If you participated in the treasure hunt, searching for the hidden ‘X’, you’re too late; the treasure has been found! But fear not, there’s still plenty of it to spread around. The treasure has been dug up, and is available for all!

To celebrate the re-opening of the enhanced Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland, the Disney Experience is proud to release the Wicked Wench paper model. If you’re one of the lucky ones who found the model a week or so ago, check out the model page for an additional pirate map for your model (see the Mod section).

And if you’re looking for more treasure, check out some video of the enhanced attraction, filmed and edited by pveticket. And if that doesn’t get your heart pumping, check out Darkbeer’s photos.

It’s time to move (for a little while) from the haunted pirate caverns to the haunted hallways next door. At least we’re still in New Orleans Square. Ray Keim has finished the Disneyland Haunted Mansion paper model, now available from Haunted Dimensions.

I’ve been looking forward to this model for some time, and it will be a stellar addition to my collection. One of the things that I love is that there are two versions of the ironwork. One is for printing on paper or cardstock, while the other is for printing on inkjet transparencies. The transparencies let you see between the ironwork, and it gives the model a more realistic look. I may have to break out my old inkjet printer for this model, but I’ll wait a little while before I even think of downloading it.

Ray has a tendency to revise parts several times, so I’d rather wait until a more finalized version is available. Not that it’s really his fault; I’m guilty of it, too. Sometimes you find things that can be improved, and the first release of any model is really a test phase. Having hundreds of people build the model and giving feedback can prove invaluable for improvements.

It’s time to move (for a little while) from the haunted pirate caverns to the haunted hallways next door. At least we’re still in New Orleans Square. Ray Keim has finished the Disneyland Haunted Mansion paper model, now available from Haunted Dimensions.

I’ve been looking forward to this model for some time, and it will be a stellar addition to my collection. One of the things that I love is that there are two versions of the ironwork. One is for printing on paper or cardstock, while the other is for printing on inkjet transparencies. The transparencies let you see between the ironwork, and it gives the model a more realistic look. I may have to break out my old inkjet printer for this model, but I’ll wait a little while before I even think of downloading it.

Ray has a tendency to revise parts several times, so I’d rather wait until a more finalized version is available. Not that it’s really his fault; I’m guilty of it, too. Sometimes you find things that can be improved, and the first release of any model is really a test phase. Having hundreds of people build the model and giving feedback can prove invaluable for improvements.

Dan Howland has completed the Main Street Train Station . . . at HO scale! This thing is so tiny, you’ll need to break out a penny and a quarter to get a hint at the amazing size. Seriously; go get a penny and a quarter, and then check out the photos over at Card Model Geek.

As you know, I recently finished the Wicked Wench paper model, and I started work on the instructions. The parts that I thought would be very difficult to draw were easier than anticipated. It’s one of those cases where it seems like it would be harder than it actually is. What I didn’t anticipate is the rigging.

Although simple at first, the rigging really compounds, and it quickly turns into a graphical nightmare—especially when everything is in 2-D. They criss-cross all over the place, so it’s hard to tell which line is in the foreground, background, etcetera. Typing out the instructions is as also a pain.

But, work progresses. Hopefully, the whole thing will be finished soon. Maybe in time for the re-opening of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe not. It’s too soon to tell. Anybody have an aspirin?

Since the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction will be re-opening soon, I thought we’d have a little pirate fun. Somewhere on the site is a hidden ‘X’, marking the location of a hidden treasure. Find it, and the treasure is yours!

Congratulations go to the winners of the Tomorrowland contest:

• 1st Place: Dannielle Guzman
• 2nd Place: Arthur Gavigan
• 3rd Place: Raymond Rios
• 4th Place: Leah Stewart
• 5th Place: Susan Brough
• 6th Place: Robert Westway

It’s that time again. Pinch those pennies, and donate them to help pay for excess bandwidth. Fortunately, you’ve all been good enough in the past that the site’s been able to coast along on reserves for a while.

I’ve taken serious consideration to rotating the paper models with each site update, which is now in affect. I think that’s the best way to go, allowing some newer models (bandwidth hogs, all) to come into the fold and on a more regular basis. If you want a look at what’s to come, head on over to the Cannibal Stew.

Those of you who are regular guests will notice that the retro Tomorrowland look has gone the way of the dodo. Why? The color scheme made me seasick; those yellows and greens were just too much—very retro, but too much for me to withstand. I also wasn’t completely happy with the design. I wanted to combine a little bit of modern Tomorrowland, but I found myself fighting between the retro and modern designs instead of combining them harmoniously.And since Disneyland’s 50th anniversary is still going strong, I thought I’d create another tribute design. You’ll notice that everything has been divided into three main categories: “Customize Your Computer,” “Activities for Everyone,” and “Guest Services.” Links are also provided on the left.

And, of course, thanks to all who sent in their photos for the site intro. A few couldn’t be used because they were not of Disneyland, but it still turned out nice.