of representation for the 40's, they could have added theming to represent Ronald Reagan in some fashion, as that was really the decade that made up the primetime of his acting career!

[@kirkvandewalker3574]

It's a great video! I do have some hyperthetcal connections (that may or may not have made sense but really would have helped give subtle indirect disney connections.) Hmmm... Considering the concept art for the 1930s featured a turn dial telephone that would have had cultural significance since the Bell Telephone system connected everyone in the US. I would actually argue that the buildings for the 1900s to 1940s would have had dancers on the sides of the buildings to continue the theme across the otherside. The Waltz, Charleston, Foxtrot, Swing, etc. Plus a subtle nature-oriented connection. My suggestions large mascots for the 1900s would have included an open book replica of the Wonderful Wizard of OZ and the Kodak Brownie camera as those had a bigger cultural impact (Kodak film and the OZ books.) Probably as two themed concealed stairways would be two photo albums, one of them depicting a young walt disney as an easter egg. And while probaly more reserved for 1890s, the art nouveau or more spectifcally, the arts and crafts movement, being spead throughout the buildings with greenery. 1910s large mascots would have included the OREO cookie. Nothing really to change from what you said there. The same with the 1920s in addition with some cartoon flowers and trees. Now for 1930s mascots (unless it's represented in All Star Movies): instead of the phone and Buck Rogers rocket toy, how about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. That was a major movie Disney was banking on, combinded with the radio you mentioned (I would recommend the Phillips radio for the second large mascot as that had a stylish art deco logo. Said logo that recently came back) With Snow White on one side, it would have tied itself with what you brought up with Bambi and national parks in the 1940s. Probably one of the entrances would have been the old Disney studio.

[@thanos9597]

16:15 that circle to the right looks like it could be a pokeball fitting the release of Pokémon in the 90s

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I noticed that when I filmed it and other people have commented on it as well. It's supposed to be a reflective CD-ROM, but I do think that Pokemon was also a strong cultural phenomenon that defined the 90s.

[@airgame5432]

16:05 bro they really managed to sneak a poke ball in there

[@ao9688]

It’s kitschy, it’s dated but it’s *charmingly so*. Thank you Ninth for recommending the highlight!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I like the kitsch of the value resorts. Management sees it as out-dated, but I disagree. This is exactly the reason to choose Disney value resorts over other cheaper options off property.

[@toric6005]

11:58 Snikies they just cannot make an Ariel figure that isn’t terrifying can they?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's much better than the ride, although I can't believe how poorly it has been maintained. I'm not even sure why it looks like it has so much wear and tear in areas where the sun doesn't even hit it.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

@@PoseidonEntertainmentThey should fix up all the props and figures so the props and figures would look good as new!

[@AnErProduction]

Lol I broke my jaw at the Art of Animation Hotel two years ago; interesting trip down memory lane

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

If you say so 🤷‍♂

[@tishypoo]

Awesome video 👏 I would have LOVED to have seen the legendary years to completion. I’m sure it’s just me, but even though I’m obsessed with the All Star Resorts, I strongly dislike Art of Animation. It just looks abandoned/incomplete and lacking that magic luster- especially the landscaping. For some reason, it seems eerie to me.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm not sure if I can really relate. While I find it to be the most thematically uninteresting of the value resorts, I do think that the Art of Animation is the most "polished" in its execution.

[@MarioDS01]

Personally, I wish they went forward with finishing the Pop Century resort. It would of in a way taught the younger generation much needed history or at least part of it. I bet it would pique their curiosity. Sure, the Art of Animation resort is nice, but I think something like that could have been built somewhere else. Also, just 4 animated movies? That seems too limiting. Would of been nice to have a mixture of not only the animated Disney movies, but also animated TV shows, old and new. Guess we can imagine this happening in a different reality/universe.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

The Art of Animation does stand out to me because of how homogenized its respective area themes are. I think it works because it contrasts very different environments with one another. There's the blue of Nemo, the orange of Cars and the green of the Lion King. I suppose the Little Mermaid is also blue, but because it's located in the back past the Lion King, it still manages to feel distinct. I do agree that more representation of different properties would have made a lot of sense though. A purple section themed to Disney fantasy stories would have been interesting.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I wanna see an update to the Art of Animation Resort to include Frozen, Zootopia, Moana, Aladdin, Hercules, the Toy Story movies, etc.!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

That isn't a jukebox. It is a wall box which is essentially a remote selection unit for a jukebox.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I’d love to see Disney build new hotels for their Hollywood Studios resort area with STAR WARS, Toy Story, and Hollywood themed hotels!

[@AdamYJ]

The '30s building should have had a giant prop of a Golden Age comic book. One with an old-timey superhero on the cover. Because the superhero genre of comics started in 1938 with the introduction of Superman.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

In the Eisner era, I wouldn't have at all been surprised to see something like that. I don't think it could ever happen now.

[@anthonyruby2668]

The first half of the century would easy to theme. You can easily melt into a classic Indiana Jones or Young Indiana Jones feel in half of the Disney Parks

[@ToshisGarden]

About to dive into this video, myself! Do you think you'd be interested in discussing a) what could have gone into the design of Disney's America had it been built, or what park you think would be the best fit for Sally Corp's proposed Five Nights at Freddy's dark ride/video game hybrid, since the movie's not too far away?

[@TychoKingdom]

I think it's Mufasa on the Pride Rock.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I just took a look at my footage and compared it to the characters. It's hard to tell, but judging from the jaw shape, I do believe it's still Simba.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

⁠@@PoseidonEntertainmentNot! That’s his dad, not him as an adult!

[@jimt9245]

If I was only to experience the Art of Animation resort, I'd be satisfied with the execution or the spaces. But as a overview of the entire complex I appreciate the compare and contrast of the change of direction and what could have been. In reverse, if the Pop Century was later "reimagined" (as over used term) as an extension of Art of Animation, what additions could be added to increase the depth of the experience and exploration rather than a coat of paint and a few props? Activities around animation around sketching, painting and story telling would be interesting ... oh wait that is too much like school. It was interesting how you used the comparison of the execution of Rise of the Resistance verse the Haunted Mansion as in comparison both were rooted in their version of Imagineering, one closer to the root of influence and one that is a few more versions removed. An attraction or story or resort that was has a multilevel backstory can inspire further exploration by it's visitors whether they are 8 or 80 ... where as less thought out solutions maybe replaced in a generation. The complex is the the tales of two sides of a lake and perhaps the motivations and direction under two CEOs. Thanks for a another well published video. ...!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I do think a "What If" of Pop Century being rethemed could be interesting, even if I wouldn't want it to happen. I think Art of Animation's biggest flaw is including two water themed sections. I would replace The Little Mermaid with a purple and pastel pink scheme, focusing on Sleeping Beauty. However, if Pop Century were to become an extension of AoA, I think the Sleeping Beauty theme would fit really well there.

[@kalublah]

Could be wrong, but I think the 1930s dancers on the wall are Air Stepping? (A sub move of the Lindy Hop added in the 30s)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm likely wrong, I know nothing about dancing lol

[@lilpellegrino6672]

I know this would never ever happen, but a titanic themed pool would have been pretty cool for the 1910s.

[@cherylmaden5989]

Arguably in bad taste..lol but I can see it done in a certain way that maaaaybe u could get away w it

[@jimcampbell]

Speaking of how to work prohibition era into a family friendly theme, you forget Disney made Dick Tracy which is set in that time!! Make the prohibition era stuff bright primary colors and you’re all set!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I wondered if Dick Tracy would have been included in some aspect, but it seemed the failure of the film completely wiped any interest.

[@jimcampbell]

@@PoseidonEntertainment thanks for replying! Ha yeah I can see that. I was a kid when the movie came out and it seemed huge at the time. But it’s true that it has been almost forgotten in the years since. Might not help that the original IP was not created or owned by Disney.. (I had to google that. It looks like warren Beatty himself owns the film and TV rights, having bought them from Tribune co, the newspaper syndicate.)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@jimcampbell It's a movie I've always wanted to see but it doesn't seem to be available to buy digitally or stream. I'm curious what the ride would have been like too.

[@matchubee]

The map has interesting pool concepts, looks like they were going to do a Coke bottle for the middle 1920’s pool and a highway sign for the 1940’s. Can’t make out what the 1900’s pool is.

[@IamSnowbird]

I always wondered how they would have dealt with the 1930s, depression and 1940s, WWII.

[@nycp1969]

Very interesting and very warranted speculations. The Legendary Years would have been a great opportunity to revisit and update elements of Main Street USA, GF and BW; the Art Deco touches of HS and, as you said, the great nostalgia of COP. Disney has become less coy about topics like war and national perfidy, so I don't think some references to WW 2 would have offended. War bonds, clothing restrictions (snoods,) Rosie the Riviter all would have elicited positive feelings about the period. It would have been easy to channel Norman Rockwell for this section of the resort. I think I would have enjoyed this resort a lot. Sounds like Michael Eisner was just looking for something to say. He could not have believed that nothing good happened in the first half of the 20th century as he was behind GF, BW and HS.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Ah, I'm not sure if I agree with how Disney handles negative topics. Disney's America was going to have daily Civil War battlefield reenactments. There's no way that the company would do that today.

[@larryharbison9093]

I’ve never been able to witness art of animation (yet), but will be at pop next month and so plan to walk over there. (I stayed at pop when I was a kid and my family and I didn’t care for it too much compared to the all stars, so I haven’t been back there since and every time I’ve went with them, other than once when we stayed at pop pre-skyliner, we stayed at the all stars). I do wish they would’ve finished pop century though because the fact that the resort is named “pop century” and only has 50 years, bugs me. Also, the “generation gap bridge” and the “classic hall” names in the resort make no sense. Disney messed up thematically by not doing a legendary years.

[@gnome_farmer]

The problem with opening the first part of the 1900s is most of the people who would feel nostalgia for it were dead already.

[@nfalls75]

Aww, come on. You gotta have a gigantic mushroom cloud for the 40s resort!

[@dwitefry4157]

Aw, bless Poseidon and thier youth :D :D - they're not tapes, they're 8-tracks, mate

[@soltandvinegar]

I noticed that one of the CDs at the nineties/eighties building had the colour scheme of a pokeball.... That had to be intentional, right?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I immediately thought that's what it was. Maybe it was intentional.

[@roberttysec4122]

One correction on the video is that the tapes in the 70's aren't really tapes like we would think of them, they're called 8-tracks.

[@andyr3363]

It will be interesting to see if Pop Century is rethemed to Art of Animation in the upcoming years with it being nearly 25 years since the century

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I doubt it. Iger is cheap, I doubt anyone sees any need to touch it for what little return they would get.

[@jessiesworld27]

Is there any footage of the inside of the legendary years hall that had the numbers on the outside?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

No that I could discover. I'm curious to know what it was like though.

[@jessiesworld27]

@@PoseidonEntertainment me toooooo!! I wonder if there were any thematic elements inside!!

[@JayJay-17]

I’ve never been interested in staying in a Disney Resort but this video made me interested in staying at the art of animation one 😮 I really like the look of it, especially the lobby.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's well designed. Everything about it just clicks.

[@SBF96]

I honestly don’t think they would have gotten around WWII for the 1940’s building. Like they didn’t have to make it the entire theme, but there would have been some elements.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm sure that there's a lot of icons from that decade that could easily be identified by historians. WWII is important, but it just does not make sense for a resort like this.

[@Garrett.]

I was ranting about the history of the aoa/legendary years when I went a couple months ago

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

As you should.

[@joedavenport5293]

Art of Animation is cute (and probably would have been built eventually) I would have much rather seen the legendary years of Pop Century.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think that Art of Animation would have made sense as the All-Star Animation, set directly south of the All-Star Movies. I think had Eisner still been around, something like that would have eventually happened.

[@rrsaga]

I started working for WDW in 96, I must find that laptop

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I found that taking a bus from Disney Springs to the All Stars was easy enough.

[@Lil-Britches]

13:50 my only thought about the paint maybe the choose darker colors knowing it would fade into a lighter shade? Random theory.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think it would happen for sure. I pointed out in a video a while ago that I hated Montu's repainted support structure using yellow because I preferred the sandy tone it used to have. Many people have since corrected me in that it was just always yellow and just faded over time.

[@Lil-Britches]

​@@PoseidonEntertainmentI wasn't trying to correct or anything. Your great, keep making great videos. ❤

[@OldHoagie]

It’s finally here lol

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

The Legendary Years?

[@OldHoagie]

@@PoseidonEntertainment the video I remember the comment thread and thought it was an interesting idea lol

[@madamminalost]

I see that Pokeball in the 90's Disney

[@maede3ta34]

maybe part of it is being bitter over not going on the senior trip to disney world, maybe its the fascinating failures of big business, the failings of disney and its parks are always interesting if not also infuriating.

[@alaeriia01]

17:05 hang on a second, that's a Pokéball. Disney's lawyers got some brass ones to go up against the only company more litigious than they are.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's a CD-ROM, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's an unofficial easter egg.

[@northstar5]

But who would even be excited to stay in the 1900's or 1910's? People who are now 140 years old? It doesn't make any sense. And now that we're in the 21st century, I assume most young people would think the reference would be to the 2000s, 2010s etc.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

You only like recent cultural trends exclusively?

[@toms6538]

Eh. Nothing lost here, art of animation crushes this. Stayed at Pop first year it opened and remember seeing the brown buildings… walking halfway across the bridge, didn’t bother walking all the way around, but my dad did one morning.