No Man Can Steal What God Gives

Today, it seems peace and joy are elusive. Sadly, hope seems a bit out of reach. Yet, I know that God is ultimately in control of all my circumstances. Good or bad, if they are allowed by God, it must be for his purposes to help transform me to look more like Jesus. In the Bible's book of John, chapter 3 verse 27, John the Baptist is addressing the people: "John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven." This reminds me that things like joy, hope, peace and more - especially eternal life- cannot be robbed from me by the actions of anyone else. I need to remember that! Do you?

Imagineer Harper Goff's EPCOT Dream Realized

The EPCOT that never was- and the Epcot that could have been. Fully realized in the image posted toward the end of this article. Why am I holding off showing it up front and making you only glance at Harper Goff's rendering right now? Because you've got to understand it and why it was created to fully appreciate what you'll see. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

All we've got is the Epcot we have, but it wasn't always like this. There was once a great vision for Disney's second park in Florida. Leave it to those original Imagineers to come up with the best ideas... and here is one of the ones that's still great even if it din't make the cut.

So much detail to be seen here in this concept art.  Imagineer Harper Goff created this beautiful rendering of an EPCOT we will never see. If you click on this huge piece of concept art and look at it closely, you'll find the Netherlands and other unbuilt and interesting design choices. 

The B&W version.

This is somewhat of a water based Epcot, if you'd like. It's even more of an urban style showcase than what was eventually built, focusing on classic, romantic architecture as the centerpiece of each pavilion. There's lots of side streets and nooks and crannies to explore. Certainly, the park would have a bustling but intimate feel with its contrasts of open plazas and smaller courtyards and walkways to explore. 

It is very Eurocentric- I can only see China and perhaps Japan in the upper right hand side of the park, perhaps that is Morocco slightly south of those. What I don't see is a U.S.A. pavilion. Do you? Aside from the Mexican temple, I do not see anything for South America or Africa- nor can I find Canada. Maybe you can. Front and center in the middle of the large lake, the classic architecture you'd come to expect looks seamlessly blended into more modern structures. (You'll get a better idea of what I mean when you see my piece showcasing the never built Netherlands area.)

In my mind, I'd add something really needed: an "underground" Metro system including stops at strategically placed locations around the back end of World Showcase. Think of Disneyland's and the Magic Kingdom's railroad system and how effective it is. How compelling would it be in suspending disbelief to enter a station in Paris at the back of a pavilion by walking down the stairs or a ramp, getting on the train and then coming back up at a similar station in London? Or German? Or a host of other locations? You could even have the train appear above ground at certain points for atmosphere and realism. Four stations should cover the around that circles the World Showcase Lagoon. (It would actually circle back around itself so the tracks could remain behind in backstage areas.) For guest convenience, the Metro would minimize walking great distances plus provide something fun to do.

Now, back to the park's water features. In the rendering, instead of just World Showcase Lagoon, you find a main lake plus a smaller one that hosts a Romanesque amphitheater for an evening show. There's canals as well- and if you look closely, an early version of what looks like a World Cruise attraction where there looks to be show scenes built under the bridges. (If it sounds like what was planned for California's Westcot, it does to me as well! Look at that article including Tony Baxter's ideas here.)

The man was clearly inspired and quite successful at what he did, but I do not see much room for expansion aside from what could be easily removed structures on the West and East sides of the park. Perhaps this is why the design that was finally built was chosen. (I really do have to finish that "If I Built Epcot" article. I have one great idea that no one seems to have used yet...)

A simple monorail station seems to sit at the entrance of his park with a large square plaza beyond the entrance gates. Inspired by or vaguely reminiscent of what is now found at the end of the Future World path to the lagoon. 

OK, here it is! The fully realized AI created version based on the concept art and sketches of the man. It's beautiful!

Would Harper's EPCOT work? Most likely it would. I'm sure there's a fascinating story to be told as to why this version of the park was bypassed in favor of what was built. Could it be the suits had plans for massive expansions and many more countries to be represented? History- and Disney's own documents and concept art seem to give us an affirmative answer.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Toontown is a Blast!

What a trip we had! I ran across this very bright and cheery attraction poster for Tokyo Disneyland's Toontown. It captures all the fun and zaniness of the land that delights adults as much as kids. At Walt's park, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway- count me in as a fan who likes this as much as Rise of the Resistance- and Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin are just the beginning of the fun. Gadget's Coaster was something I'd never ridden before, and I thought it was the perfect starter coaster for the younger set. Until I went on it. It has some serious zip! Now I know it's a great starter. The character homes are charming, and the street gags are great to discover as well. There's more here than I ever realized, making this land a surprise discovery each trip.

This sweet little attraction poster reminded me that when all the pieces of the land are placed together as a whole, this land is FUN! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Now Only A Memory

On our recent trip to California, I saw this beautiful painting hanging on the wall in a local shop. I knew it would be expensive, but I had no idea it would be three times what I make in a month! So, it will stay a nice mini-sized photograph in my memory.

(Painting by John Cosby.)

Those Rocking 1960's!

Take a look at this vintage / retro photograph from the 1960s! Those chicks rocking the hair piled higher than what seems possible, the skinny ties, and the trendy cocktails on the table. This is actually of photo of my folks and two of my aunts and their husbands. I post this in honor of my Dad's birthday...

Sunday Morning Surprise: Splash Mountain Pre-Opening Art

Here's a nice piece of concept art that was released prior to the opening of Disneyland's iconic Splash Mountain. Its style is almost logo like, nothing like the beautiful pieces you can find to depict the attraction. To be 100% honest, I'm not sure how it was used. Perhaps for early park guide maps like the ones that were printed for decades before Disney went to simple fold out maps. 

I haven't forgotten about my Disneyland Resort trip report! It's just that I ran across something as I was looking for a different piece by Tony Baxter. Again Tony, where's your book?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

日本に新たな王国がやってくる

はるかに新しい何かが日本にやってくる。ファンタジースプリングスがこれからも成し得ないほど大きく、より良く、もっと印象的な何かが。信じがたいかもしれませんが、本当のことです。「神は世を愛されたので、独り子(イエス)をお与えになった。それは、神を信じる者はだれでも滅びず、永遠のいのちを得るためである。神が御子を世に遣わして世を非難したからではなく、神を通して世が救われるからです。(ヨハネの聖書)

そこで彼らは、盲目で口のきけな悪霊に抑圧されている人(イエス)をイエスのところに連れて来て、イエスが彼を癒したので、その人は話し、見ました。民はみな驚いて言った、「これはダビデの子でしょうか。」しかし、パリサイ人たちはそれを聞いて、「この人は悪霊の長であるベルゼブブによってのみ、悪霊を追い出すことができるでしょう」と言いました。イエスは自分の考えを知って、彼らに言った、「すべての分裂した王国は、その前に荒れ果て、分裂した町や家は、その前に立つことはありません。そして、サタンがサタンを追い出すなら、サタンは自分自身に対して分裂するでしょう。では、彼の王国はどうなるでしょうか?もし私がベルゼブブによって悪霊を追い出すなら、あなたの息子たちは誰によって悪霊を追い出すでしょうか。ですから、彼らはあなたの裁判官になります。しかし、もし私が悪霊を追い出したのが神の御霊によってであるならば、神の国はあなたがたの上に来たのです。(聖書のマタイ)

その時、私は新しい天と新しい地を見た。最初の天と最初の地は消え去り、海はもうなかったからである。そして、聖なる都、新しいエルサレムが神から天から来て、手入れの行き届いた結婚式のように夫のために準備されているのを見ました。そして、玉座から「見よ、神の住まいは人とともにある」という大きな声が聞こえました。神は彼らと共に住み、彼らは神の民となり、神ご自身が彼らの神として彼らとともにおられるでしょう。神は彼らの目からすべての涙を拭い去り、もはや死、嘆き、泣き、痛みはないでしょう。(黙示録)

Billy Rees "Carpenters On Tour" Book Worth Your Money

Very popular Carpenters You Tube channel owner Billy Rees has put together an excellent book on his favorite musical duo. Carpenters On Tour is stuffed with terrific European and U.K. based articles! What can a lover of Karen and Richard Carpenter find here?  Interviews, album reviews, concert critiques, images of tour booklets, venue tickets and more.

The man himself.

Taking a deep dive into what's there will surprise even the most knowledgable Carpenters fan. Just a tidbit- What famous hit song was passed on by Richard that became a big hit for another female artist? It's a song I never knew that he passed on before. Loved the chorus but Richard hated the rest of the song. I think it's a great record by the woman who made it famous. There's more to discover. Get this book! You won't regret it!

That Thing You Do

Back to the beginning. Not quite the very beginning, but very close. Well, let's go at least back to the beginning where I really began to get connected to a local group of Jesus followers. In the city of Orange, at its very famous Orange Circle- the area was the physical centerpiece of the movie That Thing You Do- lies an old movie theater that was converted to a church. Back when the area was run down and the people on the street were falling apart, Pastor Joe Magliato brought Jesus and new life. Even in his 80's, he's still going strong. God bless him! As for me, I know God was faithful in a dark time. Oh, LORD, that thing you do as we trust in you...

Epcot's Unbuilt Russia Pavilion Would Have Been Astounding

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, those incredible first and second generation Disney Imagineers must really love Moscow! Their faithful but fanciful version of Russia's Red Square was once planned for EPCOT Center's cultural heart, World Showcase. 

There's much culture to celebrate!

While travel to the Russian Federation is not uncommon today, it is still considered an exotic destination even if much more available to tourists than ever before. Imagine in the early 90s, a new Russia pavilion at Epcot would have been adored from its opening days. The Imagineers plan for representing the country would have been as ambitious- if not more so- than what they accomplished with The American Adventure! Imagine a pavilion with two rides, a theater presentation that would have rivaled its American host, a museum, a restaurant or two, and a slew of shops, and plenty of entertainment. 

Thanks to a newly released video, Russia Pavilion EPCOT World Showcase Presentation (1992), by a group known as CowMissing, I now have a new and large selection of image captures to go with a few previous pieces of Imagineering concept art. 

The fireworks would have been in front,

but artistic license always wins out in concept art.

Placed between Germany and the area once set aside for Equitorial Africa, the new pavilion and its iconic architecture of St. Basil's cathedral would make a stunning addition to the other landmarks around the lovely and large World Showcase lagoon. 

The only fully walled World Showcase

pavilion- mostly.

Wisely, the Disney suits and the Imagineers chose to focus on the art, history, and culture of the country rather than on its politics. And what a beautifully rich culture it is!

The pavilion's centerpiece attraction, a theater presentation entitled Russia- The Bells of Change, would combine Audio-Animatronics, beautiful sets, live actors, and film to create a stunning and memorable presentation.

Imaginers hard at work!

Love the model!

As in the age of strange advertising gimmicks, let me say, "But wait! There's more!" In addition to the theater show, there would also be a dark ride through the beloved old tale of Ivan and the Magic Pike. The story tells of a boy who finds a magic pike that grants wishes. I loved the old EPCOT Center that focused on the real culture of the nations in World Showcase. I wish they go back that direction. 

Even if guests did neither of the attractions, just walking the showcase would be a very rich experience in the largest international pavilion in the park. Take a look at these pieces of art.

Shopping and dining is a large part of World Showcase, and Russia would have been no exception! Although I find the country's cuisine rather bland, it would be a nice option to have and round out the offerings.

Although the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 put an end to their plans, given the current state of world affairs and the political climate, I say it' will never happen. But once upon a time a long time ago, the Disney Company's very serious about the project! After reading about and see what was planned, you will certainly agree that it would have been a great addition. And let's be honest, Epcot certainly needs a new international pavilion to add some new excitement to the park.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure in English!

Ever wondered what the Imagineers full story was behind Shanghai Disneyland's groundbreaking Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure? What tale were they trying to tell? How many times would Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow appear in the ride and why? Just check out this video below for the first ever English voice ride through courtesy Ben Laurence:

After the ride through, listen to Ben tell us exactly how it was created. Great job I say!

(Top photo by TripSavvy.com)

A Return to Disneyland After Three Years

The last time we visited Disneyland, it was after the memorial service for my mother in law. That was three years ago. And this time, we went with our youngest daughter and her family, tagging onto their summer vacation. We came earlier and left later, so that enabled some additional time at favorite spots in Southern California. What I found at the Disneyland Resort surprised me! I haven't decided how I'll share my trip report- in days, by each park and themed area, or by one mega saga- but I can guarantee you, if you've read the Insights and Sounds blog at all, you might be surprised by what I write. Stay tuned.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

Seldom Seen Disneyland Star Tours Art

Star Tours was a groundbreaking flight simulator attraction! When it opened at Disneyland, I was there for the grand celebration. The queue lasted seemingly forever but worth the wait. Disney Imagineering was on a roll under Michael Eisner. The concept art isn't much to look at, but then again, the bare bones of a 1955 Tomorrowland does not make for a compelling facade. No matter. The older ride is every bit as fun as Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run or Rise of the Resistance. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

An Easy Fix: A Revolutionary Idea for Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion

We Disney theme park fans leave it to the Imagineers to build us some good old fashioned fun and some revolutionary attractions. Over at the great WDWMagic Boards, a discussion is brewing about the future of Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents, and even the beloved Haunted Mansion. Some are saying that the mansion doesn't belong other than what the exterior looks like. I say, it's a very easy thing to fix: Just add a handful of Audio-Animatronic figures of Revolutionary War ghosts into the graveyard in the Mansion. An easy prompt from ChatGPT, and its created. Problem fixed!

 

Happy Birthday to the Photographer

It's quite the feat to get 19 people in one photo! But our photographer did this and a few other special tricks to make this come together. Was it worth it? I think it was. It's a moment in time never to be captured again.