The Making of “The Island of the Dead.”
The Making of the Island of the Dead
The park was still in its “Blue Sky” phase and the artist Gale Yance had the idea of turning Arnold Böcklin’s “Island of the Dead” into a theme park attraction.
Arnold Böcklin made several versions of the work, but one of them became iconic.
It is a lone island covered by cypress trees that houses bleak stone structures being approached by two men in a small row boat.
The location that is named the inspiration for the work is Pondikonisi, a small island near Corfu.
The Visioneering team responsible for the ride’s graphic design and themeing were also responsible for some of the parks more iconic posters.
The designers and sign department were assigned the task of creating the attraction’s latest summer in-park promotion campaign that included banners and billboards. They were also responsible for the attraction’s original interior signage.
The original graphic.
To be used as dual banners in the park’s entry plaza.
The Graphic utilized in as a banner in the entry plaza.
An Alternate banner using imagery from the notorious “Wall of Singing Skulls.”
The attraction has a dragon that dines on adventurous treasure seekers. Nicknamed “Pondikonisi” by the attraction Visioneers in reference to the original island.
Island of the Dead Entrance. Placed on the gateway to the island’s dock.
Entrance sign utilized over the gateway to the dock.
An attraction isn’t complete unless the all lawyers are satisfied that everybody has been warned.
Inspired by the old Burma Shave signs along the highway. This bit of doggerel is an excerpt from the attractions theme song.
It’s been known to drive strong men to despair after encountering the ”Wall of Singing Skulls”.
Approximately 5 minutes and 30 seconds into the ride, rider’s boats encounter “Pondikonisi” for the first time. It’s obvious that an earlier boat ignored the warning and tried to steal the treasure.
It’s been said before, “Never get off the boat.”
Warning signs utilized in the dark passages attraction entrance queue.
More signs. Upper left points to the “chicken” exit. It’s the location of much teasing by groups on the attraction. Rumored to only have been used twice.
