Not Your Ordinary Disney Trip Report

It's not too often I get to visit a Disney park with someone outside my family in Denver. But here's a photo of me and my mom from our visit last year. What does it look like when an 81 year old woman goes to Disneyland after 35 years? Read it here for a surprising trip report.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

A Trip Down Harry Potter's Knockturn Alley

A taste of the dark side. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley is an incredible space. It's "hidden attraction", Knockturn Alley is filled with creepy spaces, eerie noises, and surprises at every turn. It's not for everyone. In fact, parents should think about the potential impact on their littlest ones. It can be nightmare inducing. And evil is real, just as good is- so who knows what is going on "behind the scenes". But from a design detail standpoint, Knockturn Alley is an excellent example of how Universal Creative is beating Disney at their own game. Ot at least, tying the game. More on that later.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Otherworldly Disney Springs

What I really want to write about today I cannot. So instead, here's a pretty sweet nighttime photo of Disney Springs and the namesake water area. In the daytime, it's an absolutely lovely blue/teal color. When the sun goes down, it's almost otherworldly. Think Pandora / Avatar mode. In many ways, Disney Springs is almost like a fifth park. The combination of great places to dine and terrific watering holes of the adult kind combine with great shopping to make a perfectly fun and relaxing several hours slide by. It was just what Walt Disney World needed. A resort type atmosphere with a festive twist.  

A true trip report to come...

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Our Latest Trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort

Returned a few days ago from a trip to Central Florida. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort were both on our to do list. This was the first time we stayed at a Universal hotel for the entire trip. I'm looking forward to sharing photos and full blown day by day reports, but I haven't even finished our trip to Italy and France. Maybe I'll do this trip in smaller chunks. Lots to tell both good and bad. That said, I have over 2,100 photos that will make for some great "Design Detail" posts in the future!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Walt Disney World: It's A LOT of Work to Have Fun! Universal? Not at All!

Want to ride the newest attractions at Walt Disney World? Get ready to work hard. Disney has made it a major pain- and we had it so much easier at the days we went to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. In fact, I was so frustrated by the experience, if I planned a similar trip for next month (or year), I'd eliminate one Disney park completely. Take a look at our successful Virtual Queue for Epcot's hot new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Notice the time. Notice the boarding group number. Notice the estimated wait. Was it worth just buying a Lightning Lane?  All this amounts to a cash grab, friends. Pure and simple greed. Stay tuned for the trip report.

 

So Much I Could Say

A very fun and very special visit from a great friend! It's so rare that this happens. And in this case, all I can say about it is that this was something God put together. You'd have to be there to know what I mean. But I can say with assuredness that this time changed the course of my life. And I'm so thankful!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Tokyo Disneysea's Sindbad's Storybook Voyage

In the world of Imagineering, Tokyo Disneysea is certainly a standout when it comes to design detail. Everything from the landscapes to the pathways and structures oozes thoughtful creativity in order to provide guests with the most immersive experience.

Sometimes the design details are not in the smallest, least noticed aspects of the park. They may be in the things unnoticed or unrealized, those items we take for granted.
 

Attraction posters just because.

Look at the photo above from the very enjoyable "8 Bit Theme Park" site. Look closely. This particular design detail is large, very large. In fact, It's Mount Prometheus. The centerpiece volcano of the park is perfectly placed between the two colorful domes found in the Arabian Coast section. I guess I should say the placement of the domes is carefully designed to offer an incredible view of Mount Prometheus smack in the center. 

Attraction posters once more. 

The land itself seems very overlooked, although that could change with the opening of Fantasy Springs because guests will have to travel through it in order to get into the newest section of the park. If they can even get in. Those in charge of Disney's second park in Japan have made it very difficult to do so. They are moving to a caste system of guests. It's a very sad business move and quite elitist.

Sinbad's Seven Voyages or Sindbad's Storybook Voyage- which do you prefer? The original and darker seven voyages had vibes of Pirates of the Caribbean in its approach. The new version is more playful and kid friendly. Both beautiful and engaging in its own way.

As we leave the Arabian Coast, I give you this beautiful photograph from Tokyo Cheapo. Enjoy it in a very large size.

Goodbye Test Track 2.0, Hello Test Track 3.0!

Epcot's Test Track is transforming again! Get ready for bits and pieces of the classic Future World attraction World of Motion to be gracefully Imagineered into version 3.0! Am I excited? You bet! Test Track 1.0 was brilliant, but 2.0 not so much. 

This first piece of concept art had already been revealed, giving just a glimpse of what is coming. But wait! There's more.

Here's the new art for the entrance (Top piece.) Do you love the clean lines and classic look? I do too. Like much of the ongoing transformation of Epcot, the best ideas seem to come from what was there before. Take a look at what World of Motion looked like when EPCOT Center opened:

It's Fun to Be Free, the theme song of World of Motion, would be the icing on the cake if it were to return to the ride. Even the queue. 

We won't see this one.

Did you know there's a tribute to World of Motion

in It's A Small World in Disneyland Paris?

I bet there's one thing we won't see. Original scenes full of Audio-Animatronics. But even a few would be nice. 

Why didn't the Epcot of latter years keep our interest? We are the reason Epcot had to change. Check out my detailed theory here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Attraction Poster Revealed

While I give the Imagineering team points for matching the style of the new attraction poster to the colors of the salt dame and buildings at its base, I really miss the old style detail of the ones done in the past. The one for Tiana's Bayou Adventure doesn't have the sharp, simple, but highly stylized look of the Disneyland posters. But it also doesn't have the lush detail of the newer Jungle Cruise ones either. This one is too cartoonish and rather forgettable. The first attraction based on Princess and the Frog deserves better. I hope the ride is better than the poster!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Through the Years

Time goes quickly! Our sweet little family in 1992 during an extended trip to Florida including a stop in Miami to see some relatives. Like any family, we've had our share of great trails and wonderful joys. Through it all, the goodness of God has shined through everything else. Sometimes, I just have to wait a little longer than I want to in order to see His hand at work. Thank God- literally- that my wonderful wife has not given up on her "cup half empty" husband!

The Beautiful Waters

Ah, the beautiful blue waters of Sorrento, Italy! I've been thinking and daydreaming of our Italian vacation. And then I realized I never finished up my trip report. Will I ever get to it? I guess at some point I will! But now I have a new job, and things are busier than they've been in awhile. That's a good thing!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

No Plastic, Pastel Colored Egg!

This is no plastic, pastel colored egg! This is an empty tomb. Cold and uninhabited! Praise God it is Easter Sunday morning- the celebration of the  Triumph of Jesus over sin and death- for our benefit! Christians the world over rejoice even if the world mocks us.

Jesus was always a champion. He was never the victim, He was the obedient Son who came to earth to die for a people He loves. That's you and me.  And He is the Returning King who IS coming back to judge the world of sin and to establish his kingdom forever. Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Have you given your life up to Him so that you don't have to pay the price of an eternity in Hell without Him?  

Heaven awaits for those who love Him and lay down their desires and their agendas in order to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. He paid the penalty for OUR sin on our behalf. The long list of what God sees as sin is long- and we've all done so many things we know we should not have done. You know those choices that dishonor us, others, and dishonor God? Yes, those.

This isn';t about who you are- It is about Who HE is! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God eternal. The One we will all answer to.

What do you say? Who is Jesus to you?

Easter Baskets and Candy Eggs

There's no need to sugarcoat it. All the malted milk ball eggs and chocolate candies in the basket can't hide the truth: Every human deserves the penalty of an eternity in Hell away from the God who created him. That's you, that's me. We all sin and fall short of God's glory. 

Even the very nicest person in the world who hasn't surrendered their life to Jesus has to pay that price for lying, cheating, stealing, or falling short of perfection. It doesn't matter if you call yourself Christian or follow any other religion or how you identify sexually. The penalty is the same. Death for eternity. Separation from God for eternity. Pain and suffering for eternity. But wait- there's hope!

For you and for me. 

Totally free- but it comes at a price- your life in exchange for His.

Yes, there's hope! In God's good plan, just for you and me and the whole earth - determined from the beginning of time- Jesus chose to lay down his life to redeem us from Hell. This sacrifice via the cross was just for you. It's a gift that cost him much pain and sorrow. "Good Friday"? It was good for us, but it was torturous for Jesus. Death was part of the path to Eternal Victory over it.

The only price is your total surrender to God. Not religion. Not hoping your good works are more than your evil actions. Not giving away all your money. 

If you receive this gift of eternal life by choosing and following Him, it's a gift back to Him that will bless him.  If you don't, prepare for your future as best you can. But God DOES love you, and He aches for you to come to Him.

Before EPCOT was EPCOT: The Original World Showcase Site Plan

Die hard Disney fans know that the original plans for EPCOT Center were actually two separate parks. You're looking at the site plan for World Showcase from the air, back when it was placed between the Polynesian Village and Contemporary Resorts. Not a Future World in sight! Each of the national pavilions would have equal frontage representation but could differ in actual size. It was a compelling project made even stronger when the two parks came together as one. 

EPCOT Center (long may it live on in our memories) at opening was one of the greatest achievement in Imagineering's very long list of accomplishments. If you're newer to the world of Disney parks, don't confuse this with the Epcot you see now. Do some research. You'll be amazed and then amused at the latest choices that have been made to transform it.

It's still my favorite theme park, and there are scores of additional articles, photographs, trips reports and lots of concept art celebrating was what and what is. Hopefully, this year's D23 will provide the what will come!

Opening Day at Disney's Greatest Theme Park

Could there be a more beautiful, more impressive, more incredibly designed theme park ever built by the Walt Disney Company and those ultra-talented Imagineers? Probably not. (I know, you expected me to say EPCOT Center.) This grand opening attraction poster gives just a glimpse of the wonders found within. From the monstrously huge, fire belching volcano of Mount Prometheus to the huge temple which holds Indiana Jones, the lovely Tokyo Disneysea continues to grow and amaze. The attractions of Fantasy Springs can't come soon enough! Then I can begin to plan a visit once things settle down. Now with a Tangled boat ride opening, I just can't wait much longer or keep putting off a trip. To see the lantern festival in person- wow, just wow!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Company.)