12 Million Galloon Lagoon

In September of 1975 the behemoth Fantasyland attraction, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage, was closed for its first massive refurbishment. It was closed until the spring of 1976 and, with the depth of the project, it was likened to a complete redesign of the attraction. Under the watchful eyes of Don Mika, the Project Supervisor, and then WED artist, Tony Baxter, the coral and caverns took on a new life. Today, let’s step back to December 1975 and see what kind of progress was being made.

Don Mika and Tony Baxter discuss adding depth to the rockwork via painted shadows and highlights.

The west wall of the 20,000 Leagues lagoon, after previous rockwork and animated scenes had been removed.

Mike Kopach, Louis Chancey, and Ervin Rouse study the plaster of Paris model before welding iron rods to anchor the new formations.

Thomas Bothell, Leo Waldon, and Jack Tomes apply wire mesh to after the iron rods have been installed.

George Lake and Roy Hough check a piece of coral and make sure it is prepped for painting.