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Lego MOC: Crystal Caverns


"CRYSTAL CAVERNS - First opened in 1994, this attraction transported guests to the mysterious and dangerous arctic base X-42, where researchers uncover the secrets of the Crystal Caverns. The ride was closed permanently after a serious incident involving an animatronic snow creature."

One of my favorite features of Google Maps is the ability to look at satellite photos my favorite theme parks. A ride like Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure looks completely different from overhead than as a guest. As a guest you see the winding jungle-themed path, then an amazing temple interior. But as seen from above (or from back stage), the queue disappears into a soundstage -- a simple squared off building painted green to help camouflage it from the parking lot and other areas you might catch a glimpse at it. 

I've always been fascinated at this marriage of guest-facing areas and backstage, behind-the-scenes areas.



My MOC was built around a classic Lego Space monorail. The ride theme is an arctic base which has been built on top of an older arctic base. Both bases are just outside a cavern filled with precious silver crystals. Guests enter a queue at the ride entrance, which has a spot for stroller parking and good spots for photos.


Behind the scenes, you'll see the plain, tan-colored soundstage.


There is some drama happening! Looks like an animatronic ice creature has decided to go for a stroll. The park's fire & safety crew has been sent  out to investigate.



The cleaning crew aren't sticking around to see how things turn out!


Some of the costumed characters are taking a break backstage. Always nice to take a break from the heat of those heavy, claustrophobic costumes.





The excavation has recently turned up some odd remains ...





Greeters welcome guests to the entrance of Crystal Caverns.



All the strollers look alike.


The husky dogs are barking at the polar bear. They want his fish!






A few crystals are getting loaded up into the helicopter.












The ride operator is just now getting a call that something terrible is happening backstage.





A criminal is popping up from a secret hatch, hoping to reach that crystal.... but he can't get the hatch open because a stack of crystals is already on top of the hatch, weighing it down. That's called irony, kids!
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