An EPIC Announcement

The game of chess changes for the Walt Disney World Resort on May 22, 2024. Today, Universal Orlando announced the grand opening sate of May 22 for the incredible looking Epic Universe! In this corner, we have the suits at Disney who are slow to build but have a rabid fan base. In the other corner, we have relative upstart Universal who has access to one of the most beloved franchises ever: Harry Potter. With two parks gaining a massive following and the Boy Who Lived soon to be present in three separate parks, Disney continues to lose days guests to their competition. Will Encanto and Indiana Jones sway the flow? Will a Cars themed Frontierland tip the scales? We will see. Let the real battle begin!

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Happy Birthday Richard Carpenter

Happy Birthday to the man behind the songs you love by singer and sister Karen Carpenter. Arranger, producer, singer, and songwriter, the very gifted Richard Carpenter is the guy that wrote some of the duo's famous hits. Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, I Need to Be in Love, and Only Yesterday are among the favorites of Carpenters fans all over the world. He's still working! 

Richard's latest project is a brand new compilation of their holiday hits called Christmas Once More. Just imagine using today's technology and removing all the background noise and such, bringing a fresh sheen to classic hits like Merry Christmas Darling, and you get the idea. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Richard! And thank you for the music.

Goodbye, Figment, Goodbye

My beloved mascot of EPCOT Center and Journey into Imagination. What is there to say about Figment that hasn't been said? Imagineer Tony Baxter created him with a dash of childish delight, and I just couldn't get enough of the attraction and theme song! Of course, it became obvious I just had to buy a stuffed version of this little dragon. Be it a Kodak project made it all the better! It's been over 40 years he's been at my home. My kids played with him, but over time, he was delegated to a dark corner of the closet. 

Quite an appropriate picture of how Disney CEOs Michael Eisner, Robert Iger, Bob Chapek, and Robert Iger again have treated him. They have largely ignored him, just pimping him out when they need a merchandise sale boost and want to convince unsuspecting park goers that they really do have the beloved Old Epcot in mind. 

As for me, as we pack up our life and move to a new home, it's time to admit that little purple dragon needs to move in to the afterlife. Tired eyes, broken horns, a sacking neck that doesn't sit straight, dirtied body, and a tear or two means it's time to say goodbye. So, goodbye, Figment, goodbye. One day, maybe a new generation of Disney CEOs- ones who can really dream with childlike wonder- will bring you an attraction worthy of your name...

Disneyland's First Coaster- The Matterhorn Bobsleds I Never Knew

When Imagineer Herb Ryman created a piece of concept art, it was instantly identifiable. Obviously, most of his work was for Disneyland and EPCOT Center. I've seen a lot, but I have never seen this one. It is gorgeous! Filled with vibrant blues and rich greens, his work here is among his most beautiful pieces. This captures all the raw energy and excitement of the world's first tubular steel roller coaster. It could only happen at Disneyland. 

Was the attraction's home in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland? It started out in the guidebooks as being listed in the land of the future, but it moved to the happiest land of all in the early 1970's. 

Walt Disney was ahead of his time, even back in 1959 when this beloved ride first opened to the public, he knew it would be a huge hit with guests. And it was! A mere 65 years later, the Matterhorn Bobsleds satisfies riders with a longing to hit its icy slopes, bringing laughter, smiles, and ...very sore necks and backs. I totally skipped it during my last few visits to the park.

I say tear it down.

And then rebuild it in the exact same location with modern technology and the same track route. It's a classic that we love, but we shouldn't be in pain in after we take a ride. Show it the love it deserves. Show the guests some respect. Do it now, and watch the lines increase once again. Please.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Most Beautiful Restaurant in Italy

When it comes to dining in Italy, the choices are astounding with the scale and scope of meals available. Sometimes, making a decision boils down to the old real estate adage: Location, location, location. Just where would you expect to find the most beautiful restaurant in Italy? Classic Rome? Along the canals of Venice? In the hillsides of Tuscany or the fashionable streets of Milan? No, the most beautiful and world famous restaurant in a country of top choices is to be found in Sorrento. Ristorante ‘o Parrucchiano la Favorita has to be seen to be truly understood.

An unassuming facade gives no hint of the luxuries and variety of dining rooms within. It's almost as if the owners did not want you to discover the place. Beginning in 1868, yes 1868, this place has been a feast for the eyes and the taste buds due to the vision of Antonino Ercolano, a seminarian with a passion for food- and an eye for beautiful settings in which to relax and enjoy it.

We stumbled upon this amazing spot almost by accident. By this point in our trip, we were preparing ourselves to fly to Paris. We had one full day left before departing in the morning, so we wrapped up our touring by wandering the stunning avenues of the town. (Our trip report begins here. Rome is all you are led to believe it is by the travel writers! It is now one of my favorite travel locations.)

Sticking our heads inside and walking into the first two dining rooms, we knew we had to return the next day for our last dinner in the country. Reservations in hand, we awaited what we knew would be a very memorable evening. And was it ever!

Two official photos- the one at the top of the article and this one directly above.

Walking past room after room, each with its own unique personality, we ascended multiple levels until we reached the Lemon Garden. Have you ever dined inside a greenhouse? It's a wonderful experience! The lush greenery that only God could create mixes with the elegance of glass and metal to create something fresh and charming. 

Below are a few more shots of the different dining rooms:

Now, you would expect it would be very, very expensive to dine here- and you'd be wrong.  Ristorante ‘o Parrucchiano la Favorita was actually quite reasonable, only about $5-10 more per person than some of our other meals. Surprising, right?

Now, would the food match the show stopping surroundings? Most definitely. (You can see their menu here.) 

OK- just one more official photo.

The birthplace of Cannelloni. Yes, this is where it all began. For me, I had my share of pasta and was in the mood for something entirely different. I chose the grilled tenderloin with its very flavorful pink pepper sauce. The roasted potatoes that came with it were mouth watering. Just delicious. But in all honesty, the standout dish was the simple tomato and mozzarella cheese salad. Sometimes, the most common dishes are taken to the next level, and this was the case. The vine tomatoes were grown in their own greenhouse, and they are famous in the region for their robust flavor. With the perfect glass of wine, this starter dish was light and refreshing. 

In a restaurant that seated- I think I remember our waiter saying 800 - it was a well loved location for wedding receptions and corporate parties. Yet, in spite of its size, the place felt warm and intimate. The service was also warm and friendly in true Italian style. When you toss in two of your best friends, my wife and I had one more perfect evening. God's hand of blessing felt evident that night. I can't explain it, but if you have that personal relationship with him through Jesus, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

No, this wasn't a Dine or Ditch review like the other ones I've written for Disney locations, but I can say with all certainty and no reservation at all- Eat at this place if you ever get the chance!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Jurassic World: Dinosaurs are Never Extinct

If you've ever really wondered why the suits at Disney have given up on the Dinoland U.S. A. portion of Disney's Animal Kingdom and have plans to turn it into Tropical Americas, Jurassic Work Rebirth might be the answer you're looking for.

 

It's not beyond Disney to create compelling stories that demand sequels and raise subsequent generations knowing the characters and music. But they just can't do it when it comes to prehistoric creatures of any kind. The market is just cornered by Universal's Jurassic Park  / World. They own dinosaurs just like Disney owns mermaids and now snowmen. 

I'd venture to say their dinosaur franchise is every bit as powerful as anything in Marvel, maybe moreso. It's definitely a countdown to extinction for Dinoland U.S.A. another's nothing anyone can do about it. Dinosaurs rule- and they belong to Universal. 

Santa's Reindeer Round-Up at Disneyland

Pluto plays a reindeer and the musical sounds of a Country Christmas fill the air. Yes, Christmas does beat Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, particularly in Walt's park. There's just something intangible but heartwarming about it all. The thrills of Halloween give way to the charm of the most delightful time of year. Hearts are softened and people are nicer, friendships more precious, and family time more treasured. Even times of worship in local churches ask on a fresh significance as believers celebrate the Savior of the World, Jesus of Nazareth.

Santa's Reindeer Round-Up was a fun little show that highlighted Disneyland as only the Imagineers could reimagine it for the season. The show didn't last long- and the photos from 2008- but the memories remain.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Mature Garden

The changing landscape of a "mature" garden. The colors of patina of the garden. Fall is a beautiful time of year! God's rainbow colored leaves change to even brighter, richer, deeper hues. The weather is milder with warm days, cooler nights, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy activities with family and friends. I just love the colors of the world this time of year!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Do You Remember?

We remember every year! Today is the 21st of September, and in honor of my youngest daughter, I want to play this iconic song by Earth Wind & Fire. Of course, I would love to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to this song. Maybe one day, but for now... Ba Dee Ah Dee Ah on!

 

From the Mouths of Children

One of my all time favorite photos! Who can resist this? An innocent child watching his grandmother and his father worship the one, true, living God! And then doing the same? Even better. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Walt Disney Story Florida Style

The Walt Disney Story in Florida's Magic Kingdom was always a must-do attraction. There was something very fitting about it all. Although the man himself was long gone by the time the attraction opened, putting the Walt into Walt Disney World seemed at once honoring and genteel. Certainly, the multimedia attraction was a precursor to Hollywood Studios' great One Man's Dream. But there was more. Among all the awards on display and memorabilia, there was also a small side show exhibit on Disney's great unbuilt Western River Expedition. I believe the Audio-Animatronic owl was named Hoot. He shared a bit about what was coming to Frontierland in the near future, one that never materialized. Oh, how I miss the days that the Walt Disney Company was proud of our country!

The Real Brilliance Behind Dark Universe

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It's a mouthful, but it may well be the attraction everyone is talking about when Epic Universe opens in 2025. What's behind this new land and why is Universal Orlando going to play a very significant role in something no one is talking about? Check out this video:

Back to the monsters unchained. I think this one will give Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry a run for its money. And sounds like Universal is betting on the whole of Darkmoor as well.

Let Us Always Remember, and Let Us Put Our Hope in God Almighty

Please remember this day. Don't remember just the evil events, though. Yes, it was a day of tragedy, but it was also a day for heroes! Big, big heroes. When radical Islamists decided to attack the United States of America on our land on this day in 2001, we as an American people came together as one. For a time, we were all Americans first before we were anything else. 

Now, let us gather together now in prayer for our nation and to think again of the sacrifices made. There was a loss of family and friends because of heroic acts on behalf of those who loved this country more than their own lives. Let us preserve our freedoms and not hand them over to other nations to destroy or politicians who will remove what made this country great. Let us honor God most of all, and Praise His Name spite of all the evil around us and evil done against us.

It's A Family Affair

 

Simple timestamp of September 2024. Nothing more, nothing less.

Epcot Attraction Poster That I Forgot to Share

The character infusion at EPCOT began years ago, long before Frozen Ever After overtook Maelstrom and the Three Cabarellos axed El Rio del Tiempo. Some additions were more subtle, like the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, an interactive eye spy game that took younger visitors and their families into several pavilions to hunt for clues and solve a mystery. The attraction poster was a nice touch to advertise something unique, rather fun, and an introduction to the park's future.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)