INTRODUCTION

Millions of guests visit Disneyland each year, impressed by the cleanliness, the uniqueness of Show, and the acute attention to detail. However, there is a location that does not meet these on stage qualities: the Submarine Dry Dock.

In reality this location is and has been a Backstage maintenance area for close to 30 years. Although it is represented to the guests as the Oceanographic Research Lab, parts, equipment, and materials within the location can be seen by guests riding the surrounding attractions.

To correct this Show distraction, an elevated platform structure is proposed that will conceal the Submarine Dry Dock. The addition of various props and facades will keep the area out of view from guests riding the Steam Trains, Monorails, and PeopleMover. The props and facades also will help bridge the theming gap between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.These modifications will form the Disneyland Intergalactic Space Center, D.I.S.C.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

The purpose of D.I.S.C. is to modify and theme the Submarine Dry Dock area. Modifications will satisfy the following objectives:
Conceal guest view of the Backstage maintenance area by constructing: An elevated platform . A vertical wall. access gates.
Remove the existing steel canopy located over the Submarine Dry Dock (leaving the 4' high safety railing)
Provide a year-round maintenance facility which offers protection from inclement weather and better lighting.
Maintain cross-ventilation for painting and welding.

Theming will be provided by the following objectives:
A futuristic Show for guests on the eastbound Monorail and PeopleMover.
A Small World-type facade for guests on the Steam Trains and westbound Monorail.

By implementing these objectives, D.I.S.C. will enhance the Show element without interfering with the maintenance of the Submarine Voyage Attraction.

PROBLEM DEFINITION AND NEED

The Submarine Dry Dock has existed for almost 30 years as a Backstage area that is actually Onstage. Although guests cannot access this area, it is viewed millions of times annually. On any given day, guests will see items not intended for their view. D.I.S.C. will eliminate this view, providing a suitable show that meets the Disney Standards of Show Quality. At the same time, the working criteria for all maintenance crafts is sustained.

IMPLEMENTATION

Construction of D.I.S.C. will take approximately six weeks. The optimum time for implementation will be during the summer season when the dry dock facility is not in use. Construction will consist of the following:

Landscaping
Five trees at the northeast corner will be removed. Several trees in the northwest and southeast corner will be trimmed prior to construction.

Crane Tower
The existing west-end crane tower will be relocated 20' northwest. The longer hoist will continue to service the Motor Boat Attraction for removal of boats. The shorter boom will be removed from the crane tower, and the one-ton chain hoist will be replaced on an I-beam located over the engine compartment of the dry dock. The I-beam hoist will be mounted on the underside of the roof.

Construction
D.I.S.C. will be a two-tiered metal pre-engineered structure. The first tier is 14-1/2 feet x 50 feet x 52 feet, supported by fourteen 14-1/2 feet x 8" columns. To allow clearance for the existing hoist, the second tier is 24 feet x 20 feet x 52 feet and supported by eight 24 feet x 8" columns.
The platform of both tiers will be covered with metal decking and filled with light-weight concrete. To provide a flat, stable surface for D.I.S.C. set pieces.
The first tier is connected to the second by a 10 feet x 52 feet metal studded wall. The wall at the north edge of D.I.S.C. will be 10 feet X 70 feet. Both walls will be covered with 1/2" exterior plywood.

Exterior
The first tier will support an 8 feet x 12 feet x 6 feet wood framed space shuttle constructed from 1/4" plywood. Placed in front of the shuttle will be a 4 foot fiberglass Mickey. A satellite dish and two antennas will be displayed on the second tier. Show lights will display all D.I.S.C. set pieces.

Exterior
The interior of the first tier will be 14-1/2 feet high to permit forklifts and trucks clearance. The second tier will be 24 feet high to permit hoist operation. Both tiers will have 250 watt metal hylid vapor-type light fixtures mounted to the structural beams. The power source for the interior lighting will be from the existing power distribution room at the Submarine Dry Dock.
To accommodate fire prevention requirements for D.I.S.C., the existing fire sprinkler system in the mechanical building will be extended.
Roof drains will be embedded in the deck. Drainage pipes will allow water to drain to the south side of D.I.S.C.

THEMING

D.I.S.C. will compliment both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland theming by using the following props:
A shuttle.
A static Mickey Mouse.
Two antennas.
A satellite dish.
Three Small World-type facades.
Two futuristic facades.
The structure will be embellished with various facatles to simulate a workshop (i.e., parking bays, storage closets, offices). The shuttle will be on the flight deck with Mickey appearing to wave at passing guests. The antennas and the satellite dish will be placed on top of the parking bays to simulate radio transmission. Show lighting will be added to illuminate D.I.S.C.
On the north side of D.I.S.C. there will be a small World-type facade viewed by the westbound Monorail. A similar Small World-type facade will be viewed by guests on the Steam Trains. Show lighting will be added to illuminate all Small World-type facades.

CONCLUSION

D.I.S.C. will help bridge the theming gap between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. On the north side, the guest view a Small World-type facade that themes with Fantasyland. On the south side, the view is completely different: a futuristic space center that themes with Tomorrowland.

Without hampering the work required for the Submarine Voyage Attraction, this proposal will convert a Backstage maintenance area into an Onstage area solely to enhance the Show.

The Submarine Dry Dock is a Backstage area that is not intended to possess the qualities •required for an Onstage facility. Annually, the Submarine Dry Dock is viewed approximately 30 million times by guests traveling on the Steam Trains, PeopleMover and Monorails. As an Onstage facility, the Submarine Dry Dock area does not match the acute attention to detail at Disneyland. Hence, D.I.S.C. is the solution.