After 2009 Disney is hosting another D23 Expo in Anaheim. The Expo will take place in August.
Here is the link to the official website: http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/ (http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Show Floor:
Welcome Center
What better way to start your day at the D23 Expo than by getting the latest D23 Expo updates directly from a smiling D23 Team Member at the Welcome Center? There you can leaf through our lavish publication, Disney twenty-three, purchase a D23 Membership of your own — or someone you love — and get some help on making your trip to the D23 Expo one you'll never forget! The D23 team is ready to answer any and all Expo questions you may have.
D23 Expo Dream Store
Prepare to shop 'til you drop! Step inside the D23 Expo Dream Store, which will be filled to the brim and bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise. From souvenirs and upscale logo assortments to Disney inspired art and collectibles, ear hats, pins, Vinylmation™ and more, it's a Disney enthusiast's "dream" come true.
Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives
At the very special Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit, you can enjoy a very unique glimpse into the fantastic world of the Walt Disney Archives as we throw open the vaults and bring out the "crown jewels" of our amazing collections in an exciting, never-before-seen showcase. If you're a Disney fan, this is one exhibit you won't want to miss!
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its "great big beautiful tomorrow" with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and Disney Vacation Club.
Walt Disney Studios
Movies, music and more! The Walt Disney Studios will take D23 fans on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of some of the most anticipated theatrical releases of 2011 and beyond. Rock out with The Muppets, tour Mars with the natives and get animated with the Disney·Pixar gang. Be prepared! With the Studio steering the ship, you can almost always count on a few surprise stowaways.
Disney Living Presented by Disney Consumer Products
Disney Living showcases the Disney lifestyle through the worlds of style, play, celebrations and more. From the crib to the runway, hot toys to cool electronics, birthdays to weddings, Disney Living is fun, fashionable and exciting. See close up the latest products, collections and guest experiences designed especially for Disney fans, and meet the artists, designers and innovators who bring them to life. You might even take some magic home with you!
Disney Channel
The magic of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will jump off the screen at this year's D23 Expo! Look for special appearances from many of your favorite stars from our biggest shows — and once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to delight the whole family.
Radio Disney
Radio Disney invites you to join the party as we celebrate the ultimate Disney fan event with music, fun and games. Look for us at the D23 Expo each day for your chance to win special prizes and meet some of your favorite Radio Disney stars!
ABC
Join some of your favorite ABC stars for a sneak peek at the network's upcoming new shows plus a look at some of their current hits.
Disney Interactive Media Group
Come to the Disney Interactive Media Group pavilion to enjoy your favorite Disney stories and characters brought to life digitally though exciting interactive experiences on videogame consoles, mobile and online, as well as fun crafts and activities from the web.
Disney Corporate Citizenship
Visit the Corporate Citizenship pavilion to see how Disney champions the happiness and well being of kids and families around the world, from Friends for Change to Magic of Health Living. Participate as an "honorary" Disney VoluntEAR, take part in an environmental scavenger hunt or become an honorary D23 Green Team member!
Collectors Forum
A can't-miss opportunity for any Disney Fan is our elaborate Collectors Forum area. A broad range of colorful exhibitors will come together to form a dazzling display of Disney. Browse fine art collections, collectible pins and memorabilia and vintage Disney animation artwork and cels... whether you're looking for that hard-to-find Disneyana artifact or want to connect with other fans from Disney discussion boards and enthusiast groups, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Interested in being an exhibitor? Click here to download the Collectors Forum application
Disney Pin and Vinylmation Trading
Disney Pin and Vinylmation Trading is a unique activity where guests of all ages can make friends and trade items from their personal collections. The D23 Expo welcomes new and seasoned traders to our massive Disney Pin Trading Area to meet traders from around the world.
Fan Art Gallery
Step into Disney's Fan Art Gallery and visit art created by you, the ultimate Disney fans! Finalists in the Disney Fan Art Contest will be honored with their work on display for the entire Expo. This year's contest honors the beloved animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
I think the Expo will be very interesting and a great event. I'm sure Parks & Resorts, the Studio, the Archive and the shop will be the most popular places.
Is anyone here a D23 member that will attend the Expo?
oooo a lot of info!
nope Im not a member but I would LOVE to go!
I'm going to DLP at the same time that this is on. I'm going to miss all of the news! XD
Exciting, I wonder what we'll learn about this time
What's the best fan site to get all of the news from the Expo?
The sites primarily focused on Disneyland (not Florida) are the best for this kind of thing:
• Disney Parks Blog (official)
//http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
• MiceAge.com
//http://miceage.micechat.com/
• MouseInfo.com
//http://www.mouseinfo.com/
• LaughingPlace.com
//http://www.laughingplace.com/
• MintCrocodile.Blogspot.com
//http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/
And here are some YouTube channels with videos of D23:
• DisneyParks on YouTube (official)
//http://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyParks#g/u
• AllEarsNet on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/AllEarsNet#g/u
• DLFreak (aka MouseInfo) on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/dlfreak#g/u
• LaughingPlace on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/laughingplace#g/u
• MiceChat on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/MiceChat#g/u
• MousePlanet on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/MousePlanetVideo#g/u
• DatelineDisneyland on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/DatelineDisneyland#g/u
• JeffLangeDVD on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/JeffLangeDVD#g/u
Oh, and something you might want to download is the D23 Expo 2011 Guide Book. It's a 20.2 MB PDF file. A quick search through the PDF file reveals one use of the word "Paris", a reference to Disneyland Paris merchandise sold at Gary's Collectibles booth.
//http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/D23Expo11_GuideBook.pdf
(//http://imgf.tw/410782803.png)
Quote from: "Alan"A quick search through the PDF file reveals one use of the word "Paris", a reference to Disneyland Paris merchandise sold at Gary's Collectibles booth.
Not very promising at all.
MicheChat.com started its coverage of the D23 Expo:
First look at Parks & Resorts:
Here you can see some models, picture and concept art of Fantasyland Expansion, Shanghai Disneyland and DCA Expansion.
http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-t ... jects.html (http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-twenty-three/157909-d23-live-first-look-parks-resorts-carousel-projects.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
The Show Floor:
http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-t ... floor.html (http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-twenty-three/157912-d23-live-show-floor.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives:
http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-t ... hives.html (http://micechat.com/forums/d23-disney-twenty-three/157910-d23-live-first-look-treasures-archives.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Thanks for those links. MiceChat.com delivers, yet again. I love the look of the Seven Dwarfs roller coaster. I really wish it would get built at Disneyland Paris, and Snow White's Scary Adventures would get replaced by a Tangled dark ride.
You should definitely follow DatelineDisneyland's YouTube channel for all the latest videos.
DatelineDisneyland on YouTube
//http://www.youtube.com/user/DatelineDisneyland#g/u
Wow! That's quite a lot of sites! Thanks. XD
DLRP did get one minor mention last night at the D23 Parks & Resorts presentation.
When discussing Shanghai Disney, Bob Weiss (correct me if I'm wrong) talked about the adapting of the Disney park formula to Chinese tradition. He used the example of The Dragon. As it is a potent and powerful symbol in Chinese culture they decided to include it in the park, and considered placing one under the castle just like in Disneyland Paris. However, they decided against it, as, in Chinese Tradition, the dragon represents the entire nation, and to put it under the castle in a dungeon chained to the wall, wasn't going to be a good idea.
Thank you Columbiad!
Nothing more about DLP? Any hope for the next days D23?
Let's talk about the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation that was held yesterday (Friday, 19 August 2011). I think it's kind of funny that there were no new announcements, aside from the new Fantasy Faire show area, which will replace Carnation Plaza Gardens at Disneyland in California. All of the Americans were saying how disappointing it was. Now they know what it's like to be a fan of Disneyland Paris :-)
(//http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/disneyparks/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/may593232LARGE.jpg)
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster that's coming to Walt Disney World looks really cool, but it was already announced back in January 2011 on the Disney Parks Blog.
//http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/01/update-on-new-fantasyland-at-magic-kingdom-park/
Plus, it's not going to open until 2014! So, I think it's a little bit early to be showing CGI ride-throughs of it. I don't think it's too healthy to be anticipating attractions that far in advance, because then you're just counting down 3-4 years of your life until it opens, if you see what I mean. Like, it's coming, it's coming, they're starting construction, they're building it, it's coming, it's about to open... oh damn I'm 3 years older!
[youtube:1ev853lu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvLExG8CAQE&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:1ev853lu]
Thank you, Alan!
So that we can not expect anything else in other days?? :(
@ulak
As far as the parks are concerned, I don't think there'll be any additional announcements during D23 Expo 2011. They're going to talk more about projects that have already been announced, such as Cars Land. If they were going to announce anything big, they would've done it yesterday in the D23 Arena, at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation.
Then again, the description of the event in the D23 Expo 2011 guidebook didn't promise any announcements. I guess fans were just assuming that, because Disney announced lots of cool stuff back in 2009, they'd do the same again this year.
(//http://imgf.tw/177395212.png)
Jodi Benson! Fantastic, magical, wonderful, TOP of the event...
[youtube:3458dwfw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgsb87-X1Sc&list=PLB7C0695877081FBA&index=6[/youtube:3458dwfw]
Too bad that we didn't get any big new announcements, but as Alan rightfully has pointed out it never was in the cards.
The most exciting sneak peek was IMO the first look at Storybook Castle of Shanghai Disneyland - it looks huge and very impressive. We also got a first look of a brand new unique attraction - a boat ride which has a part inside the castle! It looks very exciting and this project is one I really look forward to following.
Check out this little preview of the huge castle as presented on Disney Parks Blog:
[youtube:1snuk3kr]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3h-cnalq6A[/youtube:1snuk3kr]
I think the interior of the Storybook Castle at Shanghai looks very impressive. And I like the idea of a boat ride going through it.
But the exterior is really ugly. It's definitely ugliest Disney castle ever! It looks really boxy and fat, not tall and elegant like our castle here in Paris. In fact, it looks like the shape of the exterior has been compromised, to accommodate all of the interior elements they want to include.
The Enchanted Storybook Castle does look very impressive and different from all the other Disneyland castles, which makes for a good change. I even like the name if they keep it, makes a change from Cinderella Castle and Sleeping Beauty Castle. I also like the look of the Seven Dwarfs Mine train Coaster, looks like fun.
Quote from: "Alan"I think the interior of the Storybook Castle at Shanghai looks very impressive. And I like the idea of a boat ride going through it.
But the exterior is really ugly. It's definitely ugliest Disney castle ever! It looks really boxy and fat, not tall and elegant like our castle here in Paris. In fact, it looks like the shape of the exterior has been compromised, to accommodate all of the interior elements they want to include.
Agree - it is not the nicest exterior, although an exterior like our castle would be hard to combine with such an impressive interior. I only hope that their focus so far has been on the interior and the exterior will at least receive some kind of attention :)
Of course DLP Castle is the best, tall, elegant and beautiful, and still unique amongst the Disney Castles. I'm glad they didn't copy it for Shanghai.
Three Imagineers give you "A Good Look at Buena Vista Street" in this presentation at D23 Expo 2011. You can watch the full thing in 1080p HD on YouTube, thanks to thebugger2000.
Here's how Disney describe the presentation in the D23 Expo 2011 guidebook:
QuoteChanges have already come to the entrance of Disney California Adventure, but an even more dramatic transformation begins soon, one that will turn the Golden Gateway and Sunshine Plaza into Buena Vista Street. Imagineers Lisa Girolami, Ray Spencer, and Coulter Winn provide a preview of this idealized depiction of the Los Angeles Walt Disney lived and worked in throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
[youtube:6272c5tt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdrFuWPtQMU&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:6272c5tt]
[youtube:6272c5tt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_D0DgkL9ao&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:6272c5tt]
[youtube:6272c5tt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPi2s9L05mU&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:6272c5tt]
Keywords: Disney California Adventure, DCA, Improvement, Expansion Plan, Renovation, Construction, Planning, New Entrance, WDI, Walt Disney Imagineering, Blue Sky, Lisa Girolami, Ray Spencer, Coulter WInn, Architect, Presentation, Slideshow, Carthay Circle Theatre, 1926, Hollywood, Spanish Colonial Revival
Here's a video for ulak.
You can now watch the full "2011 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony" on in 1080p HD YouTube, thanks to user "thebugger2000". Here's how Disney describe the ceremony in the D23 Expo 2011 guidebook:
QuoteThe Disney Legends Awards honor those special few who embody the Company's unique creative spirit. This year's recipients include television icon Regis Philbin, Muppets creator Jim Henson, the extraordinary actresses who vocally brought to life many modern-day Disney Princesses, including Jodi Benson (Ariel from The Little Mermaid), Paige O'Hara (Belle from Beauty and the Beast), Lea Salonga (singing voices of Jasmine from Aladdin and Mulan), Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from Aladdin), and Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog), plus other equally impressive contributors to the Disney legacy. The ceremony will be hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC's Dancing with the stars and America's Funniest Home videos).
Because the ceremony was so long, the video is split into six parts. For Jodi Benson's performance, head straight to part
3/6. For the Muppets, head straight to parts
5/6 and
6/6.
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwm5rBi-Wjg&feature=related[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjigBknEHMI&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEUjt1auzDM&feature=relmfu[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM3fmZAyBJc&feature=relmfu[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7u7UrgLCv0&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
[youtube:3lcu4qwf]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22ebi7l64o4&feature=relmfu[/youtube:3lcu4qwf]
Am I the only one who thinks this year's D23 Expo was largely a much ado about nothing?
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"Am I the only one who thinks this year's D23 Expo was largely a much ado about nothing?
There was nothing new. No new announcements and like always, no single word about DLRP. I followed the coverage on MiceChat, but nothing impressive, except for some things about SHDL. Although most of these news were already out.
Hopefuly they will do a nice summary in the next D23 issue. By the way the current is very interesting since it is just about the 40th birthday of WDW. There is a very interesting article about the secret buying of the land and another one by Roy Patrick Disney about his father.
Imagine if you had paid the $100's for a ticket, and like some of my friends, flew all the way from Europe for it. Sure, there were cool bits like the Avenger's session, the meet and greets, the Legends, and some overviews in a Blue Sky Cellar kind of way. But after 2 years, and the potenital to be big, this was really a disappointment. Heck, not even Bob Iger felt it worthy to grace with his presence.
On the Shanghai castle though, it does look impressive (though I am sure I have seen the concept art before), and it is wonderful that it is unique.
I hate the plans for DL extending fantasyland further into the hub (where Carnation Plaza is) however.
I also find it facinating that all the films in discussion were still planned during Dick Cook's watch. Rich Ross (oops) has been there for a year, and still no new announcements other than Pixar (what is he doing?).
The new AA in the Carousel of Projects looked quite cool.
As far as Paris is concerned, they could have at least shown the World of Disney concept art, that would have been better than nothing. Or make announcements about the 20th celebrations....
The current leadership team of TWDC is very disappointing, especially ever grinning Rich Ross. What has he done recently, except cancelling The Lone Ranger. It seems Disney really wants to destroy the special relationship they have with Johnny Depp. It was one of his favorite projects. I wouldn't be surprised if he refuses to return as Captain Jack Sparrow. TWDC needs another shake up, but there is no one like Roy E. Disney who would do another Save Disney.
I also like the Shanghai Castle, especially the boat ride that starts in the castle and runs through Fantasyland.
The rest of the themepark presentations didn't reveal something new. At least we got to see some nice pictures, but that's it. Are there any news of HKDL or the Tokyo DisneySea expansion.
Sometimes it really seems TWDC is embarrassed by DLRP. No wonder by the bad state of the resort. At least they could have mentioned WoDS and the current refurbs, but the other international resorts didn't get mentioned as well, except for SHDL.
According to loaloa55 (I think it's Alain Littaye) the Ratatouille attraction should have been part of the EXPO:
In fact, there was plans to have a model of the Ratatouille dark ride displayed at D23 and the guys of D23 were enchanted by the idea to have it, but finally it ended to don't be possible as the ride has not been officially announced yet, and that's the main reason why the Ratatouille model is not at Carousel of Projects.
From Micechat member TreoFred:
I had that same discussion and made that same point to three different imagineer yesterday and got nothing but embarrassed glares in response. The people at D23 are all very nice and willing to share what they're working on to a certain extent, but nobody was there to talk Paris...
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"Imagine if you had paid the $100's for a ticket, and like some of my friends, flew all the way from Europe for it. Sure, there were cool bits like the Avenger's session, the meet and greets, the Legends, and some overviews in a Blue Sky Cellar kind of way. But after 2 years, and the potenital to be big, this was really a disappointment. Heck, not even Bob Iger felt it worthy to grace with his presence.
Many fans from other Disney boards who visited the Expo were also a bit disappointed. Nevertheless I hope Disney continues to do such events.
InsidetheMagic posted a video of the "new" talking Mickey. I have to say that I think the technology of interection has come along quite well since the other video of the one in the park (not the first intro to the talking Mickey)
I also have to give a around of applause to the cast of Mickey. The timing of the movement with the speech is incredible.
[youtube:1viezsny]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEKk8qhlSiw&feature=feedu[/youtube:1viezsny]
Yeah, there were already several videos of the Talking Mickey "living character", at the D23 Expo 2011, on YouTube. Just search for "talking mickey" and sort the results by upload date. If you compare them all, you'll notice a pattern. Mickey has a set of stock phrases that he uses with everyone he meets. So, they're definitely pre-recorded and not performed by a live voice actor:
• Hiya pal
• Hi everybody
• Oh boy, am I glad ya stopped by
• I'm so excited to see you
• Are ya havin' fun today?
• Where ya from?
• Time for a picture
• Whaddaya say we get a picture?
• Sure, let's take another picture
• This time I'll try not to blink
• I'd love to have it for my scrapbook
• Huh huh
• Ha ha
• Let's all say cheese
• Ready?
• Cheese!
• 1, 2, 3, ta-dah!
• Thank you
• Hot dog!
• Oh, an autograph. I'd be happy to sign it
• M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E
• Have a great time today
• Nice seein' ya pal
• See ya real soon
• So long
• Buh bye
Anyway, so here's a video from JeffLangeDVD:
[youtube:9y57hp7e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q08CSy2ePF4&hd=1[/youtube:9y57hp7e]
Here's one from AllEarsNet:
[youtube:9y57hp7e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sFsSLrJ_h4&hd=1[/youtube:9y57hp7e]
And here's another from Attractions Magazine:
[youtube:9y57hp7e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txgxMg2eaQ4[/youtube:9y57hp7e]
I didn't even know that Tokyo was getting an expansion. Twdc is missing a trick here. Many fans are devoted enough to visit international parks... If they knew what was at them that they couldn't get in us. Could you imagine the American audience if dlp was advertised at d23?
From MiceChat member TreFred:
BTW, I finally got SOME news on France after coercing (ok, waterboarding ) the right Imagineer. Turns out the situation is eerily similar to ours. You have a great park (DL) in some level of disrepair which is being plussed up at the approach of its birthday and you've got a second gate (WDSP instead of DCA) which has been under-performing and although it has received a few new ride (like ToT, we did too) and some smaller ones (the whole Toy Story playplace like we got Monster's Inc) which triggered some 'place-making', it's still not 'winning' like Charlie Sheen would say...
... so what do you do?
... well, that's kinda why JL was visiting your WDS recently. He made the same argument about the lack of cohesive theming, the lack of character and the necessity for a large place-making project. In fact, the Imagineers already have an overall re-design similar to what they have for DCA. Yep, a big big deal
However, between the economic situation in Europe and the non finished work in the US (includiing the two major expansions on both coast), it is a matter of spreading themselves too thin. At the same time, the argument is being made for it being almost the best time for such an investment.
Bottom line: keep your fingers crossed for a major announcement from Tom Staggs closer to the end of the year, as the overall 20th of DLP gets on the way.
Or not .
But it is there RIGHT NOW, just laying on ice for a little while longer...
Quote from: AlanHere's a video for ulak.
... For Jodi Benson's performance, head straight to part 3/6. For the Muppets, head straight to parts 5/6 and 6/6.
Thank you very much, Alan! :thumbs: I see on it all tonight, i was far from home.
Quote from: "dagobert"From MiceChat member TreFred:
BTW, I finally got SOME news on France after coercing (ok, waterboarding ) the right Imagineer. Turns out the situation is eerily similar to ours. You have a great park (DL) in some level of disrepair which is being plussed up at the approach of its birthday and you've got a second gate (WDSP instead of DCA) which has been under-performing and although it has received a few new ride (like ToT, we did too) and some smaller ones (the whole Toy Story playplace like we got Monster's Inc) which triggered some 'place-making', it's still not 'winning' like Charlie Sheen would say...
... so what do you do?
... well, that's kinda why JL was visiting your WDS recently. He made the same argument about the lack of cohesive theming, the lack of character and the necessity for a large place-making project. In fact, the Imagineers already have an overall re-design similar to what they have for DCA. Yep, a big big deal
However, between the economic situation in Europe and the non finished work in the US (includiing the two major expansions on both coast), it is a matter of spreading themselves too thin. At the same time, the argument is being made for it being almost the best time for such an investment.
Bottom line: keep your fingers crossed for a major announcement from Tom Staggs closer to the end of the year, as the overall 20th of DLP gets on the way.
Or not .
But it is there RIGHT NOW, just laying on ice for a little while longer...
Very interesting reading - however, not surprising that they now it needs a lot of attention... We shouldn't get our hopes high for anything (at all), but them having plans and being aware of the situation is reassuring in some way.
We always knew that the imagineers knew where they were taking the studios, but it's good to hear that they're still campaigning for it to happen. :)
Quote from: "Alan"But the exterior is really ugly. It's definitely ugliest Disney castle ever! It looks really boxy and fat, not tall and elegant like our castle here in Paris. In fact, it looks like the shape of the exterior has been compromised, to accommodate all of the interior elements they want to include.
I thought that, too. I also didn't like how the castle appears to be surrounded by concrete. No moat? No rock work? :( Still, it's only a cheap model. I want to see it in real life or see a more detailed model before I decide. :)