Fixing the New Fantasyland

Love it, loathe it, or something in between, the Magic Kingdom's latest addition is here to stay. The New Fantasyland  aka Fantasy Forest etc. is the new model for that area of the classic Disney park. For now seen only at Walt Disney World.

Aesthetically, it is lovely to look at. I haven't been there yet, but on line photos and videos give a great sense of what has been accomplished. Ariel's Undersea Adventure is a solid "D" Ticket attraction in an "E" Ticket building- a direct clone of what was once a California Adventure exclusive. It's not a perfect old school classic, but it is enjoyable and draws in the younger crowd.

Belle's village charms, and a walk through attraction to meet her seems to satisfy to some degree. Just as The Little Mermaid's story is told through music, so is Beauty and The Beast told that way. But there's something missing with no music to be found. 

Time to dust off the plans for this attraction once proposed for Disneyland Paris. This old style Audio-Animatronic attraction similar to the Enchanted Tiki Room would complete the experience. Imagine Lumiere as our host with a cast of characters from the film entertaining us in song. I'd say that make a charming addition to the area.

As I said, this idea comes from an abandoned show once planned for Disneyland Paris. Location was already set, but financial strains changed the plans. If you look around the the castle, there's a little alcove with an area for an opening just wide enough for an attraction entrance. It would have been back in there.

Theater style Audio Animatronic shows may be too old-school for current thrill seeking audiences. But isn't Fantasyland just the place for them? If Mickey's Philharmagic can find a home in Florida, certainly this unbuilt gem can fit perfectly in the New Fantasyland.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Search for Karen Carpenter

Over at the wonderful A&M Corner site, a few of us Carpenters /  Karen Carpenter fans have been discussing the artwork surrounding her solo album. It's been a lively discussion- and we pretty much all agree that A&M Records' decision to not release it in 1980 was a critical turning point in her career and life. We've been searching for a particular photograph used as the back cover of it but to no avail. (Go to this thread.)

If anyone reading this has information or personal involvement regarding the original artwork for the album, drop me a line here or go to the forum. Thanks. 

No, the photo above isn't it, burt it is one of my favorites. From the "A Kind of Hush" photo sessions. (Click on it for full size.)

Rare Universe of Energy Art

Well, here's my morning puzzle! I was looking for an entirely different piece of art for a new post, and I ran across this one instead. By its description, its an Imagineering piece on the Universe of Energy, Future World, EPCOT. Proposed, never built. Probably never will be. Does anyone out there have more information on this?

Correction: This may in fact be artwork for an unrealized concept- the Science and Technology pavilion. Anyone know more?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

60 Years of Imagineering

Summer's here and that means D23 Summer 2013 edition is on its way. In addition to the expected front page photo of Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger, there is a nice article and back cover art about Imagineering. Ex-Imagineer Tony Baxter gets some props- just look at what is featured.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Modern Day Monster

Regardless of your view of abortion, there is no justifying the monstrous acts of Dr. Kermit Goshnell. This modern day monster murdered children post delivery. Post delivery!?! Is there any other word for this than murder? No, but some- not all- pro-choice believers will make excuses for his actions because they have "no choice" but to defend a position so strongly defended and held even if it is wrong. 

Are unplanned pregnancies a problem? Yes- and I know them well- they've impacted my family more than once. Is the solution murder of innocent children? Absolutely not. Whether or not well meaning people adopt unwanted children does not make others' pro abortion beliefs and the murder of innocent children acceptable to God. Any way you view it, it's a straw man argument to try to justify it. 

(Photograph by Yong Kim AP)

Overlooked Attractions at Disneyland

With space at a premium and lines everywhere for the large attractions Disneyland is famous for, the smaller experiences are well worth exploring. Here are some of my favorites: 

 1- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Walt Disney loved America and was justifiably proud of its culture and achievements. Disneyland reflects the man's heart. At opening, Frontierland represented the pioneering spirit of the people and Main Street U.S.A. its heart. In the years before he died, Walt was able to see one of his heroes come to life, Abraham Lincoln. This Audio-Animatronic masterpiece debuted at the 1964 World's Fair, but made its way to Disneyland at closing. It's more effective than Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents found in the Magic Kingdom. There, guests are overwhelmed by the spectacle of all the presidents at the expense of the message and its power. Nowadays, as folks rush past its entrance on their way to Indiana Jones Adventure and Splash Mountain, Mr. Lincoln remains in quiet dignity, reflecting an old school Disneyland and its early charm. 

 2- The Hungry Bear Restaurant. OK, I do not always eat here, but there's that intangible aspect to this place that draws me back repeatedly. A combination of peaceful surroundings, the sounds of nature in the middle of Anaheim, and the fact few visitors ever go all the way out to the bear end. the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch the world go by. 

 3- Sailing Ship Columbia. The Mark Twain Riverboat may get all the glory- especially on those rare occasions when it is possible to sail at night, but its the Columbia that impresses me more when I take a chance to explore the ship and its lower deck. The attention to detail is part of the appeal, and this nod to America's nautical history is just another example of a park that is a national treasure for good reason. 

 4- The French Market. Not an attraction in the traditional sense, but its is definitely one for me! There's something so appealing about a leisurely meal here, listening to a little jazz, and sitting at a cafe table, sipping a mint julep. It's not the real thing, but its as close as we can get to New Orleans west of the Mississippi. Besides, for Disney park lovers, the real thing has a hard time competing with Pirates of the Caribbean on one side and the Haunted Mansion on the other! 

 5- Alice in Wonderland. Admittedly, I do not always make it on this gem of an attraction, as for the last two decades my visits are shorter, limited to one day, and now with two parks to explore. Timing is everything, and if I get into Fantasyland later than 9 or 10am, the line is already trouble. Most guests prefer Peter Pan or Mr. Toad to a zany trip with Alice, and I generally do as well. All said, when I do ride, I am always surprised by just how clever and good the attraction is! The original Disney inspired characters are much warmer and likable then those found in the Tim Burton / Johnny Depp revamp, and the music and narration adds just the right whimsy to the proceedings- all the way to the explosive ending! 

 6- Mickey's Toontown. Like much of Fantasyland, as an adult male, I avoid this area of the park when the crowds settle. On that rare day when the numbers are light, I'll venture into the space to enjoy all the gags the Imagineers put in place. Surprises everywhere- many overlooked by the little ones enjoying attractions designed just for them. 

 7- Fire House. Since one of my daughters married a fireman, I decided to stop into the fire house on one of my recent visits. The number of artifacts found inside surprised me, causing me to stop and remember that Main Street U.S.A. is meant for exploring and not just for shopping. A ride on the Fire Engine is fun, but its what's upstairs that is even more appealing: Walt Disney's own apartment, where a light is always burning in tribute to the man that started it all.

(I highlighted the piece with a Disneyland Map from 1958- just for a bit of fun.) 

Harry's Wizarding World Expands in 2014

Gotta hand it to the folks at Universal Creative. They have come up with an innovative plan as they continue to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. First step: Bring the boy wizard to Islands of Adventure. Immediate acclaim for a state of the art attraction The Forbidden Journey. But now here is where it gets very interesting for me. Step Two: Add Harry to Universal Studios park, and connect both locations by a train- a combination transportation device and attraction. Creating two parks that are now a must see for any Harry fan traveling to Florida. And finish it off with a trip down Diagon Alley and a roller coaster journey themed to Gringott's Bank. Add in shops, restaurants. Instant classic- and for me, one less day at Walt Disney World.

(Artwork copyright Universal Creative.)

Gloria Estefan Sings The Standards

Well now... September 10, 2013 seems oh so very far away. That's the release date for Gloria Estefan's new album, The Standards. The way I see it, it is about time that she covers some classics! Can you imagine her warm, smoky voice doing the great tunes of the 20th Century? Boy, I can! Can't wait to hear her versions of What a Wonderful World and The Way You Look Tonight. 

If you want a little preview of what she can do with this genre, listen to her fairly recent duet with Tony Bennett on "Who Can I Turn To?" or "Come Rain or Come Shine" with Frank Sinatra. 

Where I Want To Be!

From the great photo site Tours Departing Daily comes this photograph of where I want to be. Cars Land. At Disney California Adventure. Radiator Springs Racers to be specific. And then I'd like to cap off the ride with a breakfast at Flo's V-8 Cafe. It's almost summer, and it's time for a road trip.

(Photograph copyright Tours Departing Daily.)

Cinco de Mayo at Epcot

Last year's post on Cinco de Mayo was so good, here it is again: 

Today, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's conquest of the French during the time of the Civil War in the United States. Its the perfect day to be with family and friends over chips, salsa, and frosty margaritas celebrating... at Epcot's gorgeous Mexico World Showcase!

This one pavilion has the unique distinction in all of World Showcase of being mostly indoors. From a casual view, all guests can see is a waterside restaurant, a small taco stand, and a large, imposing pyramid. Once inside the pyramid, it's a showstopper! In shades of Disneyland's Blue Bayou, night skies dominate, and the music of mariachis fills the air. The quaint central plaza built in the beautiful Colonial style includes shops, a small museum, and a waterfront restaurant. Colorful lanterns hang in the air while mariachis play. A distant volcano spews smoke, and a smaller pyramid just on the far side of the river beckons further exploration. 

Although the very charming, dignified, and mysterious El Rio del Tiempo attraction has now been replaced by the escapades of three fowl friends, the pavilion is still a cause for celebration. Margaritas, anyone? No? How about a boat ride through history instead?

At the opening of EPCOT Center in 1982, the Disney Imagineers set a new creative standard for themselves. Walt Disney's EPCOT- Creating the New World of Tomorrow by Richard R. Beard details the creation and execution of this cutting edge park- the first non-Magic Kingdom style playground ever built by the Mouse.

Let's look at a few pieces of concept art and photos of the splendid Mexico pavillion circa opening year. (All images are able to be enlarged.)

When we first visited EPCOT Center in 1983, this pavilion was a clear favorite among all the World Showcase countries represented. The main medium for telling the story of the country was a Disney first: a large part of the signature attraction was told through the medium of dance, but any Disney fan will also see the strong influences of other attractions, most notably If You Had Wings, and old Magic Kingdom favorite.

Inside the large temple, a small Mexican village is darkened by eternal nighttime, and there is some celebration happening!  A perfect afternoon lunch sitting waterside sipping margaritas and eating Queso Fundido made it tempting to do nothing else, but the boats cruising El Rio del Tiempo got us get out of our seats.

The boat cruise was designed to be much more grand, closer on the scale of Pirates of the Caribbean in length and immersion. However, the budgets were blown, time was short before opening day, and adjustments had to be made. Such is the life of an Imagineer! Their accomplishment still impresses, so on with the journey!


Once aboard, our departure onto the river is at once peaceful and mysterious. As  we enter another temple, and our adventure begins with a dose of Disney magic: Encountering a high priest, dancers soon surround, moving to ancient rhythms. In its original form, this section was the showpiece of the attraction. The history of the people makes for a stunning story, and here, it was told in an equally stunning presentation.

The doll filled celebration of the Day of the Dead startles with the flavors of It's a Small World, but it's only a small segment of the ride. The contrast from one style used to tell the story to another is almost jarring, but it does keep the guests from getting bored! 

We continue into other regions depicting the Mexico of the Travel Channel: Beaches, parties, and tourist sites. It's a step down from the elegance of what we saw earlier, but it is playful and enjoyable. The music is memorable, and any EPCOT Center lover worth his title as fan can hum the song even while reading this post!


The Imagineers did an excellent job capturing the culture of our friends south of the border. The end result reflected a true labor of love even if doused with a shot of economic reality. It was a beloved attraction that only needed a tune up. However, the suits at Disney were looking for a new way to make a buck once sponsorship had ended, so in came the movie tie-in.

Recent revisions to the boat ride employed an insertion of The Three Caballeros film and Donald Duck and friends. It's sassy and kid-friendly, but just plain wrong. This major mistake stripped the dignity and sophistication imbred into EPCOT Center since its inception. It is a trend which must stop if the Walt Disney Company wishes to capture the travel dollar of discriminating guests looking for something different than a new style Magic Kingdom.

There's plenty of reasons to celebrate Mexico and her culture today- and I wish that I could do it by going back in time to ride Epcot's gorgeous but long gone, El Rio del Tiempo.  There are dozens of YouTube videos, but one of my favorites is here.

The past is the past, but what a glorious time it was back at EPCOT Center's opening...
 Vaya con Dios!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Missing Two Old School Divas- Donna and Whitney

Sure, both American Idol and The Voice provide viewers and listeners with some new and great talent- and actually, Idol is far more successful at this than The Voice. 

That said, after last week's shows, it's hard not to miss a couple of old school divas- Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. Contestants on the competitions tend to fail miserably when that choose to undertake songs from either ladies. That says a lot, doesn't it?

Candice Glover Sparkles on American Idol

Hardly seems right, but many are already predicting that Candice Glover will be passed over when American Idol crowns its next champion. It's a shame!

Here is a beautiful soul with a warm and amazing voice. Elegant, classy, and every bit as marketable as Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller and Kree Harrison. When Candice slides into her sophisticated version of Billie Holiday's "You've Changed", time seems to stand still. Just stunning. Harry Connick Jr. rightly praised her, and judges Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson did as well. (Am I forgetting someone? Oh yes, Nicki Minaj, the most annoying judge to ever dis-grace the panel. Get rid of her and watch the show's ratings rise again.)

Candice is consistent week after week, yet sometimes she chooses just the right combination of song and arrangement to show that she is an artist and not just a contestant. A great artist at that. There's a hint of early Whitney Houston's gorgeous higher notes,  the "money's in the basement" lower tones of ADELE, (love that quote by Karen Carpenter!), and at times, the breezy delivery of old school jazz singers. Quite the combination.

Will I be buying her album? We'll see who produces her! But I want to. Will you?

Rating the Latest Attractions from Disney Imagineering

Could it be? Are we on the verge of a renaissance at Walt Disney Imagineering? There's certainly some new magic spread around in these brand new attractions, but the answer to this question depends on which park and resort you examine!  

Let's look at some of these, and I'll give them a letter grade- just like in school. A few of these, I have seen for myself. Others, well, I'll have to go by a combination of Disney propaganda, on line videos, and just a bit of subjective observation. And lastly, I will not review shows or parades. Still interested? C'mon, everybody, here we go...

Hong Kong Disneyland is on most theme park fans' mind right now, as it's multi-year expansion concludes, so let's start there:

Toy Story Land- You'd think a theme park land focused on the vastly popular movies of the same name would show immense creativity and flair. You'd be wrong. In either Disney Studios Paris or Hong Kong Disneyland, the execution of the concept falls flat, reading just like it is- souped up carnival rides. There's little to be found that's clever. So different than Mickey's Toon Town at Disneyland. Interestingly, Toy Story Mania (or Midway Mania at California Adventure) is not found in either park. That attraction ranks a C+ at best. The rest of the area, I'd give a D. Cheap, cheap, cheap.

Grizzly Gulch- The Runaway Mine Cars certainly earn their A rating. Every on-line video seems to show an attraction that packs a first class punch. Take one part Expedition: Everest, one part California Screamin' and throw in huge doses of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for atmosphere, and you've got a family friendly thrill ride worth its wait. Even with its namesake peak stolen from California Adventure, cute but mischievous Audio-Animatronic bears and a great thrill provide a dynamic storyline. The rest of this water-logged Frontierland is fairly boring, earning a B- rating at best.

Mystic Point- Almost as if to punctuate the build out plan, Disney Imagineers saved the best for last. Taking on an original look at Disney's chestnut Haunted Mansion, Hong Kong's Mystic Manor is so excellently done, it may in fact become the centerpiece of the entire park. Who can resist a mesmerizing adventure in an exotic location, with enchanted objects, and a unique ride system guaranteeing return riders? This stunning attraction is everything the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom should be but isn't. A+

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom reveals its own new land, a Fantasyland that never was. It's full of different flavors and experiences, even if it is only partially complete.

Let me say this up front- there's plenty to like in the New Fantasyland if you're satisfied by environments rich with detail, varied textures, and plenty of first class dining and shopping options. That piece ranks a clear, strong A from the fans appreciative of what the Imagineers built into this revamp of a tired space. When we take a close look at each individual attraction, it doesn't look all that great...

Enchanted Tales with Belle. If we look at this as solely a new generation meet and greet, it's a pretty solid A.  There's a compelling story, rich detail, beloved characters effectively brought to life through Audio-Animatronics and wonderful special effects. However, since Disney is looking at this story space as an attraction, I will as well. Therefore, the rating drops to a shaky C, on par with other smaller attractions found at the flagship kingdom.

Journey of the Little Mermaid- As discovered by many others before me, there was much more potential for an "E Ticket" attraction than what actually materialized. Smaller budget or was it smaller mindsets of those in charge, thinking this downsized attraction could compete with Universal's Harry Potter? Either way, Ariel deserves better than this. Although the queue stuns, the attraction itself rates a B, reminding us of what could have been. Another missed opportunity.

The last piece now opened is Storybook Circus.  Much like the rest of the reimagined land, the attractions are secondary to the atmosphere. A revamped Dumbo and kids' coaster earn a C, but exploring the area is bound to make me think more was planned and less was achieved. 

Let's move on to the West Coast, where Anaheim's second Disney park completed its own multi-year "expansion".

California Adventure has seen its own renaissance of sorts, turning an ugly duckling into an emerging swan. As with Florida's Fantasyland redo, some parts satisfy and others fall short. But the effort has done its trick. Turnstiles are spinning like never before. 

Buena Vista Street- Detail upon detail creates an opening act every bit as successful as Disneyand Paris' Main Street. That is saying a lot! The scale just feels right with Disneyand right next door, providing a sense of place and charm the park sorely needed. It's an instant classic- warm, inviting, and Disney-esque. I downgraded the original A rating to an A-, mostly due to the inclusion of only one attraction, the Red Car Trolleys. 

Paradise Pier Redo- Sorry, Imagineers and pencil boys, this quick and dirty carnival is much better then its predecessor, but the land is still only worthy of a C rating.  With the B rating of Mermaid, a tepid remake of a few carnival rides, and a C+ arcade shoot 'em up, only the evening show of World of Color makes the land a must see. The area that is a success is the revamp of the eateries and the buildings that house them. Elegant and very worthy of what the old school Imagineers would have built. 

Cars Land- I'd be a harsh fool intent on just dissing Disney if I gave this land and its premier attraction, Radiator Springs Racers anything but an A+. Disney has not created anything this spectacular since Tokyo Disney Sea. Sure, two smaller attractions round out the land, but the environment is so rich, so convincing, so mesmerizing, that it satisfies as well as an afternoon in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. Every nook and cranny has to be seen to be believed. Worthy of a trip west to see it for yourself!

Well, that about does it for this round of the Rating of Disney's recent attractions. If I know anything about the suits, or at least the accountants, these parks will remain stagnant for awhile. But the future could be bright if the Imagineers are allowed to really dig in and do what they do best.

(Photographs and art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

42 Hits a Home Run

Generally, I am not a big fan of sports hero stories, although I have succumbed at times to the hoopla surrounding a particularly good movie. 42 stands among the best.

Harrison Ford - I am a huge fan- has never been better, redeeming himself for making Indiana Jones 4 and that awful script. This true life "buddy" movie of sorts belongs to newcomer Chadwick Boseman. He is incredible as baseball's Jackie Robinson. 

Everyone knows the story about how the two men partnered to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. What they don't know is what lies beneath- and that is what gives this film its power. Go see it- worth the money, the time, and the emotional energy.

Tomorrow, Science, and the Future at Disneyland

While I am taking my dear sweet time finishing up my series on Disneyland Attraction Posters and the last ones, (a look at the posters for Tomorrowland),  I thought I'd give you a little taste of the future circa the 1960s.

Above is a wonderful piece of Imagineering artwork for a new attraction, Adventures in Science. Pretty cool, huh? What's every bit as cool- and certainly equally retro in approach- is the attraction's proposed entrance, seen below. (Sorry for the minute size.)

Perhaps fittingly, the concept never really appeared as originally planned, and instead transformed into the beloved Adventure Thru Inner Space, where guests were miniaturized. (Your spelling may vary!)

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Food and Merchandise Rule the Disney Parks Blog

Is it just me or does the Disney Parks Blog seem to be taking a definite turn towards pushing the dining and merchandise options in the parks? Seems more often than not, there's a plug for something new to buy, some dining experience, or even some new place to travel with either the Vacation Club, the Cruise Line, or such. There's less and less about what is actually happening at the parks themselves and more and more about movie promotion. I'm seeing a continual de-emphasis on the things we love about the parks to start with and why we go.

Of course, this just reflects the lack of continual "plussing" to the Disney Company's main resort: Walt Disney World.  Sure, there's some new and relatively minor additions. Yet, even the "largest expansion ever of the Magic Kingdom", the New Fantasyland puts its focus on dining and shopping versus good, old fashioned attractions. And in the bigger scheme of things, well, that's just greedy and evil.