Like many other disney design projects, each themed area contains many graphical elements and small illustrative details that add to the overall impression and strengthen the reality of the illusion. These touches are essential to successful thematic design, and are especially key when attempting to recreate a particular historic era.
I've posted some of the more interesting examples from the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort below. All artworks are © Disney Enterprises. Above, Jungle River Cruise is adorned with a large illustrative sign.
The nearby restraurant features a large, hand-painted wall mural advertisement for the attraction with various typefaces true to the period (1920s–1940s).
This additional sign atop the Jungle Cruise shed roof elaborates on the nature of the attraction, in beautiful hand-lettering.
The graphics at this tropical eatry accurately capture the mid-century American tiki craze.
More retro-1950s tiki styling, this time in dimensional letterforms.
It was curious to see traditional Chinese script integrated with early twentieth century American lettering.
Most of HKDL's Main Street U.S.A. contains dimensional letterforms rather than the illustrated placards and advertisements more common at other Disney Parks.
Although here is an exceptional hand-lettered example from the midtown jewelry store.
This sign in Fantasyland is very similar to other such pieces at all Disney Parks—Old English script-style lettering that reflects the medieval Bavarian theme of the area.