Michael Jackson's Peter Pan Neverland Theme Park That Never Was

[loaloa55]

D&M Exclusive: The Michael Jackson Peter Pan Neverland Theme Park that never was



Unless you live on another planet, you probably know that last week was another "Michael Jackson week". The "This Is it" documentary and CD album were released and a major Michael Jackson exhibition opened last Tuesday in London. I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce to you one of Michael's most secret - and really fantastic - projects: the Peter Pan's Neverland theme park that never was.

Let's first go back in time to 1997, when Michael Jackson and Prince Al-Waleed - Disneyland Paris' biggest private stock-holder - created a company and purchased 50% of Landmark Entertainment, giving the company a huge infusion of cash. Prince Al-Waleed had 45% and Michael had 5% of the shares. I remind you that Landmark is the famous company directed by Gary Goddard which created the Spider-Man ride at IOA and the Jurassic Park and Terminator 3D attractions at Universal Studios. So, what had to happen happened, Michael asked Landmark if they could design a theme park, a real one, not only for him but a park where anybody could go, just like Disneyland. And this theme park would have been named Peter Pan's Neverland! Here is a bird's eye view of the park - please double-click on the image below to see it in big size.



This first concept is amazing, isn't it? Fully inspired from Peter Pan's story, the park would have started with a grand London entrance, as you can see on the artwork at the top of this article. A replica of Kensington Gardens, where anyone can see the famous Peter Pan statue, as well as Big Ben and the House of Parliaments in the background, not to mention horse guards at the entrance, all of which would have set a stunning replica of the Victorian city.

Jump to the Disney and more full article to discover in detail and with lot of artwork this incredible Peter Pan's Neverland project designed for Michael Jackson ten years ago:

Disney and more: D&M Exclusive: The Michael Jackson's Peter Pan's Neverland Theme Park that never was

[serviceelevator]

Wow that is Amazing! They should really make that in honor of him!

[BrizMarc]

That looks awesome, I really wish it had have been built.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

I like the smaller scale first draft better. Fun for an afternoon of Peter Pan.

The more advanced one seems too much, FUTURE ZONE and the TRIBUTE TO BERRIE LIVE SHOW just really take a good thing too far.

It sounds like Michael Jackson came to them with a laundry list of gimmees, and they had to work them in, rather than there being a good reason for including them in the first place. The Live Show Tribute to Berrie sounds like a moneyloser, high cost to operate combined with what I perceive to be little interest from the public to watch a serious show.

PS Did I overlook this, or is it nowhere to be found: WHERE was this park proposed to be built? In the UK? In the US? Now some fans are hoping it will be built on Michael's Neverland Ranch? Doubt it. Maybe Gary, Indiana?

[nojarama]

Three words: Fab-U-Lous!

[Dustysage]

The concepts are great and since it already looks a lot like Disney's version of Peter Pan, they should buy the concept from Prince Al-Waleed or become his partner on the project (They already work with him on Disneyland Paris) and build this as the second park in Hong Kong. A Neverland Park would be a really great concept for Disney.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

I think it would do better as a half day attraction in a place like.... London itself, minus the fake London entrance.

[chadb14]

There were some good ideas there - it could be a good park with some polishing. I don't think it would be much worse than DCA.

[loaloa55]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaAdventurer

I like the smaller scale first draft better. Fun for an afternoon of Peter Pan.

The more advanced one seems too much, FUTURE ZONE and the TRIBUTE TO BERRIE LIVE SHOW just really take a good thing too far.

It sounds like Michael Jackson came to them with a laundry list of gimmees, and they had to work them in, rather than there being a good reason for including them in the first place. The Live Show Tribute to Berrie sounds like a moneyloser, high cost to operate combined with what I perceive to be little interest from the public to watch a serious show.

PS Did I overlook this, or is it nowhere to be found: WHERE was this park proposed to be built? In the UK? In the US? Now some fans are hoping it will be built on Michael's Neverland Ranch? Doubt it. Maybe Gary, Indiana?

Hello, Alain Littaye here. I didn't put in the article where it was supposed to be built, but very probably it was in the U.S, and in a sunny state as Neverland Island, supposedly tropical, need a not-too-cold place.

About the live show tribute to J M Barrie, it's not sure that it would have been boring. When a show is really good, whatever is the theme, it's enjoyable.

An answer to Dusty Sage: I don't think it's Prince Al-Waleed who owns the right of the project, i think it's Landmark who owns the right so eventually if Disney wanted to do a deal with someone - which i doubt they will do - it would be with Landmark.

Me, too, i prefer the first version than the second one which i think is too much. Neverland Island can have some rides but must keep part of his "virginity".

[MissChristine]

This is really quite an interesting article! I too like the original layout better - though with smaller amount of attractions I'm not sure that three hotels would be necessary...but it may have enticed guests to stay longer!

Did anyone else think that in the concept art of the Peter Pan action show, Peter has quite the resemblance to MJ? And what the heck is up with Future World from the Master Layout? Why do they have those "French fries" that we got with the 90s overhaul of Tomorrowland?! Apparently in the future, it is the general consensus that we'll have stalagmites everywhere.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Originally Posted by loaloa55

Hello, Alain Littaye here....

About the live show tribute to J M Barrie, it's not sure that it would have been boring. When a show is really good, whatever is the theme, it's enjoyable.

Fair enough, but didn't they do a movie on this subject? It just sounds like a documentary, not really theme park material. Not repeat viewing worthy. I could be totally off base.

Originally Posted by loaloa55

Me, too, i prefer the first version than the second one which i think is too much. Neverland Island can have some rides but must keep part of his "virginity".

Disney could build out a miniland in place of the Fantasyland Theater/Small World Promenade and Motorboat Cruise areas of Fantasyland that could be a smaller version of this kind of concept, just as the Alice 'miniland' works.

[DisneyDude12]

I really wish that was built and definetly on MJ's honor.

[tasman]

Epcot's UK pavilion would look nicer with a Big Ben at the end of the street (where there was originally going to be a replica of the Crystal Palace).

[keybladebearerDHI]

Oh I really do wish that this had actually been built! It looks like such an amazing park! Too bad Michael never got his wish.

[Eternal Disney]

Wasn't Michael planning on building a theme park in South America?