The Classic Red T-Bird

One of the coolest cars ever! This 1957 red two door Thunderbird rocks! From 1955 to almost the end of the 20th Century, versions of this make and model were the go to for drivers looking for a thrill and also for filmmakers who needed something authentic and eye catching to make a statement. Toss on some whitewalls, put the top down, and cruise down those American Highways!

A Walk in Dad's Footsteps

... wearing Dad's winter coat and all. Such a big guy so, so fast!

Mexico Showcase Still Enchants

The Mexico showcase at Epcot is one of my absolute favorites! This photograph is a good example why. This shot was taken inside the grand pyramid- yes, inside! Look closer.

After entering the structure, we wander upon a delightful colonial village with filled with music, shops, and moonlight. Small boats glide on the lagoon waters past a smaller pyramid and a smoldering volcano, right into a journey into Mexicos' history and present. 

Oh, I mean they used to! When the boat ride was called El Rio del Tiempo it celebrated the rich culture of the Mayans and Aztecs and modern day Mexico. Now, as the Gran Fiesta Tour, it celebrates the arrival of the Three Caballeros on the day of their concert. Where's Donald? That's part of the fun for the little kids are Donald's friends search for him by visiting the resort areas of the country. It's cute and friendly, but it's not a cultural experience. It's all about the animated films and television shows now. 

There's a persistent rumor that Coco will take over the boat ride. Would this be better or worse? Can't really say, but regardless of what Intellectual Property Disney uses here, they can't take away from the splendor of the beautiful view of the lagoon, smaller pyramid, and the smoking volcano. Classic Disney Imagineering!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Don't Worry, Representative Omar! We Still Have Your Hate-Filled Tweets

So the congresswoman has deleted her offense tweets about Israel. That's ok- many of us have kept them on file in order to remind people of how offensive her anti- Semitism is! And her mockery of Christianity. Yes, the Democratic Party seems to be mildly if at all offended by this. So just to remind everyone who is reading:

Muslim congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) posted the above tweet regarding Vice President Mike Pence, mocking his Christian faith by quoting singer Carrie Underwood's country hit Jesus Take the Wheel. Is this really ok? God forbid, the woman should experience some bigotry! The double standard is amazing.

Her clear hated of Israel is also on full display if you go back to her tweets of 2012. Democrats would do well to look into their own political party- Republicans as well and you and me too- to find the areas of our lives that are full of hatred. Imagine the uproar and calls for resignation if a Republican did what she just did. Yet, she hasn't even made the national news. Hmmm.

Ilhan Omar should be very ashamed of herself! It's her kind of bigotry that will be defended by those in her party, but nonetheless, she should apologize to our Vice President if not resign.

A Critical Look at Disney's New Plans for Epcot

Plans for a revised Epcot are rapidly moving along. It seems as if someone finally has a real vision for the once grand park or that the suits at the Walt Disney Company are ready to admit they are not willing to invest in the work necessary to continue on with its original vision to inspire as well as entertain. Just in case you've forgotten what that was, here's the words:

To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

WELCOME

Epcot is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. 

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.

E. Cardon Walker

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Walt Disney Productions

October 24, 1982

Beginning with a brand new tree and flower filled, fully redesigned entrance, the Imagineers are finally removing the Legacy stones to a more appropriate place. This will make for more pleasant views as well as a much more welcoming environment. 

Old is new again.

When I saw the concept art for the new entrance as well as an additional piece of concept art for the transformation of Future World's Wonders of Life into a "play" pavilion, I wasn't entirely sure what to think.  But I'm clear on it now.

This design works both sides. 

Upon further reflection after really looking at the concept art and thinking about the current for us of the Walt Disney Company, I'm encouraged but not at all surprised by the design choices. 

There's a combination of character infusions in the form of topiary art and several nods to the original EPCOT Center. The acrylic fountain looks similar to the one that was there when the park premiered. The twelve flags along the entryway use the classic park logo. This approach was well thought out- and very, very strategic! 

The "money men" that run the Company are letting us know it's not our parents' park. By giving the entry Disney animated characters in topiary form, they are hinting at a new vision and direction, all the while pandering to original park lovers. By adding design elements we remember, they're increasing our emotional attachment to the place, and our willingness to open our wallets. 

Let's be honest, the suits have been using the same methods for years in order to sell merchandise. How many times do we see the beloved Figment and Dreamfinder and iconic emblems placed on pencils, mugs, sweatshirts and more just to move product? All the time.

Say goodbye to the Communicore hub as we know it.

And what exactly is that big brown box?

There is one major not so subtle change to Spaceship Earth: The entrance for the attraction. This is now moved to the backside giving guests entering from the front of the park a much nicer view than just seeing a lengthy queue front and center. Aesthetics and sightlines are seeming to matter in this reimagining of the opening scene.

Looking even closer, once inside the park, we see that Innoventions / Communicore no longer exists as we knew it. This is a very good thing! 

It's not a popular thing to say among EPCOT Center purists, but I am really looking to open vistas of other Future World structures from the park's main thoroughfare. This park is massive, but it's difficult to realize all that is in Future World. 

Now that the content of the old buildings reflects a constant failure to bring fresh ideas to light, a new approach to the space was needed. With the Western side building disappearing and a reinvention of the Eastern side, these changes will create a more welcoming environment. This makes it more appealing for guests to explore areas of the park they may not initially seem interested in. Better crowd dispersal and more exploration could be the end result. Of course, a stronger attraction line up would help too! They'd better get working on refreshing the curb appeal of these buildings, however! There's not a moment to waste.

Goodbye Festival Center / Wonders of Life! Hello Kid's play area.

Until this year's D23 or another announcement, the only other official hint of what's to come reflects changes to the Wonders of Life building. This is the continuation of Epcot's transition to Magic Kingdom 2.0, which began long before Frozen took over Norway's Maelstrom boat ride. International Culture is now replaced with Disney Culture i.e. Disney Intellectual Property in this park.

Given the Wonders of Life building is right next door to the new Guardians of the Galaxy coaster (which is sure to have a height requirement), I'm sure the suits thought "We'd better give smaller guests who can't ride something else to do, so let's put it there." 

You can almost 100% bet the decision to add a "play" pavilion in this form got approval in this manner- the same basic approach used to justify Marvel in the parks:

Statisticians - “Epcot needs an attendance boost.”

Public opinion poll - “ It needs to be more "Disney.”

Suits- “Well then, let's get more animated characters into the park. What properties are not big enough for their own major attraction?”

Researchers - “Wreck It Ralph, Up, Zootopia, Inside Out and a bunch of others.”

Suits to Imagineers- “Great! Get them into old Wonders spot. Throw in some character meet and greets. Make it all look good, but be sure to build it as cheaply as possible so we can constantly add the hottest movie characters and sell even more merchandise.”

Characters, characters, characters.

As far as I'm concerned, this new plan is not a wise or optimal approach. Yet, it will do exactly as they planned, bringing more kids into Future World. The plus side is this decision frees up other locations from turning into similar venues.

The official plans will keep developing, and there is certainly more to come. Ratatouille and Guardians are only the beginning of the new Epcot. 

The original vision of the park is disappearing for good. Partially this comes from the failure of Humanism which was the core inspiration for the park. Humanism results in hopelessness, loss of optimism. We see it in our society as people get more and more desperate and angry, needing entertainment to bring them any  brightness. Disney quickly comes to the rescue with reminders of a happier world- even if it is a character induced dream.

(Even fans get into the act re-Imagineering the park. The top image is a plan from the folks at Imagineerlandblogspot.com. Top Art copyright Imagineerland. Other images copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Finding Love in Alaska

Several years ago, my wife, and kids and I journeyed to Alaska for a wedding. It's a beautiful place so worth visiting. But that's not the point of this story.  When I think back, I am still so surprised by it all. But I should not have been.

This was a very non-traditional ceremony. As is common, the bride and groom wrote their own vows. They were sweet and tender, and even a little humorous - which fit them perfectly. The Maid of Honor spoke up to speak prior to the rings being exchanged.

She began her comments with something about “the god above and the goddess below", then she wished them (and I cannot give you an exact quote here)- the peace of Buddha, the _?_ of Krishna, the passion of Pele (Hawaiian goddess of fire) in their love life, and the _?_ of Thor (Norwegian god of thunder and war). Everybody but Jesus and the Cat in the Hat seemed to be included. Now, that is not to be disrespectful with my words. I choose them just to give you a full picture of her words and their shock value to my ears. I guess it's so common nowadays to be so "inclusive" but to leave out Jesus. (It's the state of our world in the West, but in Majority World cultures, Christianity - the real Biblical kind- is booming, with growth in even the most difficult places.)

Again, so these words were just the maid of honor's perspective. But she was chosen to be the maid of honor, so there has to be some commonality between the bride's viewpoints and hers. I have no idea what they thought about this "prayer of blessing" or anyone else’s thoughts at the wedding, for that matter. It was never even  discussed. But what about Jesus?

Because I am a man who prays, this entire experience challenges me as I do. How can I reconcile her words with those of Jesus? "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Here is a very nice, well-meaning, loving woman truly believing in any and all gods of the earth- aside from the One True God who created it all. Who else at this ceremony is fully embracing this concept of many gods and goddesses? It's been done throughout the centuries. I remember studying Roman and Greek gods and goddesses in elementary school. Nowadays, at least in our local elementary school library, books on Islam and Judaism etc. are found in the shelves, but books about Christianity and Biblical thinking have been removed. Even this week. Why?

We are all searching for love and for meaning and order to our world. Jesus loves all of us and died for all of us, but not everyone will accept the truth or the Giver if Life. But let’s be direct and clear from Jesus' own words, no one will enter into heaven at their death by believing in and worshiping everyone and anyone but Him. Either He is telling the truth about who He is and why he came to earth in human form or He isn’t. Pretty simple. And pretty unpopular and very politically incorrect in his day and in ours. But they are His words, not mine. I didn't make the rules, and neither did you.

The Bible is pretty clear on these matters of multiple gods and earth worship. The apostle Paul writes:

“They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (II Timothy 4:4) and this one:

"We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live." (I Corinthians 8:4-6)

What instead if we worship nature and creation? That's pretty common as well. These verses from the book of Romans talk about it. Certainly nothing new in that:

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. " (Romans 1:21-23)

So what are we to do? Love well, live kindly and respectfully, and speak wisely. And as those who follow Jesus, watch and listen for an opportunity to share the truth and to share what God has done for us. You can't separate the two. Even the great Apostle Paul who wrote most of the Bible's New Testament, shared what Jesus did for him and the only way to eternal life in Heaven.

In the States, most people know of Jesus- head knowledge, school book, even church trained stuff. Yet, how many really know and are intimate with Him in the way the Bible speaks of having a life-giving relationship with him? Heart knowledge? Knowledge of their sinfulness and of their need for Him? Many of us have family members and dear friends who do not know Jesus at the level He challenges us to. At the very depth of relationship that will one day lead us to eternal life with Him with or without Him. It's Heaven or Hell, and the price has been paid on our behalf. Jesus took on our sin and its penalty of eternal death to provide a way for us to come before God fully clean and forgiven. He died for us, and He was raised from the dead to prove to us that He is God eternal, proving the Bible to be true. 

I mean, we measure time from his birth! Something world changing happened 2,000 years ago!

By loving others deeply, honestly and sincerely, we gain the opportunity to share the Creator God who loves us. This is the best way to share the heart, the love, and the message of Jesus.

(Photographs copyright Lonely Planet.)

A Brand New Epcot?

Some excitement, some sadness. I don't want to immediately jump to conclusions, but I think it's time to say goodbye to what we once knew. Zooming in on the above image, the character topiaries are a giveaway to the new direction of the park.

Goodbye Wonders of Life. This new play area focused pavilion was hinted at for a long time, but with the introduction of Disney characters, the writing was on the wall. I'll chew on this more before I write the next post.

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Illegal Eiffel Tower

This photograph is against the law! Really. Here's a few other places that are illegal to photograph. (By the way, each of these images blow up into very large sizes.)

A blue Eiffel Tower sparkles.

During the daytime, it is not at all against the law to photograph the beloved Parisian icon. But at night, it is 100% illegal to do so. How makes up these idiotic laws? (I will resist the easy joke. I will resist the easy joke...)

My suggestion- Don't rely on photographs to see the Tower or Paris itself. The city truly is one of the most beautiful ones on earth. Totally worth your time!

(Photographers unknown.)

Not for the Kids- Seriously!

A "slice" of dark humor for fans of Pinocchio, sent to me by my son...

Tokyo's Eternal Sea

Disney attraction posters are some of my favorite pieces of art done for the parks. Here's a fairly rare one from Tokyo Disneyland, for an attraction that had one of the shortest lives ever. Less than two full years in Tomorrowland. This film was an exclusive to the first Japanese Disney park, celebrating their culture's long and complex relationship with the sea.  

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company, Scan from Animaniac 93-98.)

Here Piggy!

Solid rumors have it two more Zootopia sequels are on the way, and Shanghai Disneyland just announced a new land to be built at the Chinese park. This cautionary tale of what happens when everyone is not accepted in society has taken a firm hold on the Disney Fan community. 

What's missing in the story and the point its trying to make? It could be represented by one character that was left out of the movie: Mayor Swinton, a female pig that's a bad guy at her core.

While the film has its stereotypes (a sloth as a DMV worker, a male fox as a slicker than slick con man, just to name a few), it's rare if not impossible to find a full realized female villain in the film. Maybe in the sequels. Perhaps then the movie's point will be fairly even handed. One day, we will all be valued for who we are, regardless or race or gender- where people's goodness is not relegated to one type or background or measured against the current political correctness. 

Men with little common sense get deservingly railed on for doing blackface, but when little ole media darling Joy Behar does it, the news pundits seem to forget all about it so so quickly. Double standard, I say. The same could be said for the agenda that may exist behind this film.  

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Timepiece

Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France. 2007. One of my absolute favorite travel photographs taken by yours truly. It hangs in my house in the largest size possible, reminding my wife and I of God's goodness to us as we celebrated a significant anniversary. What a wonderful three weeks in Europe it was!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Baxter's Alice in Wonderland Garden

One of the largest and most prestigious projects given the young Imagineer to date, the redesign of the New Fantasyland for Disneyland, was a natural to be handed to Tony Baxter. After his wildly successful Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, he was ready for something iconic and important for "Walt's park". 

Taking lead on the project must have been scary and exciting at the same time! Bringing to life a new version of the centerpiece land of the park was quite an honor- and the results were fantastic! Here's Tony's charming concept art for the queue / garden for the newly reworked Alice in Wonderland attraction.

Happy Birthday to My Silly Honey

Happy Birthday to my silliest honey! She now has a silly honey all her own and two more boys to boot. What a fine woman she has become- handling life's difficulties with a grace her father doesn't have. God does work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called to His purposes...

Notable and Quotable: Walt Disney

"Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile.” 

                                         Walt Disney

The man who started the Magic Kingdoms created a legacy people still talk about. Time keeps passing, and the eternal beckons for all of us.  Once you die, what will people say were your real priorities and values based on the way you lived? 

A Gift from Alain

Love this "Saturday Gift" from Alain Littaye at Disney and More. This billboard is found on Main Street U.S.A.- just another touch of class and elegance of detail the Disney Imagineers under Tony Baxter created for the lovely Parisian Magic Kingdom. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photograph copyright Alain Littaye.)

Saturday in the Tropics

This wonderful piece by photographer Julius Silver helps take the chill off this cold winter day- and generates dreams of another life far, far, away!

A Look at Universal from a Disney Fan's View

It's not only the artists at Disney Imagineering that create some stunning concept art. Take a look at this piece for Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. Doesn't it make you want to hop a flight to Orlando? I do!

In real life, the whole Jurassic Park / World is just as exciting and inviting! In fact, Islands of Adventure is one great place.

My last visit to Universal was in 2009, long before Harry Potter made its impact. You see read about my impressions of the place and how it compares to Walt Disney World here. Or if you want a more youthful perspective, my son went for an entire week - and never touched foot on the Disney property - but he had a great time. His trip report begins here and continues for 5 articles.

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Favorite TV Couples

It seems only appropriate to take a look at some of our favorite television couples on Valentine's Day! Let's start with one that's been debated ever since the end of the series: Monica and Richard on Friends. This was the real love affair that should have lasted. Tom Selleck's character brought charm and confidence, and he was the perfect foil to Monica's anxiety and her overbearing need to control every circumstance. Chandler and Monica? Well, they was almost as bad an idea as Joey and Rachel.

He didn't' deserve her.

Fast forward a few years. Castle's greatest strength was always in its relationship between witty playboy novelist Richard Castle and the beautiful, smart detective Kate Beckett. The drama was good, the backstory compelling, the supporting cast first class, but the tension between Kate and Castle commanded center stage. Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic brought depth to what could have been stereotypical characters. It's too bad that their bad blood in real life ruined a great television show!

He didn't honor her.

Who didn't love Lucy? Desi Arnaz certainly did on the show- but in real life his "romantic connections" beyond his marriage eventually doomed it to failure. When will we learn it never pays to break our marriage vows? Lucille Ball remained a beloved icon all of her days for good reason. She was funny, smart, talented, and a great business woman. A woman ahead of her time.

Bringing out each other's best.

The Crawleys of Downton Abbey are high on the television couples list. Matthew's strength and kindness - with a determination to do what is right- played magnificently against Mary's often shrewd, cold, seemingly heartless pragmatism. Like true love always does in a marriage, the best traits are brought out in each partner as they walk down their road together. However long or short it may be.

He worked hard to get her.

Wade and Zoe. Season One of The Hart of Dixie certainly makes you think it will be "Golden Boy George Tucker" who will win her affections. My wife and I really enjoy this take on Doc Hollywood as we love the South with all its peculiarities. Some of the supporting characters are our favorites on the show, but I was always rooting for dark horse Wade Kinsella to win Zoe's heart.

It took him awhile to see who she was, but he got there.

I'm still pissed that NBC cancelled this show. (Yes, I meant to say that!) Timeless was one of the best series to hit the airwaves in years. Lucy and Wyatt. You knew it was going to happen, Ma'am. You really did. It's too bad a pending cancellation caused the writers and producers to rush the story line. And it robbed viewers of what should have been years of great historically based time adventure stories. Sometimes television's modern business demands for instant profitability are worse than those from Rittenhouse. 

He grew up, too.

Marlo Thomas did have a career before playing Rachel's mother on Friends. She and Ted Bessell, played Donald and Ann Marie to 50's/60's relational sensibilities (wise man, childlike woman) but there was a sweet relationship there where each brought more to the relationship than what was seen at first glance. No worries, friends, television would attempt to correct this problem, eventually swinging the pendulum to the other end of the extreme. Men became buffoons and women the wise keeper of sanity and the family unit. One day, they will get it right and present a balanced realistic view of what each partner contributes.

My favorite TV couple? The one who sits on our couch watching these shows! None of these women remotely compare to my beautiful and wise wife! My Valentine's Day blind date years ago. Happy Valentine's Day to my one true love...

Celebrate Love

It's Valentine's Day tomorrow. Let's celebrate love. Real love- the kind that lasts. This kind of love you won't find celebrated at Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Not at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris or even the original park.

Everyone looks for true love, but how do you find it? Can it be found in marriage?

Back almost 5 years ago, the United States Supreme Court has decided that same sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. People  that are disagreeing with the decision said it is not our court's position. They were opposed on grounds of their traditional understanding that God designed marriage for one man and one woman, referencing both the Old and New Testaments that make up the Bible.

Those folks celebrating the court's decision said "Love Wins", claiming marriage is only a legal bond between two people of any gender. They believe the availability of the institution should be made for all. Regardless of how they identify.

What do I think? The truth is "Love Already Won". It won two thousand years ago, when the ultimate act of true love was taken by Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind. His death and resurrection made a way to eternal life for all who would turn away from their sin by trusting in Him and His work on the Cross. He was raised from the dead proving He is God. The offer is yours. Choose to live a life that honors God by following the law he gave. The problem is, following Jesus means changing our lives in humility to His Authority regardless of how you feel.

What constitutes civil rights will change from county to country, decade to decade, and even President to President in the United States. Although Obama stated one thing and Trump another, God's Word and his law are never changing. They are eternal - in fact through the Ten Commandments, He did legislate morality- and He does not change. 

Regardless of where you stand on these issues, the most important question we will ever have to answer still remains: Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?" 

Your answer is of ultimate importance. The relationship you have (or don't have) with God in the Flesh, the creator of the universe, the only one who paid the price for your sin and mine, is the first and most important relationship you need to have settled. The one that determines your eternal future. Every other aspect of your life is very important, they are but secondary compared to how you answer this question. 

Did love win? How you answer and then how you love people, even those you disagree with, will show whether or not real love has won in your life. It really is that simple. 

Show real love to each other and celebrate Valentine's Day by loving those you agree with- and those you don't.

-------
Here's a great video from Dr. Michael Brown discussing God's love for ALL people, including the gay community. 20 Minutes worth your time- minus the slightly dorky music...

Fresh and Green

Just a little something to help counteract the horribly cold winter we're having. It may be just a photo, but it's serene, green, and a refreshing break from what is outside the window.

New Photos from Karen Carpenter Recording Session

Thanks to the new book by Randy L. Schmidt, we have two previously unseen photos of the wonderful Karen Carpenter recording her famous 1980 solo album. The full book- Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography comes out in April, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the duo signing to A&M Records at the urging of Herb Alpert.

Universal and the Weather Keeping Blizzard Beach at Bay

Baby, it's cold outside! When temperatures dip into the lowest ranges, the idea of an afternoon at a water park seems so appealing. Even when that water park is Walt Disney World's wintery Blizzard Beach. Except in January and February when it seems the place closes every year. "Florida does get cold, too!" they tell me. 

Imagineering did an amazing job creating this place! These two pieces of concept art really sell the concept of a ski resort turned tropical playground. But I have to say in full disclosure here... I have never been to the place! The last few visits to the world have been few and far between with much smaller number of days on the Disney property. Maybe one day. 

Maybe. It's getting more complicated to choose to a Central Florida vacation plan as being solely Disney as Universal Orlando keeps upping their game.

(Any copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tron Lightcycles Construction from the Air

Thanks to the photography of "bioreconstruct" we have the latest look at the development of Tron Lightcycles attractions in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. 

I'm certainly a fan of this coming to Tomorrowland - but I can't help but wonder if the iconic views of Space Mountain will be a thing of the past.

Once it opens, the race will be on for guests: Will it be running off to one side of the park for these two E Tickets or will they head to Frontierland for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad / Splash Mountain combination? 

Male Fail #3

David Beckham in make-up? Absolutely! And I am rather taken by it. Taken by surprise and disappointed by his choice. It's a total male fail.

Funny, huh? No, really it's sad. Here's a better train of thought to consider for those of you bothered by male ambiguity or those of you thinking you've got it all figured out. Curious?  Go to this link.

Disney Wharf in Australia

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. Here is my detailed look at the plans for EPCOT Center's World Showcase version of the country. 

Lots to enjoy and dream about!

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