A Taste of Epcot Comes to the West Coast

Are you a fan of all the cultural activities, music, and food that can be found in the various countries of Epcot's World Showcase pavilions? I am! Do you wish some of this could be found at the Disneyland Resort? Well, good news! Disney's California Adventure hosts the Lunar New Year festivities, and it brings the flavor of Epcot to California. Though not nearly as extensive as what can be done around the World Showcase Lagoon, at Disney's second California park, from Paradise Park down to  the Pacific Wharf and even Grizzly Peak, the cultures, music, and flavors, of China, Vietnam and Korea can be found. A colorful parade featuring Mulan and Mushu sets the park aglow with a blaze of color and music fills the air. 

Bringing other festivals to the forefront such as El Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) makes California Adventure feel a bit like World Showcase few weeks a year. There's no matching architecture or even culturally based rides, but it is still with a visit when these are in the calendar. Perhaps one day that rumored Coco boat ride will debut, but for now these festivals bring some true diversity to a park that doesn't really know what its theme is anymore. I call it making the most of what you've got.

The great photo site Westcoaster provided the photos above and has tons more to see. Go there now to see more. 

(Photograph copyright Westcoaster.)

 

Sunday Morning in Paradise

Bora Bora welcomes guests with spectacular views such as this. Imagine lazy days in the sun, lovely balmy evenings with dinners of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and the warm glow of torchlight. Perfect, I would say.

"Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands." says Isaiah 42:12. This believer replies with a hearty "Amen!"

(Photographer unknown.)

Vintage Disneyland: A World on the Move

We take it for granted now, but only several decades ago, Disneyland was a marvelous new idea, an amazing place that filled the dreams of kids and adults. Walt Disney gambled all he had to pull it off. It was his baby, and the desire to keep adding to it was always on his mind. Tomorrowland may be the best example of constant change. Here's a great old school shot of the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Skyway, and the Submarine Voyage. The Monorail is not in the shot, and we can just make out the Peoplemover, but the place was a world on the move! Off inn the distant are the spires of It's A Small World. 

As decades come and go, each Disneyland Resort president and Disney corporate CEO will make their mark, but masses of guests will continue to come and experience "Walt's park"... which can still be found if you know where to look.

(Photograph copyright Getty Images.)

Going Higher with Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé takes us Higher on March 25. With new original songs, a standard or two and a collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney, it looks to be a fresh and fantastic new release. The man's lived through a lot the last few years. Sounds like it might be reflected a bit in his music. We'll see!

Dine or Ditch: Epcot's San Angel Inn Restaurante

Atmospheric and expensive, the San Angel Inn Restaurante holds a very special place in my heart. This World Showcase eatery is one of the original EPCOT Center must-do locations, and it is one we visited for our first anniversary trip in 1983. The San Angel is also one we hadn't eaten at in a decade or so, so I was very curious about how things currently stood. Was it still great? Was I banking on nostalgia and my love for the place because our first visit there was also our first time to Epcot? 

Is this the right place for you to get out of the sun and enjoy a meal when there are so many options at Epcot? This Dine or Ditch review should help you to make a wise decision on what is best for your family and particular trip.  

Regular visitors to Walt Disney World or local Floridians are most likely familiar with this restaurant. But for you on the West Coast or if you're a Disneyland only fan, picture if you will, a lushly themed Mexican version of New Orleans Square's classic Blue Bayou, and you'll get an idea of what's in store for those who choose to dine here. 

In place of the fireflies and charming Spanish moss draped trees of Louisiana, once guests venture into the giant exterior pyramid that represents Mexico and beyond the town's plaza, the lively Mariachi music  fades the deeper they go into the pavilion. They'll eventually discover a smaller Mayan pyramid hidden in a thick jungle. A smoking volcano erupts off just beyond the horizon. The majestic blue night sky glistens under the moonlight while the faint sounds of an ancient civilization are heard off in the distance. Boats sailing on El Rio del Tiempo drift by those dining on the waterfront. Here, passengers begin their journey on a music filled Gran Fiesta Tour to meet up with The Three Caballeros. 

Sounds like a great place to relax and dine, doesn't it?

Disneyland's Blue Bayou has nothing on this place!

It was only fitting that we would eventually eat here during our adults only vacation with our youngest son. We all love Mexican food and great margaritas. But with so many options for this type of cuisine, would we be disappointed or delighted by choosing this place?

Things started off promising: Our wait was merely ten minutes once we arrived on time for our reservation. In what can only be described as a gift from God, at prime dining time and without us requesting it, we followed the hostess to a seat right at the water's edge- front and center - something we had never experienced in any of our other visits. Good start! I was once again instantly smitten by the place.

Tasty- and pricey.

What to order? Margaritas were the go-to (of course), and we just had to request an appetizer of Queso Fundido, a dish we'd had first in the 80's and now a tradition for each meal here. What's not to love about gobs of gooey melted cheese, bits of chorizo and spices with tons of warm toasty tortilla chips- even at $15 USD? A cool, crisp, very large, and stunningly simple house margarita with top shelf liquor was my choice to complement our meal... but at a $23 price tag, there was not an additional one ordered. 

When eating Mexican, I normally order Carne Asada for a special night out, but after an absolutely great evening at The Edison, the $50 USD price tag for the beef forced me to instead choose the Enchiladas de Pollo at a still expensive $27. No matter, the meal was delicious and beautifully presented with a side of plantains. My wife ordered as I did, but our son chose the $30 Ribeye Tacos which he deemed quite delicious and well worth the price. For me, one of the true determining factors of a great Mexican restaurant is its salsa. I'm happy to report, it is absolutely delicious, very flavorful with more than a hint of heat. Just the way I like it. I could have made an extended meal of just the appetizers.

Our server was beyond excellent, leaving us time to enjoy each piece of the meal while still providing attentive service. Not only did he happily take several "money shot" photos of the three of us with both the pyramid and volcano perfectly in the background, he also spent time talking with us about Epcot, his love for the park, and his appreciation for the company he works for which is headquartered in Mexico City. He much enjoyed the family environment among those who work at his location and stated many of the staff are still there since opening day. 

The relaxing pace, the excellent food and drink, and the professional yet very warm service made for a very leisurely and memorable meal (and an appropriately large tip. I believing in blessing those who provide excellent service). We certainly were not rushed out or pressured to finish our meal in any way. This made it a wonderful setting to discuss the trip, our love of family and being together, and the faithfulness of God. All told, we found San Angel Inn Restaurante to be worth every effort to reserve and every bit of cash it took to dine there.

Should you dine there?

The "Money shot".

Here are a few things to consider as you decide:

Do you have children with you? In spite of the kid friendliness of the Gran Fiesta attraction, the atmosphere of the restaurant proper feels very adult. It's dark, moody, romantic, and nicely quiet the nearer you are to the lagoon. If your children are patient, well-behaved, and love learning about other cultures, they may enjoy and appreciate the relaxed but refined experience- and so will the diners around them. If they need stimulation or interactions with Disney characters, this may not be the right choice.  

 

Consider your trip budget. It's difficult to deny that San Angel is very pricey for what it is. Although the upscale food is quite good and the drinks sublime, you are paying for the magical Disney atmosphere here. How much is atmosphere worth? That would be the tipping point for us as we have great restaurants in Denver, but none with this type of environment. When the Disney Dining Plan returns, this place should at least be on your list of places to consider.  

Timing. If your desire is to transition out of the hot late afternoon sun to refresh your body and soul and lift your spirits, San Angel Inn is a perfect choice. It feels far away from the crowds and provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the World. Wanting a quick bite as you go from attraction to attraction? Maybe not worth your time. After dark, San Angel Inn may not be your best choice as many restaurants offer outside dining options alongside the World Showcase Lagoon. (If you still prefer Mexican for an evening meal, try La Hacienda de San Angel. Their food is even more high cuisine than San Angel Inn, but I find their atmosphere more ordinary. The prices are about equal.) If an evening viewing of Harmonious is a priority as part of your day at Walt Disney World's second theme park, this dining location is not for you.

Dine or Ditch for San Angel Inn Restaurante?  Your mileage may vary, but if you're looking for unique experience that's pure Disney, and you don't mind the high price tag,  it's a "Dine". If Mexican cuisine is not a favorite, the timing is off, or active children are in your party, it's a definite "Ditch". 

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

(Photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disney's Hollywood Studios Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind

Step back into Hollywood during its glory days- or Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. That's what Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind shop does each time I see it. More than any other Disney park in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios has seen the most changes, good and bad. But this small shop brings me back to the old days when the park was fresh and new, and its future seemed bright. I snapped this shot during our last trip when the crowds were light and the noise levels low. I could almost close my eyes and think back to 1989 when I first saw the park that May.

Love Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway? So do I. But I sorely miss The Great Movie Ride. Do I miss the Studio Tram Tour and any of those other opening day attractions? Yes, but I also enjoy Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

Regardless of how you feel about the park and all its changes, it has a fascinating history. If you want to read a mega-post that covers it all including rare concept art, a historical perspective, and tons of retro photos from the opening, take a look at this.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook

Nothing in music can compare to the beauty of Karen Carpenter's singing voice- but brother Richard Carpenter shows he still has the chops. His new Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook collection takes beloved songs from the duo and reimagines them in an elegant solo piano setting.  

Imagine if you will stripping down everything from the Carpenters album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra including Karen's voice. The resulting album is straightforward and anything but simple. His renderings of hits like Close to You and We've Only Just Begun reveal the man's God-given genius in arranging and recognizing a beautiful and memorable melody. In particular, I Need to Be in Love shines. It all comes together in a nice, clean, well packaged recording on Decca- not A&M Records; a first for any Carpenters project.

Aside from the horrible cover art (by and large another long-standing Carpenters problem), it is an absolutely fine collection for what it is: background music for the late night dinner party. Be forewarned- Listening will make you want even more of Karen. You can't divorce her voice from these definitive recordings as beautiful as they are. Read more about the Richard Carpenter's genius and his thoughts on their career and music in the beautiful new book, Carpenters: The Musical Legacy by Mike Cidoni Lennox and Chris May. 

(Photograph copyright Decca.)

It's Not a Disney World

In just the last year, there have been: Over 360 million Christians experiencing high levels of persecution and discrimination; It gets worse. 5,898 Christians were killed for their faith; A total of 5, 110 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked. Across the world, 6,175 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned. Over 3,829 Christians abducted. The full report can be found here.

Walt Disney World this is not.

(From 2022 World Watch List, OpenDoorsUSA)

The Haunted Mansion's Memento Mori

Are you a fan of the Haunted Mansion? Do you wish you could be the Number 1,000 added to the "999 Happy Haunts" who reside there? If so, do I have a place for you! Follow me to the Magic Kingdom for a little insight.

Definitely the most unique gift shop in the Magic Kingdom and perhaps in all of Walt Disney World is Liberty Square's creepy Memento Mori. The atmosphere oozes the netherworld with gifts that help place you in the midst of the afterlife. Creepy or cool? But what did you expect when it is right down the path from the most otherworldly attraction in the park. 

Did the name of the store give it away? Is the little blue shop's name a pun built on the word "memento"? No, but the real meaning is even more interesting... and impactful.

Back in ancient days, the Latin phrase "Memento Mori" was often written on the top of letters and other important documents.  It's definition and common use meant "Think of Death", "Remember Your Death" or "Remember You Will Die". But it was not only an admonition to think about dying. It also meant to think about eternity and also with an emphasis to also consider how you will live your life now.

My heart is to honor and love Jesus now and into eternity, so my focus is on the things that will last beyond my lifetime. My mind is made up, so my life has purpose. 

What is your focus and your purpose?

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Night at Epcot in 1999 for the Millennium Celebration

Can you go back that far? I can- I was there. Epcot was the focus of the Millennium Celebration, and what a wonderful season it was. Granted the "wand" overstayed its welcome, but the actual festivities and the music were some of the most inspired and creative decisions the Imagineers and suits at The Walt Disney Company devised and funded.

The centerpiece of an evening at Epcot was the amazing Tapestry of Nations parade. But concept art has been hard to come by. Here's a piece that shows the magnificent moving clocks that also functioned as drums. The style was somewhat Steampunk which I love. (Looking at you Disneyland Paris and your incredible Discoveryland!)

The musical pieces were recorded in London's famous Abbey Road Studios and included and "Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand", "Reflections of Earth",  and "We Go On".  This was the true forerunner of the park's current Harmonious, with its Earth Globe making its debut- but on a moving barge instead of permanent fixtures which ruin the World Showcase Lagoon. If you don't have this music, you have to get it!

We loved this Millennium Celebration so much, that our family's annual Christmas card photo was us standing in front of Spaceship Earth. All said, 1999 was a great year to visit what once was Walt Disney World's most innovative and inspiring theme park. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

World of Motion Meets Western River Expedition

Concept art is something I can never seem to get enough of! EPCOT Center had some of the very best due to the enormous talent of people like Imagineer Herb Ryman. This Future World pavilion might look a bit unfamiliar to you as it wasn't built like this, but instead, it was given a different exterior. Look closely though, and you'll recognize it to be World of Motion presented by General Motors. 

Scenes from World of Motion in postcard form.

The centerpiece attraction was a ride through adventure filled with good humor a la Marc Davis style and scores of Audio-Animatronics. In a very sly and subtle move, there's one very big tribute to Marc Davis in the attraction. The Old West scene of a stagecoach being held up is taken directly from pieces of a journey planned for the never built Magic Kingdom attraction, the Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Western River Expedition. (The best series of articles on this unbuilt Thunder Mesa mega attraction filled area is found on Passport to Dreams Old & New. Here's the link to Part One.)

Don't get me wrong- Test Rack is pretty fun, although I am a fan of the original version instead of the Tron rip-off we now have. (The test crash dummy scene was a perfect blend of concept, theme, and execution.) But the suits and Imagineers should have been able to leave the original E Ticket while building a second one.

Anyone ready to sing World of Motion's classic theme, "It's Fun to Be Free"? Wish I could see this attraction again!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Notable and Quotable: John Adams

"Power always thinks it has a great soul, and vast views, beyond the comprehension of the weak;  and that it is doing God service, when it is violating all His laws.  Our passions, ambition, avarice, love, resentment, etc., possess so much metaphysical subtlety, and so much overpowering eloquence, that they insinuate themselves into the understanding and the conscience, and convert both to their party;  and I may be deceived as much as any of them, when I say, that Power must never be trusted without a check."

                In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, February 2, 1816.

(Portrait Of John Adams, C.1793 Oil On Canvas Photograph by John Trumbull)

A New Look at Disneyland's New Orleans Square

New Orleans Square stands above all Disneyland accomplishments (even Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) for its incredible attention to detail, charm, and authenticity- not to mention its world famous and much beloved attractions! The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean continue to please fans and critics alike. With dining at The Blue Bayou and The French Market, it is the place to go for some of the best dining at the Disneyland Resort.

Here's a nice piece of concept art that is rarely seen. The Imagineers created some of the most gorgeous pieces for this area. I'd say this one is worthy of a beautiful frame to show it off, wouldn't you?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Russia sends troops to Kazakhstan as Putin continues to force his way into independent nations once under Soviet control. (Is this part of rebuilding the Soviet Union?) And they form some sort of military strategic alliance with China. Things keep heating up in Israel. COVID-19 spreads in new variants. Nations are locking down and needing help. Evil abounds. Free speech is dying under Big Tech. America continues to be divided as never before. Fires in Colorado of epic proportions and tornados of the same size. According to MSN, Elon Musk hopes to implant chips into human brains soon. Persecution of Christians reaches an all-time high never seen before. What is God trying to communicate? Is the time for Jesus returning to judge the earth coming? Some Biblical scholars read the Bible's book of Revelation and Jesus' own words in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), assured this is prophetic and may happen in our lifetime. What do you think this means?

(Photograph copyright Abduaziz Madyarov.) 

Design Detail: Animal Kingdom's Maharajah Jungle Trek

After our recent trip to Central Florida and the fresh discovery of Universal Orlando Resort and all it offers, I've been beating up Disney pretty well! A lot of it is deserved, but when it comes to design detail, the parks have some of the best in the state. Disney's Animal Kingdom may be the strongest of all in this regard thanks to Imagineering's Joe Rohde and his team. 

Here's proof: On the beautiful and exotic Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section, Disney has taken a "simple" zoo concept and turned it into a work of art. Obviously this carving is brand new even though it looks ancient, but as you walk along the trail and discover tigers, bats, and more, beautiful surroundings, lush plantings, and art abound. The experience engulfs guests, making them feel as if they are thousands of miles away. Among Disney's Florida parks, Animal Kingdom feels surreal and authentic at once. It's almost as if God Himself had a hand in creating it. Well done, Imagineers!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Full Color Disneyland Map of 1963

The year is 1963, and Walt Disney's pet project Disneyland is on the cusp of some pretty spectacular attractions. The Enchanted Tiki Room had just debuted to stunning reviews. How could it not? It was an Audio-Animatronic stage show full of tiki culture, charm, and terrific music. Adventureland would never be the same.

Main Street U.S.A. would soon be home to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a brand New Tomorrowland was on the park's horizon, and in between the park's first new land New Orleans Square would arrive with   the attraction that would once again raise the bar for all theme parks: Pirates of the Caribbean. 

This map is worth blowing up and checking out what Walt's park looked like in the early years. So much is gone, but so much remains almost 60 years later. The last two decades of the Disneyland's additions have been a mixed bag, but I certainly wish there would be someone at the helm of the company who had one single once of Walt's creativity- and his desire to give park guests the best experience possible for the high prices charged to get into the park. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Hogwart's Castle in All It's Glory

Insights and Sounds blog is filled with great and rare pieces of Disney concept art from the resorts worldwide. Be it the beauty of Disneyland Paris, the amazing Tokyo DisneySea or the dismal Walt Disney Studios Paris, you can find plenty of art here that will delight you- or in the case of what could be or what was never built- frustrate you. As a relative newbie to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and both Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at the Studios park next door, there's just not too many pieces to be found from Universal Creative. But here's one in my growing collection.

Hogwarts Castle is beautifully done! It is at once imposing and alluring- done at a scale that impresses, this does not feel like it belongs in a theme park. Yet, in an odd way, it fits in so well between Jurassic Park and The Lost Continent. If you arrive from riding the Hogswart Express, you disembark and find the streets twist and turn until the big reveal. The Forbidden Journey is a magnet attraction, but it is intense. No worries if you can't ride. Instead walk through until you come upon the last minute exit. The tour inside is as well done as any attraction in Florida. Don't miss it. 

Up until I saw how the young wizard impacted the Orlando Resort, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were both a very nice and very good one-and-done type theme park. No longer. The concept art doesn't do the execution of it justice. Read my detailed reports here, where I cover both parks and City Walk after visiting Disney. Day Five here, and Day Six here. 

If you'd like to read more, a day by day trip report that also includes Walt Disney World, here they are, beginning with our night at Disney Springs before hitting the parks and resorts:

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando Resort: Disney Springs

Does Rise of the Resistance Match the Hype- and the Rest of Disney's Hollywood Studios

An Epcot Lover's Awakening

Disney's Animal Kingdom Adventures- and a Return to Epcot

A Private Tour of Rise of the Resistance and Off to Universal

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

The First Snowfall of the Winter

Well, it finally arrived a few days ago. Up til then, the most we got was a couple of flurries for a few minutes before it stopped. Although I know and trust that God allows everything for a reason, I so wish it would have come before the devastating fires in our area. God bless those men and women who worked so hard to evacuate people safely. Even my youngest son had a significant role in this. Thanks again for all you do to keep us safe.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Walt Disney World Cares What You Think About Universal Orlando Resort?!?

Received this new Walt Disney World survey, and I found the questions to be rather intriguing. Is Disney finally waking up to the fact that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are starting to have an impact on the number of days guests stay on the property? Disney's new survey is mentioning Harry Potter attractions and Universal Orlando Resort by name.

Interestingly, Disney knew that we were in Florida eight days but only spent four of them on their property at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

Are Universal Orlando Resort's theme parks Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios becoming more competitive, and if so why? Disney's biggest question seemed to be, "Why didn't;t you want to spend longer with us?"

What are Disney resorts guests who finally head off property and over to Universal discovering? Does it change future plans?

Disney wants you to get very specific. Very. Will it change anything? Not so sure.

(Top photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Rapturous New Year

There's a change in the air! New year, new beginnings, and goodbye to the old. Whatever the Lord allows, here's wishing you a rapturous new year. (Sorry, but I couldn't resist the play on words.)

(Photograph copyright Universal Orlando.)