Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Disney's Ocean Liner


Exhibiting many signs of a classic ocean liner is the SS Columbia. She stands ready to transport passengers from one port to the next, filling their trip with good food, music and fun along the way. People travel from miles around to walk her decks and be completely transported back to another era of travel.

The only thing, however, is that SS Columbia isn't a real ocean liner.

It is instead the centerpiece of Disney TokyoSea in Japan, a park built mostly out of the abandoned Port Disney that would have been constructed around the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The SS Columbia was built to represent the steam-powered liners of the early-20th century and carries several elements of famous ships (like Titanic and Queen Mary) as a result.

But it also has its purpose. Visitors are allowed to explore the decks of the ship at their leisure and enjoy a meal in the Main Dining Room on B Deck afterwards if they'd like. The Columbia also offers superb views of the TokyoSea park and Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Although it may not be a real ship like the Queen Mary, the SS Columbia is nonetheless symbolic of a bygone age. With so few classic liners left afloat, even a synthetic one is welcomed.

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