Pimping Out Dreamfinder and Figment

OF COURSE THEY WOULD! But we park fans knew that already. The suits of the Walt Disney Company merchandizing are once again dragging out Figment and Dreamfinder to bring in some quick cash. EPCOT Center's great Journey Into Imagination was an "E Ticket" classic from opening day. Imagineering Legend (yes, someone who is really deserving of the title!) Tony Baxter created the classic characters and led the team in crafting a modern day must-see attraction. Now, new CEO Josh D'Amaro, it's time to show your true fan colors and get a great new version of the attraction green lit. Make this a D23 to remember!

Back When Disney Adventure World Was Walt Disney Studios Paris

Disney Adventure World  in Paris has its grand opening today. It is truly the grand re-opening as the place was originally named Walt Disney Studios Paris in 2001. Three Disney Parks opened that year, this place, Disney's California Adventure and Tokyo Disneysea. Only one was incredible. The French park was the worst of the lot, making Anaheim's second park look at EPCOT Center in comparison. Let's go back in time to our first visit to Paris' second Disney park...

Visiting the Walt Disney Studios Paris was on day two of our agenda to this resort, and we allotted only half a day. It was much more than enough! It goes without saying that this park suffers from sitting next door to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom ever created. I won't lie and say we didn't enjoy a few items during our visit there, but we promptly returned to its older sister only after a few hours of touring. Here is a quick review- befitting a park that was thrown together quickly as well!

Crush's Coaster is one of the few small gems to be found here. It had opened a couple of years prior to this trip, so we were very curious as to how it impacted the park. Simply said: the coaster is just fun! The theming is minimal on the ride itself, but the track is laid out in such a way to evoke a good amount of laughs. The indoor queue sets the mood for what lies ahead. It's fairly basic, on par with an old "C" ticket attraction as in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Nothing special but it does set the pace. The line is understandably long for this attraction and was our first ride of the day. This is the one place where we found crowds, showing just how badly this park needed something of substance.

From a firsthand look, the newest attractions from Cars are smaller than they seem from viewing them in photos. Minuscule, actually. Very cute, highly detailed, but disappointing in scope, scale, and just about every way. It does provide a very small taste of what California Adventure's Cars Land. However in California, everything is grander and more fully realized. It remains the premier land at the park even though it was completed 14 years ago back in 2012.

The newest additions to the park are the most highly themed of the attractions. It is almost as if Disney discovered that its guests like themed environments after all. This is 180 degree change in direction in terms of detail is most welcome at this bare bones park. However, it also makes the Studios shortcomings more obvious than ever. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. But I guess you do have to start somewhere.

Many attractions are repeats from Florida, but Tower of Terror was not yet open at the time of this trip- and this high thrill attraction was really needed to flesh out the park a bit. The real highlight of the few hours we spent were the original attractions- especially the effects-laden Armageddon. The tram tour, stage shows, and even Rock 'N' Rollercoaster had an overcast of cookie cutter boredom, as if Disney's Imagineers were themselves disinterested designing these attractions. Add to this, big box architecture, lack of greenery, and vast expanses of concrete. Not a winning combination. 

We will not return to the Studios next trip- at least not until there are more unique attractions to be found- but we will certainly make a stop in the neighboring park and take one day out of our Paris visit. This Magic Kingdom continues to be magical but also badly needs new and original attractions. Hopefully, Disney is hearing this message from its theme park fans... and listening.

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After concluding this trip report, things began to change for this disaster of a park. As I wrote- "Maybe I called it too soon on this one." 

The more recent additions like Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy (Remy's Ratatouille Adventure) to Paris' Walt Disney Studios have successfully brought in the crowds. It also made the park a more appealing experience. When added to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Crush's Coaster, the opening of Avengers Campus, the park's line up has begun to look more impressive. Every change has been well planned to introduce charm, appeal, and yes, Disney magic, to a park that had none.

I wholeheartedly welcome the newly renamed but rather generic sounding Disney Adventure World! There's not too many attractions added to the park as the main restructuring was expansive and will only set up what the Imagineers and the Disney suits have planned for the future. Perhaps there will be no more cheaply budgeted parks in Disney's future. Maybe they have learned it costs them years of profit and goodwill to do something poorly at the beginning. Also, maybe they have learned that the decades of minimal park investment is not the way to go either. Walt Disney considered his Anaheim park a gem. It's about time the new team takes on a similar perspective. Does Josh D'Amaro have Walt's perspective and DNA? We shall see.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Indy's Temple Takes Shape

Thanks to Bioreconstruct, we can see that Countdown to Extinction aka DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom is quickly becoming the temple entrance to the new Indiana Jones Adventure. This will be the next in a series of temples in Walt Disney World. First, there are those in the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom. Next we have the pyramid and interior temples at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Now, this. We can debate whether or not Encanto and Indy fit, but the look and feel of Tropical Americas aligns perfectly with the park. Is it just my vivid imagination or is Disney's Animal Kingdom becoming the new World Showcase one step at a time?
 

Trio of Artful European Signs

When I get a chance to slow down and photograph the places I travel to for work or for pleasure, I seem to discover my eyes are drawn to the signage I encounter. Big city, small town, shop around the corner, it just doesn't matter. So today, I've got three signs for you. Two from Italy and one from Cardiff, Wales.

This top one was taken at one of the world's most magical cities: Venice. There really is nothing like this anywhere else on the planet. Layers of Italian craftsmanship are everywhere you turn- and then it's all surrounded by water everywhere you look. Trees are few and far between, but the residents of the city find a way to add greenery to their narrow streets.

Next up, Cinque Terra. Five towns of various sizes and shapes and offerings. We stumbled upon this in Vernazza, the largest of the five and the one with the swimming area most loved by the locals. This sign was right around the corner from a small cave everyone was using to change into their swimwear. I wasn't prepared to go into the water, but I realized I had on a pair of dark nylon shorts that would easily make it possible. What a beautiful half an hour enjoying my time with the locals while my wife relaxed on the shore.

Cardiff, Wales may be one of the coolest towns I never expected! The citizens are intent on keeping the Welsh language alive, so every sign is in English and then Welsh. Once you get the hang of the alphabet and what sounds the letters make, it's quite fun to try your hand at speaking out the names. Locals must be very, very patient as well as having a great sense of humor! One of my favorite stops was at a coffee house named "A Shot in the Dark". The old place was filled with books- but only detective and mystery novels. It was also open until late in the evening where the place took on an almost eerie mood. Do you get the play on words? Coffee/ Shot; Murder/Gun, etc. So clever!

I'm sure as I post this, I'll run across even more sign photos and stories to go with them...

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Years Later My Family Will Laugh at This

I am NOT a cook. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I can count on one hand the number of times I have thrown something together that is edible. I am known to help in the kitchen from time to time, although our daughters have each turned out to be excellent cooks and our sons are quite proficient as well. (Our oldest is in love with his rice cooker!) That said, I was inspired a couple of weeks back to make the Pasta Queen's Lemon Peel Pasta. It turned out pretty tasty even if I made a huge mess. Maybe it's the beginning of a new career? No, it is not. 

The Very First Walt Disney World Resort Map

Ever heard of Blackbeard's Island? Yes sir, it is there to be found on the very first report map of Walt Disney World back in 1971. There's a few other unique features as well depicted by the artwork: the original and great 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage attraction in Fantasyland and the Gulf Car Care Center. You could even surf on the Seven Seas Lagoon back in the day. The whole thing just fills the senses with its retro / vintage goodness!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
 

Contemporary Resort Gains and Losses

Once upon a time, Walt Disney World only had two resort hotels and one theme park. There was the Polynesian Village Resort and the Contemporary Resort. These beautiful places seemed far apart and were accessible by monorail or by walking through the parking lot. Both had incredible but different views of the Magic Kingdom. In this kinder, gentler, much less expensive world, there was no need for advance reservations for attractions or dining. You could go for a visit of several days and relax during and before your visit. What a novel concept. 

Speaking of concepts, here's one captured on film by Disney Journey with Jim Shull. The sleek lines and elegant form of the main tower is lost in modern times because it sits nexts to a less spectacular structure housing Disney Vacation Club units. Ah, the things lost by wanting to gain a quick buck! 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign

When it comes to art, design detail matters. Finally in the last decade, it has seemed like Imagineering has a real firm handle on what the Disneyland Resort is. A design masterpiece and a piece of history. Walt Disney was forward thinking! Now generations later, even home town fans of Walt Disney World are recognizing the impact of Walt's castle park and what grew around it. The Disneyland Hotel has embraced its vintage / retro feel to great success. Downtown Disney is leaning into this too. The result fits perfectly. This sign is an instant classic!

I'm Running Away

I'm leaving for a faraway place, an isle of beautiful crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. I can just lay on the soft sand and listen to the waves gently lapping the shore while I sleep a little, dream, and smile. It sounds too good to be true. And it is! I'm still home and still have a few months before vacation, but I've run away in my mind. It will have to do for now.
 

Must Hear: "To The Mountains" by John T

Indie artist John T is one surprising guy! His brand new single To The Mountains caught me off guard with its beautiful lyrics and gentle rhythms. It's ethereal and piecing all at once. And it is certainly worth a repeated listen and a purchase! 

Look for this guy (below) on i-tunes.

Can't wait to hear more from this newly emerging artist the world is slowly discovering!
 

My Wish List: What I Want From Josh D’Amaro, Disney's New CEO

The man with the mega-watt smile and the infamous wardrobe is now CEO of the company we love and some of us love to hate. Fan of the parks and of Imagineering, "nice guy" Josh D'Amaro takes the helm of The Walt Disney Company today. An expanded Villains land aside, I'm not sure what he'll bring, but I know what I want. After giving the announcement some time to ruminate, here's my wish list as a theme park enthusiast.

Request: Return the Theme Parks and Resorts to Their Best Days

Reality Check: Josh will have much more on his plate than just theme parks and cruise lines. Still, this should be a priority as they are currently the biggest money makers for the company. This has nothing to do with the cast members and everything to do with providing real value for guests' hard earned dollars. Stop nickel and diming those who come to the properties for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation. Josh, you can pick and choose what changes, so think it through and take immediate action.

Recent Action Working Against Him: Do I really need to mention all the price increases??? If I do, this means the executives are even worse off than I thought when it comes to treating your paying customers as guests. 

Recipe for a Quick Win: Bring back some of the perks that have been taken away, and bring them back for free. In case the Company leaders have forgotten, that means at no additional charge to your customers already paying so much for a room at the resorts or for a park ticket. 

Bonus idea: Lower the cost of a character breakfast. Nothing says greed like this. Seeing Disney characters should be a perk of your park ticket and not an excuse to fleece the faithful flock. AND giving guests another choice or two for a quick service meal would help alleviate the frustration with the generally awful list of meals available at a fairly reasonable price.

Request: Let the Hard Core Disney Fans Know You're Listening

Reality Check: Josh has to listen to the Board and the investors as well. However, keeping the fans happy and keeping them coming back for more is something that just makes sense. It breeds long term success and not just short term gain.

Recent Action Working Against Him: Removing Rivers of America and taking the Muppets out and putting them back in where they do not belong.

Recipe for a Quick Win:  Two important steps here and one bonus idea. 1- Green light a new and exciting, thoroughly charming adventure with Figment and Dreamfinder. By doing this, Josh, you will instantly put lovers of the charming purple dragon and his mentor in a good mood and earn instant credibility with hard core Disney park fans (like me) that think the best Imagineering days are behind them. 2- Bite the bullet and give us a brand new Tomorrowland in Walt's park! It is a huge disgrace that original land of the future is a hollow shell of the great, big, beautiful 1967 version.  3- Follow it up by placing a version of Muppet*Vision 3D into the same courtyard as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. It's all as easy as 1-2-3. I know, I know it's not, but you're the boss now, so make it happen.

Bonus idea: Bring back some of the entertainment that's been closed since pandemic times. You know, that big empty theater in Disney California Adventure? That'd be a good start.

Request: Encourage Imagineering to Tell Original Stories

Reality Check: Intellectual Property use will always be on the burner when it comes to theme park expansion and enhancements. Instead of bad films making poor choices for attractions, work the other direction and save a great concept for the park, then turn it into a film. Would this work? Hard to say. It's a gamble, but maybe it is one worth taking.

Recent Action Working Against Him: About every Pixar film in recent release. And some lackluster recent attractions. Want some help? Take a long, hard look at how the Company screwed up Tiana's Bayou Adventure and never let something like that happen again. Inviting in one of your greatest Imagineers, Tony Baxter, to coach the project team and then blow off his suggestions is a misfire if not an outright disgrace. The Princess and the Frog is a terrific film with incredible characters and great music! It should never have been wasted on such a poorly scripted plot for the attraction. Aside from the last scene, the entire execution feels off. Need more to consider as further evidence? How about dumping the original memorable trilogy film of Star Wars for something else for Galaxy's Edge? What was everyone thinking? Certainly, someone in the building had to say it to the team planning it all. Well, at least Disneyland is going to try to fix some of the mistakes. Do I need to talk about Avengers Campus?

Recipe for a Quick Win: None. Brainstorm, innovate, work at it until you get something very, very good. Can it be done? Walt did it. You probably can as well! By chance if the movie comes first, don't wait decades to come up with a park attraction built on it.

St. Paddy's at Raglan Road: Worth the Stop?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience! In fact, we like this place so much, that we have eaten there our very first night for our last two trips. If you're in Florida, you might look at it as a place to experience. But is it worth it when there are so many great places at Disney Springs? Are there better places to splurge? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it and will we dine there again? Would I recommend it if it weren't St. Patrick's Day? Read on for the latest Dine or Ditch.

The live entertainment is good-

but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.

Why has this been our first stop on our last two trips? Well, traveling with our youngest son. Although his ethnicity is very mixed, the lad  identifies with the Irish piece of his heritage more than his German, English or Italian sides, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. 

I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is Raglan is one of the most popular choices. It was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. Once we arrived, the entertainment district was mobbed. When guests go to the Springs, they go to party. 

Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink. Surprisingly, part way through our drinks, one of the dancers came and set up a mini stage next to us and began dancing. It was great! We felt like part of the action and not second their tourists because we were not in the main seating area in front of the larger stage. 

The Whiskey Flight.

"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!

I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost more than our meal. Our drinks were actually pretty good! Vacation had started! I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him when he suggested it again. I'm glad I gave in to his preference. 

One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.

We began with complimentary bread and butter that was a meal in itself.   Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. 

Pull the Boxty is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the very high price tag. The list of appetizers was extensive but when we ordered this one, our server told us it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the most flavorful dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.

The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all very well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. My beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, but it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.

The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.

Then came the bill. 

Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at Raglan Road was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, close to $200 price tag for a pub trip. That's just about more than $65 a head. Yes, that is a lot. Keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. 

We found Raglan Road - the only one outside of Ireland itself- worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. If my wife and I go back without my son along, we'll probably pick a different place for our first night at the Springs. But he is carrying on his own tradition as he will take his new bride to Disney for her first trip. Raglan Road will be their first stop. Some traditions are meant to be carried on!

Considerations: 

• Book early. Really early! Try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. 
• Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group. Or the take away shop next door if you just want the excellent food and don't care about the entertainment.
• Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. 
• The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.
• Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.

Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando Resort

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

A Little Birthday Gift

Sometimes it's just so true that your awesome wife knows you better than anyone else! For my birthday while we were in California, she rented a Mustang convertible for me and gave men a gift of an entirely free day to drive PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and then anywhere else I wanted. She even thought of packing a few of my favorite discs for the day in the car. Smart woman! Blessed man!

Take Back Kids Sports!

For years I've been hearing stories from kids and parents alike about the mostly awful state of Kids Sports. Everything from nasty coaches to even worse parents on the side. It's pretty nasty- and I'm not even sharing other stories I've heard that are worse.

Go to PositiveCoach.org and take a look at what they are trying to do. 

Check out who is working very hard to change things for our children: Lamar Jackson, Steph Curry, A'Ja Wilson, Jordan Larson, Luka Dončić, Peyton Manning, Jordan Spieth, and Sydney Leroux. Pretty stellar line up!

A Villains Land for All! One for Families and Those Wanting a Darker Side

Josh D'Amaro and the Imagineers at Disney have their work cut out for them when it comes to designing a Villains themed land that will please everyone. Is it even possible? Some will want it darker to match the tone and emotional thrill factor of Epic Universe and their Dark Universe. Can you really blame them for wanting it? No. I mean, come on now, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has to be one of the best rides of the genre ever created. Those in pursuit of a family friendly approach won't go for this! They couldn't even handle the excellently funny and a bit scary Alien Encounter two decades or so ago. Some folks would prefer a more humorous vision for the land. Maybe, in small doses, I could go for this. How about a blend? I'd like to see something along these lines:
 

The family friendly portion is in the front of the land. This makes it approachable for kids of all ages. The environment has to look a bit different than what's in Fantasyland, however. The rides for smaller kids focuses on attractions with less scary villains, while rides like the big rollercoaster use much darker ones. In the village, use the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, and even Cruella De Vil. This will be the spot for a few character meet and greets- one along the lines of Enchanted Tales with Belle, a couple of classic "C Ticket" level dark rides, a spinner hidden within a show building, a theater show, friendly themed shops, (a candy store themed to Pinocchio's Pleasure Island would work well here) and a couple of quick service spots that would appeal to the family. Just one more thing: add a 'middle ground" roller coaster somewhere between the intensity of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railway.

What about those guests to the land wanting more "bite"? Let's take a shot of creating a foreboding place with the scarier, darker, more thrill focused portion in the back. Make it accessible through three hidden entrances as you walk into the village. Think of how Universal handled Diagon Alley and the entrance to Knockturn Alley, but with multiple entry points.   Use other, creepier villains for an incredibly themed boat ride using Shanghai Disneyland's famous Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure technology. Maybe the water villains like Ursula and her friends. Let the boats approach two different paths, but take the one that is darker and more suspenseful than the one that looks more bright and cheery.

Save Malificient, Chernabog, Dr. Facillier, Jafar, and Hades for the big, big, thrills that call out to teenagers and thrill seekers. A giant, very well themed coaster with a much higher height requirement- and cleverly disguised if not almost totally hidden track. Leave some showing as a tease, but make it themed. It doesn't have to be taller than Cinderella Castle to be thrilling. Play up the suspense factor. Have riders go totally underground first. Send the sounds of screams outside to the open areas, much like what the bakeries in the parks do with their "smellitizers"- or whatever they are called. Does a giant dragon on top (like in the concept art) need to be there? Or would the designers just be imitating what's been done with their competitors down the street?

This more serious themed area needs a spookier dark ride as well. Start with a version of the Haunted Mansion. After walking in, it's' time to get on the Omnimover. Then begin with one of a series of two or three different rooms acting as the first show scene. Each room can use a very different set of villains. Each room can be in a different setting as well. Make one set of dialogue funny, another frightening, and another with an entirely different tone- maybe arguing about how to best eliminate the good guys. All before they discover us and decide they have to eliminate us as well. As the cars go past, then let the riders experience different routes from there on out. (Can you imagine what the Haunted Mansion would have been like with trackless vehicles traveling to different rooms. Every journey could be different. And think of the Lightning Lane passes you'd sell!) Want more? 

Add in a highly desirable sit down dining experience that plays up the chill factor (use a style like the West Wing room of Be Our Guest as a way to pull it off) and a great bar or two. Quick service better play a role here, too. Think Gideon's Bakery for inspiration. Go BIG on this! Multiple attractions for the little kid friendly area and the scarier one. Invest now and wow everyone.

This year's D23 should be interesting! I'm not even an Imagineer, and I can come up with some great ideas. What are yours? 

(Art copyright Mark Taft.)