The Story of Casa Bonita- from South Park to Casa Bonita Mi Amor!

If you live in Denver, Casa Bonita is an institution! Known for cliff divers, a gorilla, sopapillas and inedible food, it was a must-see tourist attraction. Once it was put on South Park, it became world famous. In 2021, South Park's creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker purchased the fading gem of Denver kitsch and made it famous again. Rumor has it the food is now good but reservations impossible to get. The new Casa Bonita Mi Amor! tells the tale of the transformation. Trust me, it will be worth watching!

Epcot's Communicore- Explore, Discover, and Relax

If you've read this blog for any measure of time, you are well aware of my love for the original EPCOT Center. The park was a masterpiece of design as much as Epic Universe will be for this generation of theme park fans. At the center of Future World is the iconic Spaceship Earth. On the sides of this massive structure was Communicore, duo crescents that offered an enticing display of interactive hands on attractions that complemented the main pavilions. This little piece of concept reveals inviting, wide open spaces. It was a great place to relax and explore until you were ready to go on the park's original, great attractions such as Journey into Imagination, World of Motion, and Universe of Energy. A park of optimism, fun, and ambition. Boy, I miss those days!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

God is Still Good

After going to a memorial service today for the 20 year old son of our friends, hearing of the death of one of our other friends' grandsons yesterday at just one year old, and going to the services for a 90 plus year old woman who passed after a long illness, it's been a hard two weeks. But this I will say- God is still good. Yes, He is good.  Still. Regardless of circumstances. My Bible tells me that, and it is true. And we've all been through seasons of deep loss and searing pain. And yet He is good. Jesus always remains loving and caring- even if we do now understand what God allows. Always.

Sean "Diddy" Combs Deserves to Die

It's just staggering. Drugging and raping victims, throwing "freak off" sex parties, grooming famous young men and those who want to be for sexual favors, trafficking, and possibly even murder. These are the kinds of crimes linked to musician Sean "Diddy" Combs. The list of celebrities who will be exposed for participating in these sex parties will shock the nation. So will Diddy's victims of grooming. Yet, justice should be served.

Unfortunately, Diddy is just among a very long list of Hollywood and business types that have been exposed for their offenses. Harvey Weinstein, actor Kevin Spacey, film producer Bryan Singer, beloved singer Michael Jackson, financier Jeffrey Epstein, and many others, have all had to face the music one way or another. 

When exposed for the bad decisions we make- in this case repeatedly- we get desperate. When crimes are punished, it would be natural to consider a quick death by suicide. Certainly, all their victims have probably considered it as well, making healing hard if nor next to impossible. Or forgiveness, for that matter.

Rape ruins people, destroying lives, and impacting families for generations. (Yes, mine too.) The percentage of women experiencing sexual assault or rape is surprisingly high- and the numbers of male victims are increasing as well. Evil, yes, but it's also the human condition. It's not excusable. God certainly doesn't excuse it as it breaks His heart to see a people He created so engulfed with selfishness and utter depravity. He will judge our sin, and we all have fallen short in various ways. 

It's easy to point fingers. 

Because God's laws are designed to protect our lives and lead us on a path full of goodness and mercy, we suffer when we walk a different direction. Pain is the end result when we walk our own way. If you're like me, it's a lesson we learn over and over again. 

Honestly, in the eyes of a loving and holy and pure God, we deserve nothing less than death and punishment. Yet- and I so thank God for this- because He loves us so, He sent Jesus to earth to die for the sins of all men and pay the price in full that a holy God requires. We can choose to believe in Jesus' own words - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me" and find the wholeness, healing, new constantly look for. If we believe that he died and rose again, it is ours. It's a very gracious offer. One paid for at a very high price. Or we can continue on in our search for fulfillment and pleasure and power in disobedience to God.

Yes, Sean "Diddy" Combs deserves to die. So do we. Thank God, we can all have a fresh beginning and full forgiveness by turning our our lives to Jesus and walking another direction. What will Harvey do now? Hard to say. But I have to focus on my own choices. So do you.

A Kind and Considerate Man

He's definitely not the biggest Disney theme park fan in the family, but I'll forgive him for that! My eldest son is kind, funny as can be, and surprisingly sentimental. Here he is wearing a Kodak sweatshirt to honor his grandparents who have now both passed on to be with the Lord. (And of course, his lovely wife is in this photo too.) If you know my son, you know how blessed you are to have him in your life. 

Disney's Real Plan for an Australian Magic Kingdom and More

Why is Australia not in EPCOT Center's World Showcase? The real answer may surprise you, as it once was on the map and in the model! Would you believe a Disney entertainment complex in Sydney could be the real reason it was never added? Well, read on! As you can tell, from looking at he model above, the Sydney Opera House would have made a great waterside landmark. But it never came to be, nor did that contemporary looking building that was a version of the American Adventure. Or even the new proposed structure for Imagineer Zach Riddley's Epcot redo. Cancelled as well. (If you look closer, by the way, there's a few other pavilions in the model, including one that eventually was built but in an entirely different location.)

Nice Opera House!

Brazil was coming- and you can see the original model here. Another cancellation for the "improved" Epcot of 2022/3/4.  EPCOT Center was my favorite Disney Florida park. But I'm getting less enamored by it as the suits continue to turn it into another version of the Magic Kingdom.  

Now, what about Disney's abandoned plans for a themed entertainment complex down under? They were very real!

Plans for Disneyland Australia resurface in a new documentary that makes quite a compelling case for the idea that the Walt Disney Company really was looking at locations down under. Was it a new Magic Kingdom, something along the lines of Disney Springs, or a combination of both? Let's look at some art, a video, and a copy of a proposal.

This piece of concept art shows a Magic Kingdom on the bay next to a Pleasure Island type area. It's been around for awhile. First shown here, on the Disney and More site I believe. 

Here's the video showing Disney was in fact looking for something in Sydney Harbor. (I found this on the WDWMagic discussion boards.) It's 15 fascinating minutes! I'm convinced the proposal was real.

The fun concludes with a shot of the proposal. Look at what was planned. Hmm... Sounds as if it was legit.

It's not the first time the Company planned to take advantage of America's fascination with Australia. May not be the last either. But with this current leadership team, your guess is as good as mine! 

(Art and model copyright The Walt Disney Company. Video from ReviewTyme.)

Disneyland's Other Space Mountain Attraction Poster

A fitting way to end this week- a Space Mountain attraction poster for D23 highlighting the iconic experience at Disneyland. The classic Tomorrowland attractions is a rite of passage of millions of California kids. Certainly not the tallest or fastest or even best, but this Disney coaster provides a wonderful flight through outer space. I only wish the one in Florida's Magic Kingdom was as smooth! But then, we in California have the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and it is far rougher than that!

Search the site for "attraction posters" and you'll find one of the largest collection of them on the internet.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A New Beginning

Today marks a new beginning for us. The next season of life. It's at once a huge blessing and also something of a loss as we leave our old life behind. A truly wonderful life filled with weddings, neighborhood patio parties, birthday celebrations, Bible studies, and sledding days. Each bringing thankfulness to our minds and hearts, lifting our spirits.

It's an odd mix of joy, anticipation, and a bit of melancholy and even sadness for me. This was my home for 35 years. The longest I've lived anywhere in a young life of 21 locations in my first 18 years. Stability was found here in an earthly sense. And for our children who grew up there. We thank God for allowing us to stay in one place all these years. 

What lies ahead? Who knows? But we do know God is faithful, and in that, we are grateful.

 

The Latest Addition to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Oh those clever Disney Imagineers! The latest addition to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is sure to get a steady supply of guests taking advantage of the newest attraction. With the blessing of size, the one at Disney's Hollywood Studios will get the bigger expansion instead of the space cramped Disneyland. With twice the capacity, lines should move more quickly. It's a brilliant addition! Rise of the Resistance was just the beginning!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Fear or Celebration?

If you are like most of the U.S.A. today, you are thinking about the Presidential Election. Pro-Harris or Pro-Trump? There's no worry or no time for celebration. The Bible's book of Daniel says in Chapter 2:21-  “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding…” We have nothing to fear and only reason to celebrate because Our God is in control!

Top 10 Quincy Jones- The Musical Genius' Top Ten, My Favorite Cuts

The legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones is gone. I'd been compiling a Top Ten list of my favorite pop /rock /jazz records he'd produced, knowing this day was coming. It did yesterday. The musical world will not be the same. Everyone is in mourning. There's not much written about any faith or spiritual involvement, but I pray Quincy knew Jesus.

I'll eventually detail each one more and more, but for now, here are my favorite cuts from various artists during different stages of his career:

One Hundred Ways- James Ingram. This ultra romantic tune is one of our favorites! I remember hearing it on our honeymoon at the beautiful restaurant The Sun And in the Bahamas. We were celebrating our one week anniversary. The was 42 years ago. The restaurant is now long gone, but the record (and the marriage) live on. God is good!

Don't Stop Til You Get Enough- Michael Jackson. My favorite MJ song from my favorite Michael album, Off the Wall. Years later, I'd come to know that the title song and Rock With You were offered to Karen Carpenter. The Rod Temperton penned tunes became mega hits for the former Jackson5 lead singer. The first of many, many more to come... including hits he did for Disneyland's iconic Captain Eo attraction. We are Here to Change the World- and he did.

Mystery of Love- Donna Summer.  An incredibly compelling cut, perhaps one of the most unexpected on the whole album. The Donna Summer album is a great one and its story is fascinating. (I've detailed it in a deep dive article here.) This almost duet with James Ingram is pure pop perfection from start to finish, and I find it on perpetual repeat every time I play it. Oh, the mystery of love indeed!

Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me- Phil Collins. Who knew Phil has this in him? The jazzy standard takes on a whole new feel for Mr. Collins, who rocks it like he was born to sing in this era. I so wish Phil had done an entire collection of songs like this with Quincy. Do not miss this one! It's a joy from start to finish.

Thriller- Michael Jackson. Epic release. Seemingly millions upon millions of writers have composed scores of print on this one. We all know how great the album is and why. Let's leave it at that.

The Woman in Me- Donna Summer. A song so good that the Wilson sisters of Heart had to do their own rock cover years later. Richard Carpenter's songwriting partner John Bettis crafted lyrics so strong that you'd swear they were written by a woman. But of course he could do that- he'd been penning lyrics for Karen Carpenter for years, making it sound as if she'd written them herself- songs seeming quite autobiographical. Donna's hit is vulnerable, intimate, and disarming. This one is also from the Quincy produced Donna Summer album.

Give Me the Night- George Benson. Next two cuts on the list are from Q's work with my "favorite vocalist who also can rock the guitar". The one and only George Benson. The who album is Nate night radio at its best. More Rod Temperton penned hits produced elegantly and combined with George's unique take created a career propelling smash. 

Turn Out the Lamplight- George Benson. One of the sultriest records George has ever made. This is Teddy Pendergrass territory- and George shows he pulls it off quite well. Another Rod Tempterton tune.

Just Once- James Ingram. Perhaps the solo record that made James a household name. This record has it all: great vocals, a memorable lyric line and music that transcends genres. A brilliant recording.

Is It Love That We're Missing- Gloria Estefan. You can place Gloria in about any setting and she would shine. This one song is no exception, only making me wish that Mr. Jones would have produced an entire album by the beloved Cuban superstar.

A Better Epic Universe

On the eve of the U.S. Presidential election, what could be more fitting than taking our minds off two awful choices and instead indulging at a look at the newest theme park coming our way? Epic Universe will delight fans and frustrate Disney executives. 

With blockbuster attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, this park will offer world class thrills and fun right from the beginning. Unlike the misfiring of the Epcot transformation, the park is a winner! Beautifully designed and ambitious, the theme park industry will be talking about its success for years to come. Fans will line the gates. 

Disney loses yet another day to Universal and for good reason...

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Retro Music Day

Time to start a new month. Given this time holds the U.S. Presidential election and Thanksgiving- both serious in nature to say the least- I thought it might be fun to begin with a little retro inspired late 1970s / early 1980s music.

Michael Jackson may have ruled the airwaves with Thriller and Off The Wall, but he and his brothers could also bring the beat. Destiny includes the toe tapping smash Shake Your Body Down to the Ground. It's a catchy tune that is now once again stuck in my mind.

The Bee Gee's baby brother Andy Gibb rocked with my favorite tune of the year: I Just Want to Be Your Everything. Upon first listen, I was hooked. His duet years later with the beautiful Olivia Newton-John on I Can't Help It remains a favorite, perfect for late night listening.

Who doesn't love September by Earth, Wind & Fire? Its lasting power is evident by the inclusion of the song on Walt Disney World's epic coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Epcot never sounded so cool!

So, here's just a start to a rocking November!

A New Look at The Haunted Mansion

Often times, doing a deep dive into my Disney files will yield buried treasure. Such is the case today with this piece of rare concept art filed years ago, here depicting the Haunted Mansion as it would have appeared at the end of Main Street U.S.A. Yes, you heard that correct try- Main Street U.S.A.

It was the early 1960's and the great early Imagineer Ken Anderson crafted this piece at the request of Walt Disney himself. It's quite a piece of art!

There's a detail not so easily seen in this size, but if you click on it for the largest version, you'll find two young boys eyeing the decrepit old house with a strange mix of fear and intrigue. Just the right mix of emotions, I'd say. And I've seen those faces on kids today, decades later.

As with so few iconic Disney attractions, the Haunted Mansion is/was a perfect candidate to be placed in different locations in each castle park. And thankfully, it was! Of course, in Disneyland, its home is New Orleans Square and in the Magic Kingdom in Florida, it's found in Liberty Square. Disneyland Paris places the much darker Phantom Manor in Frontierland, but in Tokyo, the mansion is found in- surprise- Fantasyland. We should also add Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland, although it truly is a unique attraction. all its own. Should another Magic Kingdom ever be built with a Main Street U.S.A., I'd vote for the suits to resurrect this original idea and bring the project full circle.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Love of My Life

 

After so many years together, you'd think I'd take it for granted that I'm married to one of the world's great women. After all, she's smart, beautiful, kind, and full of God's love toward me and others. So, here's to you. Make God keep blessing you year after year. Much love- always.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)