Somewhere That I Used to Live

Sitting here in the cold end of winter (I hope!), I think back to my younger days of living in Huntington Beach, California. So, what do I see when I open USA Today? A nice little article and this photo. The description reads: " 70 degrees year round... rarely over 90 degrees in the summer..." Nice. Sometimes, there is no place like home.

Grand Floridian Adventure

The Grand Floridian Resort has remained the flagship Walt Disney World Resort since its debut in the late 1980s. And for good reason! It is lovely and elegant, but with a price tag to match! Therefore, it has always been one of our must stops with each vacation to the World but never our place of lodging. Fair enough as that probably applies to most visitors.

As a younger but large family with a common sized wallet, during our 1989 visit, we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Even to get to go to Florida took a bit of an unexpected blessing from God. Due to a series on business trips on a highly overbooked route, I was able to amass five free airline tickets. Just the thing we needed to be able to take a trip. Saving for the rest of the expenses would take awhile, but we did it.

Back then, the Caribbean Beach was brand new, but it was modestly priced and therefore affordable. Unknown to us until a week or so before departing for our trip, we discovered some family from the East Coast would be staying at the Grand Floridian at the same time as we would be there. They were very gracious and invited us to a wonderful breakfast at 1900 Park Faire. 

Back in the days before Disney's Magical Express, you had to rent a car or hire a taxi to get to your Disney destination. It was kind of nice because the trip from the airport to on site was filled with anticipation versus non-stop commercials for the place. It allowed the anticipation to build slowly without all the hype.

We chose the car as it allowed us more freedom to move around the property and beyond. Arriving on site for our breakfast, we instantly loved the Floridian's entry filled with palms. As a Californian, we knew Disney had taken more than a passing inspiration from the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California when they designed this place. But we were not at all complaining!

This fine old roadster established the flavor for what we would see inside- and of course, a greeter was there to welcome us onto the Walt Disney World property!  

The interior lobby was gorgeous, and the view straight up to the roof was nothing short of spectacular! On to breakfast. We found where we were headed, and once inside, it was as if we had walked into Mary Poppins' Victorian world.

The caliope at 1900 Park Faire filled the air with a touch of whimsy and victorian charm. The decor and the terrific breakfast were not the only attractions in the place.

Carousel horses were around us and vintage prints filled the space on the walls. An unexpected surprise awaited us- the Disney characters made an appearance for free! That would change in later years as Disney decided to begin fleecing versus delighting their guests. Now, there's a charge for everything, but back then, it was touches like this that helped created a real sense of magic instead of the feeling that you were always being asked to open your wallet!

Our happy little family certainly enjoyed the morning, and there's nothing like Chip or Dale to make smiles appear! We were all so young and innocent then. 

Naturally, we eventually sad to say goodbye to our family. They went their way, and we decided to stay a bit and explore further. It's one thing we have always loved doing- taking the time to explore the hotels and public spaces. We always schedule in a few non-park days to do this sort of thing. It is a luxury that is not available in California.

Moving toward the water, we discovered the marina was a very quiet,  a great place to stop.  With the Magic Kingdom in sight, it was tempting to hop on the monorail right then and take the kids, but that was scheduled for another day.

Later in the week, we would end of taking a water sprite for a cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon, but it would be from the Disney's Polynesian Resort instead. We wrapped up our morning by hopping back in the car and taking a swim at our hotel. It was a relaxing- and cheap- way to have some fun. Even though Walt Disney World can be very expensive, you can still get creative and enjoy the place. You just have to move away from the "got to do it all now" attitude and realize you can't!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

They'll Be Dead By Morning

OK, I stole the title of a piece I want you to read. Really, I want you to take the time to read it. It's a pathetic state of affairs this blogger comments on. Heartbreaking. Brave enough? Go here.

Adorable One

There are few things sweeter in life than an adorable little baby granddaughter. Don't you agree?

Insight and Sounds 6th Birthday

Six years- and after 1500 plus posts- my, what changes have taken place! Not only have their been many additions to our family in both children getting married and then having children of their own, there's been big career changes, personal challenges, and many blessings. And sometimes those challenges that are painful result in big blessings.

This blog has become something I never saw coming: a travel journal, a diary, a review of contemporary music and a look backwards at classic releases, and a running commentary on the state of the Walt Disney Company and its attractions, films, and changing philosophy.

Sure, the site is still filled with concept art of theme park attractions! I love that stuff! That will probably never change. 

I thought about providing a list of articles I really enjoyed writing, but then, I thought, as with many blogs I like, there's much fun in discovery! So, I'll just mention some, and let you have a bit of a treasure hunt. 

• The multi-part series on the creation and evolution of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
• A look at the music of Karen and Richard Carpenter, album by album.
• Trip reports through Europe, full of photos- including a few trips to Disneyland Paris in various seasons.
• The transformation of Disney's California Adventure- a multipart article on Disney's Bargain Basement Imagineering and the change in attitude and cash infusion to make it a must-see park. Concept art galore, updates on construction through the years, and multiple trip reports.
• Book and television reviews (Downton Abbey is hot for a reason!)
• Family photos over the years
• Retro Epcot and Disneyland art and photos.
• Disneyland Attraction Poster Series- a land by land look at posters with commentary.
• Want perfect abs?
• Loving Jesus and keeping life focused on Him.
• And much more.

Thanks for reading all these years. And onward we go for however long it happens. Blessings!

Removing My Disney Rose Colored Glasses

It's time to remove my rose colored lenses. Or so I thought it was the first time I posted this article over 4 years ago. But check it out again in its revised form... Are my conclusions the same?

I am officially removing my Disney colored lenses to see some harsh but liberating truths. Dare to join me? Be forewarned, it may change the way you vacation... and the way you look at the Company we love.

Truth Number 1:
It's time to admit to something the fans refuse to acknowledge and the executives at the Walt Disney Company have known for decades: The company Walt built has very little left of him in it. Very little. His name means family entertainment to many people, but youngsters seem to think he's akin to Mr. Clean, a made up spokesman for a product. And the Company does throw his name about when they need to use it. Smart marketing but sleazy.

If you want insight into the real man, head to San Francisco for the Walt Disney Family Museum. Here's the real man, not the bigot imagined by Meryl Streep. Husband, father, creative genius. It was love- not money- that created Disneyland, lest the current suits like Bob Iger forget.

The Walt Disney Company is now first and foremost a business, no more personal than any other. Especially with Diane Disney Miller now gone. It is one that has demands placed on it by its investors and its leaders. The bottom line is money. Chinese, European, Japanese, or anyone else's. It just doesn't matter. It's the new American way; the guiding principal of the last few generations. Make money fast, make a lot of it, and deal with the horrible consequences later. The consequences others must pay while those charged with tending to the company rip it off for personal profit. Cynical? Yes, but real.

Truth Number 2:
The Disney theme parks are no longer an expression of love for or the commitment to excellence in artistic expression. Just like use of the name, too many of the parks - especially those in Florida- are living on their reputation from two decades ago. I'll linger awhile here as the Disney parks are the primary reason why I am interested in the doings of the company.

This change began with the purpose for the Disney-MGM Studios theme park in Florida. Flatly, Michael Eisner was threatened by the arrival of Universal Studios. Being determined to beat them at his game, the chief okayed the construction of the third theme park on the Disney property. Upon its opening in 1989, it was a beautiful but very little gem. And it has turned into a dingy patchwork quilt of creative unity and nominal financial success. Star Wars may one day be its saving grace, but for now, it will not be for awhile. By the time Darth Vader shows up, it could be too late.

The amazing Twilight Zone Tower of Terror truly is worth this adjective, but there is an equally off-putting series of B grade shows to balance it out, making the park fairly forgettable. The (now closed) Sounds Dangerous was pretty bad. Not even the very funny Drew Carey could save this attraction from being a placeholder at the near center of the park. Is American Idol really better and more of a tribute to the genre than Superstar Television? No. At it is past its prime, just like the show that inspired it. Think about the state of The Great Movie Ride. It should be the park's centerpiece, its heart,  and pride and joy, but it is woefully behind the times in both subject matter represented and the "state of the art" in presentation.  Perhaps its that Disney's live action film division has yet to find much ongoing success beyond Pirates of the Caribbean.  The relative hit of Toy Story Mania does not make up for 15 years of unimpressive additions and half-hearted maintenance.

Money and making it also motivates what is and isn't happening at the rest of the Walt Disney World property. Before you scream "Fantasyland Forest", think about its last major addition. Or even the minor ones. Monsters Inc and Stitch? Ugh. It's the Harry Potter threat that is pushing the company to finally take action. Even this beautiful looking addition comes with a mixed bag of new attractions. I'm thrilled the Little Mermaid is making its way to Florida. Love the movie, love the music. It's about time! But the end result is less than stellar and certainly not satisfactory for an hour long wait. Budgeteering is responsible for taking a prime property and turning it into a less than E Ticket experience for all ages and for all time.  Do not get me going on Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom! Both are being left to rot in the bigger picture, and Avatarland / Pandora may be beautiful, but it will not be enough.

Truth Number 3:
The suits will often do what it takes to make a dead park a success.  Due to the first point made, the executives are determined to make this happen. Thanks to the beautiful Buena Vista Street and the incredible Radiator Springs Racers at the heart of Cars Land, California Adventure 2.0 is a big success. Who can resist a park with retro Walt Disney references or Radiator Springs Racers? Not me- or anyone else with small children in tow. It happens overseas, too. Throw in one excellent Mystic Manor (Not based on any film! How can they do that?!?) and a re-imagined Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Grizzly Mountain), and the crowds show up. 

Truth Number 4:
The Walt Disney Company can no longer make great films without animated characters. My point is made by presenting the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Film number one is excellent, and Johnny Depp couldn't be better. Live action, you say? Yes, but is there a character any more animated than Captain Jack Sparrow? Pirates aside, Disney films seem to have fallen flat- and the removal of Dick Cook seems to validate that Robert Iger and much of the executive branch of the company agrees with my Truth Number 4. Thank God they bought Marvel to pull in some real superheroes who can bring in some super huge Box Office results.

Truth Number 5:
The company Walt built can no longer build great attractions without using characters and stories from their films. Regardless of their greatness, Expedition: Everest really is the Matterhorn Bobsleds revisited, with Mission: Space and Soarin Over California also being new takes on old favorites from Walt's time. Originality at the Stateside parks is dead, particularly at Walt Disney World. Whether the wonderful Imagineers aren't given the freedom to do so or cannot come up with great ideas for something original, sometimes they cannot even build great attractions using the characters they do have (see Ariel's Undersea Adventure).

Truth Number 6:
The company's focus is now "International first, United States second". It's a smart and savvy business move. The company we love is playing whore whenever it can. (Remember Truth Number 1?) Setting aside human right violations and whatever else it needs to, the company wants the big bucks from China. Disney is an established name in the Western Hemisphere, land and people conquered. All the Disney characters own the younger student world here, so its time to move on to untouched territory.

Truth Number 6 explains one of the reasons why Shanghai Disneyland and a park in South America are on the horizon. It also explains why Walt Disney World has remained relatively untouched, why Disneyland was left to rot once upon a time, and why the company thought they could fool us with the original California Adventure, and the Walt Disney Studios theme park in Paris. Thankfully, international moneymen are holding the company's feet to the fire of quality. Disney parks fans with frequent flyer miles to burn have many new and great options if they want true Disney quality- starting with the incredible Tokyo DisneySea.

Truth Number 7:
I couldn't do it any better- and neither could you. There's a real reality check. Though we may view ourselves as budding Tony Baxters and Joe Rohdes, the truth is we are not. These men and women at Imagineering are the last of a great bunch- at least until someone else comes to the helm of the company. For now, they are stuck navigating the turbulent waters of politics and finance just to survive the for the ability to potentially be creative. We are a different America and a different people than we were in Walt's time. Innocence lost and dollars gained. There's the tradeoff.

(Art and photos copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

HUVR is here!

First the Segway, now the HUVR. Watching Back to the Future II, everyone wanted one- that is, if they couldn't have the DeLorean! Christopher Lloyd delivers the ultimate sporting device. Maybe they will get Michael J Fox to demonstrate it when it goes public. But for now, Tony Hawk will have to do...




Too bad it's a hoax, isn't it??? One day...

I'll Be Your Adam If You'll Be My Shakira

Like the title of my catchy new song? I think it'd easily sell a million copies on i-tunes. Let's face it: The Voice is THE music television talent show. And who could be more fun to watch than Adam Levine and Shakira? Is it time for a duet? I think so!

My Next Getaway

Run off to a tropical island? Sounds like fun! I cannot remember the name of the man who took this photo. But the place in found in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, usually too small to be found on a map. It's called the Pitcairn Islands. Looks like a movie set, but it's 100% real!

Magic Eye II

Since yesterday's post was such a lovely shot, I thought I'd feature another by Mint Crocodile from the Magic Eye Disneyland Resort photo site. 

At its opening in 2001, even the most die hard fans had to admit much was missing from California Adventure. While the hub -ish Sun Plaza had it charms, the brand new old fashioned Carthay Circle Theater is the resident star of the new Buena Vista Street. I have yet to be inside it, but I hear the restaurant and bar are quite good- and the views from the upper patio even better.

Just look at the beautiful blue sky pierced with a sweep of clouds! The spectacular show from God has no competition- even from the pretty terrific California Adventure hit World of Color.

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Magic Eye I

Magic Eye by Mint Crocodile is one of my favorite Disney photography sites. There's a real love for Disneyland evident in the approach to the photos and the comments describing them. 

Here, the beautiful as ever Mark Twain Riverboat sails around the Rivers of America. It's a meticulously maintained attraction, on handled with loving care. Continuing to please guests for almost 60 years, its a beloved moving landmark. I long for the day when Fantasmic! moves elsewhere, so that it will once again be possible to take a long midnight cruise in the summertime. That is one pleasure that can still be found in Florida's Magic Kingdom- at least for now until the suits find a way to close down a low capacity attraction.

(Photograph by Mint Crocodile.)

Must See This Lingerie Ad!

                 This has to be one of the most impactful videos I have seen in quite awhile. It's in Thai but has English subtitles. It's worth every minute spent watching. 

Top Ten Gloria Estefan

A celebrated performer, writer, and all around nice lady, Gloria Estefan has accomplished a career most would envy. Her albums- both with Miami Sound Machine and solo- comprised of Latin, Pop, and Standards, have brought her fans from lovers of all genres all over the world. Including me.

Here's a look at my Top Ten of Gloria's best:

1- "If We Were Lovers" - This English language translation of her hit "Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan" first appeared on her Greatest Hits II disc. I loved the original version in Spanish- and this version is just as beautiful. The delicate guitar and yearning vocal perfectly express the tender words of love. This all time favorite takes me right to Miami and a tropical evening under a silver moon.

2- "Live For Loving You" - The first time I heard this song was in 1992 while Gloria was performing live on the televised opening of EuroDisney, now Disneyland Paris. "Ooh, La, La, La, La". Just lots of fun. (Can't embed the performance, but you can find it here.)

3- "I Know You Too Well" - Another ballad showing off her vocal gifts. It is well known that Gloria was a fan of Karen Carpenter, and this lovely piece showcases Gloria's voice to great effect.

4- "Don't Let This Moment End" - This is a blistering cut off the disco "Gloria!" album. Incredible production, great songs, and powerfully strong vocals reminiscent of Donna Summer at her best.  If you think the upbeat version is great- and it is- the rarer to find ballad version is just as enticing.

5- "Traces" - Sure, its a remake from Classics IV, but in an album of all remakes, it stands out. This is a case where the photography is better than the music, but it is still an album of much loved songs from hit makers past.

6- "What a Wonderful World" - The old Louis Armstrong classic. Every bit as good as you think it might be.

7- "Rhythm is Gonna Get You" - And, boy, does it. If you can help but tap your feet or get up on them, maybe you aren't listening to one of Gloria's catchiest songs ever.

8- "Christmas Through Your Eyes"- Beautiful, simple, charming. One of the few instances where a children's choir truly belongs on a song sung by an adult. 

9- "Here We Are" - This is one performance that took time to grow on me. It was probably the first time I truly heard Gloria's potential to be an artist for all time. Very mature lyrics befitting a woman who has lived a very full life. 

10- "Don't Release Me" - Another thumper from the "Gloria!" disc. With an absolutely sumptuous opening vocal line from her, the listener is pulled in and never let go. Wyclef Jean brings just the right touch of grit, complementing Gloria's most smokey vocal.

Ten Years and Deaf

Oftentimes, assumptions are easy to come by. People say or do things that, due to years of life experiences, lead us to come to the same conclusions as we have in the past in similar circumstances and events. Usually, its unfortunate. Sometimes, the results are startling.

Until recently, I have been frequenting the same gym for years. It was close to my office, had the equipment I needed, and most of all, it was cheap. A good combination. 

Over time, I came to know several of the regulars there. One man in particular, I had several interactions with. He was nice, a bit shy, and even quiet. We'd greet, smile, talk briefly, and move on. 

Then, one day I discovered why it there was so little conversation. He was speaking to a mutual friend, and I discovered this man was 100% totally deaf! I was shocked. He had been reading my lips and answering my questions or greeting perfectly well- if with few words.

There was a lesson there for me- things and people are not always what they seem. Like almost all of us, I'd guess, my hearing impaired friend become adept at compensating for a real loss. Very well, actually. We all do it at times, some of us most of the time. There was another lesson: we do not have to be limited by our difficulties or by our poor choices. We can move on and not live as victims, but instead live as victors- especially those of us who follow Jesus, the Greatest Victor of All Time. Gotta remind myself of that more often!

Alien Encounter of a Different Kind

Were you lucky enough to experience Alien Encounter at Walt Disney World before its disappeared? It only lasted a fun ten years, but Did you know plans were almost approved to add this thrilling and scary (but very fun!) attraction to the line-up at Disneyland? It's true.

Here's a piece of Imagineering's concept art to prove it. 

Tomorrowland circa 1967 was a world on the move. With innovative attractions and transportation systems on and above the ground, it was the place to be seen- and to be watched. But time made sure this park's Tomorrowland started looking to much like todayland. This attraction was to be one of the stars of the renewed "Tomorrowland 2055". 

Why didn't the scary show make the cut? Two main events: the over budget Disneyland Paris and parent feedback from the frightening attraction already built at Florida's Magic Kingdom. Cold feet and lack of cash meant this alien would stay foreign to Disneyland - for good.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Alice Goes Down

If you're a fan of this Fantasyland classic, you'd better get over to Disneyland prior to March 9th. The Disney Parks Blog just announced that Alice in Wonderland will go down for an extended refurbishing. This means OSHA requirements will be met by changing the outside of the attraction once and for all. Hopefully, the Imagineers have great plans to meet the requirements without losing the whimsy. With laws so screwed up in California, who knows what is next.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Epcot's Nine Dragons

If this were California Adventure circa 2001, any Disney park fan would expect the restaurants to have layered detail upon detail. But, it's Epcot, a park that opened in 1982 with a magnificent array of detail found in amazing attractions, quaint shops, and yes, distinctive restaurants. Back then, a quick stroll around World Showcase was a journey to places both exotic and more accessible to us in the USA.  

The China showcase remains one of my favorites. The film is still stunning if a bit disjointed by the most recent upgrade. My last visit to Walt Disney World in 2009 ended with our last night there. The park was closing after Illuminations, and we walked around the Mexico / China side of World Showcase to exit. I had heard that Nine Dragons Restaurant had been remodeled, so I wanted to take a peak inside. 

Opening the door, I found this beautiful glass mural depicting two dragons fighting for a rare pearl. Beautiful! With no one inside, I took the time to pull out my camera and take a shot. Isn't it an impressive piece of art?

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Downton Abbey Season Four Wrap-Up

To quote Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities as a very appropriate way to wrap up Season Four of Downton Abbey: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." 

Aside from the expected story line of how Lady Mary will survive her beloved Matthew's death, the fourth year of the series seemed to play out like an elongated cruise on television's Love Boat. It seemed everyone was eventually bitten by the bug- even Thomas Barrow, who seems more in love with himself than ever.

As perhaps expected, the most powerful performances came in episode one. Michelle Dockery's deft handling of Mary's widowhood was surpassed only by Penelope Wilton's subtle and extremely moving portrayal of a mother grieving her only son. Not to be outdone, Maggie Smith's delicate engagement of Mary with a rare confession of love for her granddaughter ranks right up there with the best the show has offered this year.

The Daisy/Ivy/Alfred triangle has run its course and much silliness ensued before it ended. Mrs. Hughes, it seems, has turned into quite the plotter, by necessity manipulating circumstances to save the day. Even though she found herself in the middle of what could be a great storyline, Lady Edith continues to bore, yet it seems to be more of the writer's fault than that of Laura Carmichael. Of course, Cora is always silly, more than a bit naive to everyone around her, and her husband the Earl of Grantham continues his downhill slide into insignificance. Let's not talk about Rose, but I will say that Gary Carr as Jack Ross deserves an extended time on the air.

The "Desire of Suitors"- well, it is a quite well chosen description. Evelyn Napier never stood a chance. The name betrayed him from the beginning. Tom Cullen's Lord Gillingham is charming, kind, but overly enthusiastic much too early. Clearly, Mr. Blake is the lead contender for Mary's affections, positioned as the one with a backbone but a good heart- shades of Matthew. Yet, I'm rooting for Tony. I'd love to see him do and say something unexpected to win Mary's respect and help her realize she doesn't know everything about him. 

Rumor's of Michelle Dockery's departure persist. I do hope she hangs around long enough to bring a satisfying ending to the show.  It's her wit, her resilience, and her dedication to taking care of the estate that make her appealing and propel the reason for watching. At this point in the series, should she leave, the cast and story would be lost without her. 

(Photograph by Nick Briggs.)