Friday at Islands of Adventure: Seuss Landing

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort is well known for its Harry Potter adventures, Marvel, and Jurassic Park. But its lesser known areas have a charm all their own too. The family friendly Seuss Landing offers some incredibly sweet and unique views! And above is one of my favorite shots courtesy Rix Flix. This guy loves Universal in all aspects and it shows. Check his channel out!

The Inspiration for Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain Earthrise?

So, here is a piece of concept art for Tokyo Disneyland's brand new build, Space Mountain Earthrise. Looks very cool, doesn't it? I like it a lot, but it got me to thinking. Haven't I seen this somewhere before? I started digging into my massive library of Disney Imagineering concept art- and I think I've found it.

Now unfortunately, a did not log a date for this piece, but I do have a name. It's by Christopher Smith at Walt Disney Imagineering. His concept art looks pretty traditional and what we are used to seeing- that is until you look closer. There's some curving at the top and by the attraction entrance that mimics the more wavy architectural look of this new creation rising on the shores of Tokyo Bay. Even the entrance area walkway seems more organic and natural. Is it just me or do you see it too?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Original Park Map for EuroDisney / Disneyland Paris. There Was Much More Planned Than What Was Built!

Here is one of the original park maps showing what Imagineering had planned for EuroDisney aka EuroDisneyland aka Disneyland Paris. For a park that has remained relatively stagnant for decades- which may be a good thing given Disney's lousy track record with newer projects that seemed half-baked- the original park's plans were rich with ideas and variety. Just look at what was fleshed out besides what was originally built! You might be amazed. I won't give any secrets away, but you can enlarge this map to see it for yourself.

Walt Disney Studios Paris was an instant bust and a drain on the resort's finances. It took years and lots of cash to re-emerge as Disney Adventure World. Maybe, just maybe, some of these ideas for the world's most beautiful castle park will come to fruition now.

This is one of many park maps on the site. I know there's many others for Paris' park too. Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Don't Ever Forget September 11, 2001

Twenty Five, yes 25 years ago today, the United States of America suffered a great tragedy when terrorists attacked both New York City and the Federal Government buildings. Yet, heroes emerged as they always do when crisis hits. Remember that and honor all the first responders. This photo by Ted S. Warren captures an image of the event that's hard to forget. 

It may be photographer Richard Drew's "Falling Man" photo that is the most remembered. It is a powerful but important image that should not be erased from history. If it serves to remind us all of thew cost of human lives when we go encounter or engage in evil, it is worth it. Lord Jesus, save us from ourselves!

Karen Carpenter Solo Album Finally Released on Vinyl!

A&M Records is finally releasing the Karen Carpenter album on vinyl

I never thought I'd see the day, but here we are!

Here is the translated product description:

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the album! Karen Carpenter's only solo album, approved by Richard Carpenter, is finally being released on analog LP for the first time in the world.

Recorded between 1979 and 1980 but never released, Karen Carpenter's only solo album has long been talked about as a "legendary album." This historic work, first released on CD in 1996, is now appearing on analog LP for the first time in the world, with the approval of Richard Carpenter!

Produced by Phil Ramone. This album allows you to enjoy Karen's new charm and overwhelming vocals in a sophisticated sound different from that of the Carpenters.

As a work that had not been released on LP for over 40 years, this release is eagerly awaited by Carpenters fans around the world. As Karen's only solo work and the world's first official analog LP release, it is sure to be a collector's item of historical value and will generate a lot of buzz.

Featuring a brand-new 192kHz/24bit master transferred from the original US analog tapes

● World's first LP release

● 180g heavyweight black vinyl

● Liner notes by Toshikazu Kanazawa

● Includes lyrics and translations

(from manufacturer information)

Translation thanks to Simon KC1950 on the A&M Corner discussion boards.

You can order it from HMV Japan here.

Is This the New Hidden Gem of Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Olaf Draws! He really does. And this whole new section of Disney's Hollywood Studios feels fresh and organic, a very natural fit for a theme park once based on the creation of the movies. In a solid return to form, Disney Imagineers have created a very special place indeed. What's not to love about an entire theme park area dedicated to Disney Animation? Toss in creative Easter eggs, a little kids playground themed to Alice in Wonderland, and more, and guests can spend an hour or more exploring. 

As an old school Imagineering fan, this smaller project gives me hope that the Carousel of Progress reimagining can be a success in doing something new while still honoring the past. Could a new era in Disney theme parks be on the horizon? Let's hope so!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Between Cars Land and Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure

Let's be honest: Disney California Adventure 1.0 and even some parts of 2.0 was not / are not known for excellence when it comes to design detail. Yet, things may be on a turnaround as Imagineering regains respect and more freedom under new CEO Josh D'Amaro. Case in point may be the walkway between Cars Land and Avengers Campus. 

I believe this photo was be taken by "mickEblu" on the WDWMagic discussion boards. It shows some simple design elements that turn a water fountain and bottle filling station into an object that perfectly fits where it is placed. The weathered blues and the gasoline tank looking dispensers fit right in, especially next to the metal sign for Stanley's Oasis. Could this be the start of a new era of excellence after so many "almost but not quite right:" projects? Here's hoping!

Walt Disney's Project Before Walt Disney World: St. Louis' Riverfront Square

With the great success of Disneyland, it wouldn't take long for the forward thinking Walt Disney to consider other projects and even other locations for more family entertainment. Around the time Walt was considering land in Florida for Disney World- later to have added the "Walt" by brother Roy- he was also looking elsewhere. What you're looking at above is concept art for Riverfront Square in St. Louis and a brand new Circlevision show. 

The Lewis and Clark Adventure.

Being Walt, the park would have some focus on American history. A great water expedition would take its cues from Louis and Clark,  giving guests a taste of what it would be like to explore the frontier. Back in the mid-1960s, this type of water ride would have been unheard of. When plans for this smaller park were scrapped, the idea was revised for the unbuilt Disney's America and later used for both Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom. An even more detailed adventure would be found as one of the centerpiece attractions at Disney California Adventure as Grizzly River Run. It puts the Florida ride to shame. 

The full concept.

The park itself was much larger than you might think. Some sources tell that the first versions of New Orleans Square along with its own Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion were first planned for this location. Audio-Animatronics were brand new, and Disney planned to make the most of this the opportunity to wow the public.

The proposed Mississippi River setting was a natural fit. Given the more unpredictable weather patterns, much of the smaller attractions, shops, and dining, would have been all indoors in one giant building. 

The main entrance.

For a variety of reasons, Walt called off the project. In one sense, I'm glad he did because we did get a whole resort in Florida instead. But I will say that Riverfront Square could have been the first of many regional theme parks. That would be something I'd gladly welcome!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Littlest Princess

The littlest princess makes her debut on the big day. Such a sweet girl!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Dixieland at Disneyland

The first nighttime Disneyland event on the Rivers of America was not Fantasmic! Instead, it was Dixieland at Disneyland, debuting in 1960. There was no New Orleans Square yet, but it was such a very popular event, that they did it again. Imagine riding all the beloved attractions of a young Disneyland and getting to see a living legend perform- Louis Armstrong. Live jazz from a master, a cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat at night, and all of this for one very affordable price! I'd give up Fantasmic! in its current state in a heartbeat to cruise the river at night again. But any way you look at it, Walt's park was the place to be. What a Wonderful World indeed!

Coffee Shop Wisdom #3

Certainly true of me, and honestly, probably true of you, too. This one really speaks to me at a level much deeper than I initially realized. Now, in the spirit of full and honest disclosure, I cannot really tell you this is "coffee shop wisdom" when its really more like wisdom from something framed that's hanging in my office- and I read it while drinking coffee. :) Is that fair? Regardless, the sentiment behind this suggests an eternal truth. We need God all the time. Oh Jesus! Help me know this deep, deep down in places I don't want to look at- and in places where I think I have things under control!
 

Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the Piano

Consider this lovely photo of His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales (now King Charles III) and Her Royal Highness Princess Diana of Wales at the piano. In this intimate portrait, they seem at peace and enjoying each other's company. But looks are deceiving. This is an AI generated image via Google Gemini. Ever since the days of Forrest Gump, it became possible to recreate history or deceive others by creating pieces of history that do not exist. There's only One who will not deceive. His name is Jesus: "And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” (Luke 21:8-9) We don't know when Jesus will return, but we know He will. Be ready!

Great Graphic for Disneyland's New New New Tomorrowland

For West Coast Disney park fans, the D23 announcement of a brand new fresh Tomorrowland update was the highlight of what was announced for Walt's park. Imagineering has its work cut out for it if they are going to create something even remotely as good as the classic 1967 version. There's been much speculation about what will come to this new take on the future at Disneyland, but everyone seems to be wishing for a revamped Peoplemover. Me, included! 

Relatively new vlogger The Imaginemover speculates as well- and his work includes this piece of art that makes a pretty cool desktop photo!

A Bit of Thursday Humor

As a fan of Richard and Karen Carpenter, I found this car's license plate at a nearby coffee shop rather funny. I don't know who the owner is, but unless they are talking Kansas City, I found one more person who loves the music of Carpenters. Among millions all over the world.
 

Notable and Quotable: Dolly Parton

"“Every day I pray for God to lead me and to take out all the wrong things, wrong people in my life, and bring all the right things, right people, and to let me glorify Him and uplift mankind — to do something in this world to make it a little better than it was. And let me be a light and a vessel to be used"

                                Dolly Parton

Rest in Peace, Dolly!