The Humble Origins of Disneyland

Imagineer Herb Ryman created some incredible pieces of concept art over his Disney career. Certainly, the original Disneyland sketch is his most famous, but I find this rendering of the Disneyland entrance at Main Street's railroad station especially sweet. It's simple, charming, and reveals the very humble origins of "Walt's park" in Anaheim. All Walt wanted to do was create a place for families to enjoy each other, one where he could spoil its guests by giving them the best experience possible- year, after year, after year. It's why I was fascinated with Disneyland. What about you?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Impact of The Jesus Music- and the Hand Behind It

Don't overlook what you don't understand. If there's any moral in the lesson, it is this:  He does what He wants to do and uses broken, sinful, people like you and me to accomplish it. Even if we do it imperfectly. That is the unexpected story of The Jesus Music, an interesting, often heartbreaking, ultimately hopeful, documentary about the Jesus movement of the 1970's, and the people who rode the crest of that wave.  

The list of artists interviewed reads like a Who's Who of popular faith based music: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, DC Talk, Kirk Franklin, David Crowder, and many of the original less known musicians that were there when it began at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, under the encouragement of Pastor Chuck Smith.

When mainstream churches and televangelists were mostly snubbing their noses at this rock, pop, and R&B infused music with a Biblical worldview, wiser folks like the Rev. Billy Graham gave full support. 

Much of the movie is narrated by Greg Laurie, a pastor that saw it first hand- and the man that actually presented the truth about Jesus to me back in the day. I listened intently to a man who shared how broken mankind was by individual transgressions against God and others, and how the Almighty One in his great love sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross in my place. In one fell swoop, He saved me from a future in Hell for eternity, after He conquered death by raising back to life after being crucified by his enemies. 

Many times the music surrounding my newly found faith was undeveloped, unsophisticated, and unappreciated, but the stories and artists behind the songs had tales to tell of God's goodness and redemption when they were in pain or at a loss because their choices took them places they did not intend to go.

There's no glossing over the difficulties and sin encountered as fame hit different artists, but the focus on the story is God doing His work and using broken people to accomplish it.  I'm thankful He does, aren't you?

The Jesus Music is a movie that's honest, painful, and ultimately hopeful.

Turning Red: Meilin Does It

Meilin from Turning Red absolutely does it. Certainly Aladdin and Abu do it. My favorite Disney character Buzz Lightyear was forced to do it. Every protagonist in most well done films do it. 

Pondering the meaning and purpose of our lives, what lies ahead, and how to navigate it is something each man or woman must consider. Why? It's programmed into us to think beyond the here and now! Check this out:

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."  (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Folks that only live for the moment go from one experience to the next, be it the travel to come, the next paycheck, the upcoming party, or even the next adventure in sex. And mankind as a whole has come to see there's just so much more than what's in front of us. And that, friends, includes eternity.

Age is sneaking up on me, and I find myself considering the future more often than not. This means coming to grips with regrets, giving myself grace, being thankful for my life, staying hopeful, and choosing to bless and not curse the people God brings into my life. I guess it is true that faith, hope and love are the most important things. 

What journey is God leading you on? Where will it lead?

Pray for Ukraine

Spending St. Patrick's Day at Disney Springs' Raglan Road

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day today? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience and if you're in Florida, you should certainly consider it for your party. But is it worth it? Are there better places to spend your hard earned money? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it or will I dine there again? Read on.

The live entertainment is good-

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

Although his ethnicity is very mixed, our youngest son identifies the most closely with the Irish piece of his heritage, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our upcoming 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. Last trip, 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. 

Due to really awful service- just miserable, actually, at the end of Magical Express, we ended up at Disney Springs almost 1.5 hours later than our initial reservation- and on a Saturday night no less. The entertainment district was mobbed, but thankfully, I had called the pub and advised them of our delay. They graciously found a place for us. 

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.

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 $27. Our drinks were actually pretty good, and they did help sooth my frazzled nerves after a very frustrating arrival on the property. But out was time to finally begin our vacation- so I put it behind me. I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him.

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 $17 price tag. The list of appetizers may have been shortened due to COVID-19, but when we ordered this one, our server commented it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the tastiest 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 well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. Other than the fact that my beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, 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.

Delicious and different.

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, hitting the $175 price tag for a pub trip. That's almost $60 a head. Now, before you scoff, 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 worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. 

Considerations: 

• Book early and 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.
• 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

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland 

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal's City Walk

(Photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

Paul McCartney at Disneyland

Paul McCartney at Disneyland. Yes, it's true. The beloved frontman for both Beatles and Wings was discovered in the park back in the early 1970's. Wouldn't you love to be at the park that day and find him there?! Stopping by to ride the attractions and visit a few characters, he bumped into Pluto and new character Robin Hood from the recently released animated movie. 

Even one of the most famous musicians in the world needs a day to play, and Sir Paul is one of many to make the trip to Walt's Kingdom. It could only happen at Disneyland.

(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Oh, The Goodness of God!

I love You, Lord

Oh Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

And in darkest night You are close like no other

I've known You as a Father

I've known You as a Friend

And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

And all my life You have been faithful, ohh

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God, yeah

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now

I give You everything

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it's running after me, oh-ohh

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now

I give You everything

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me

And all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God

I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna sing

'Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God

Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God

Writer(s): Jason David Ingram, Edward Martin Cash, Benjamin David Fielding, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson 

Classic New Orleans Disneyland Style

Walt Disney wanted to give his new themed land, New Orleans Square, the authenticity and charm of the real thing. No detail was overlooked, and the Imagineers created what may be the most beautiful and well designed area in Disneyland. This piece of concept art shows the classic original entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean (courtesy a post from TP2000 on the excellent WDWMagic boards). More changes would come including the Haunted Mansion, but that's another story. This piece is definitely one for the books! And one I instantly wanted to keep for my records. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Olga's Cantina was Not the First in Disneyland

Given all the publicity, it'd be very easy to think that Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be the very first cantina in the park. This concept art proves otherwise. Frontierland was it's home, and in the days of the rollicking Wild West, there was more than just Slue Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe to whet the townsfolk's whistle. Now, the truth of the matter is neither place served adult beverages. That honor would first go to New Orleans Square's private Club 33 (where I had the pleasure to dine once with my wife/soon-to-be fiancee).  

In other Disney theme parks, Frontierland is either renamed and/or re-Imagineered. The best version is found in Disneyland Paris. In France, it feels like a real town and not a theme park land. A single IP land if you will long before The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's bigger, bolder, better, and filled with consistently thematic excursions into the Phantom Manor (a western themed Haunted Mansion) or a journey into the "wildest ride in the wilderness" which has the distinction of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad going under the river and onto an island. Talk about an exciting beginning and end to a classic attraction! And they said it couldn't be done. Imagineer Tony Baxter proved them wrong.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Mary Poppins Returns?

Bob Chapek never ceases to surprise me. The current head of The Walt Disney Company has made some bold-faced cash grabs, but today at an investor call, he did something that left me hopeful. At least for one project.

 

Responding to a question, the current CEO told folks that the once planned Mary Poppins attraction for Epcot is one he will look forward to green lighting one day. Of course, the skeptical side of me says its about as much to get a go ahead as is a stellar, sparkling new version of the classic Journey into Imagination. Time will tell!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Ugh

Snow, gray skies, and a general "Blah" blankets the city. Ugh! Is it over yet? Spring is on the way, isn't it?

An Evening with Whitney Houston

Leave it to Las Vegas to push the boundaries! Is this a really good idea to honor Whitney Houston with a holograph concert or is this a pure and simple money grab? I just can't decide. The music of Whitney certainly holds up! I mean between her early hits like How Will I Know, and the blockbuster songs I Will Always Love You and I Have Nothing from The Bodyguard and beyond, there's certainly enough music for a full evening. It leads to an interesting question many of us should ask ourselves- "Just because we can, does it mean we should?"

A New Finale for Spaceship Earth

Thanks to poster IMDREW on the always excellent WDWMagic Boards, we have a new piece of concept art for a proposed ending to Spaceship Earth, the centerpiece icon of Epcot. The attraction every guest just has to ride was on schedule for a brand new revisioning by the Imagineers. Of course as the story goes, COVID-19 hit, and the plans were put on ice. 

Will Imagineer Zach Riddley ever tell us that the ride will be back on schedule for a refresh? Who knows. One thing is certain: For better or worse, EPCOT Center is gone, and the new park filled with Intellectual Properties continues its transition. Once it was all about education and entertainment at Future World (with Journey Into Imagination, World of Motion, Horizons, and Universe of Energy) and the cultures of many nations at World Showcase. Now the park is just another home to Frozen, Donald Duck, Ratatouille and soon Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. 

It's much too late to reverse course, I'm afraid. But I'm sure the suits are happy with the coming uptick in turnstile numbers. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
 

Checking Out the On Line Universal Orlando Community

As I found out first hand recently, Disney is not the only game in Orlando anymore! Walt Disney World and its classic theme parks have some competition. Universal Orlando Resort is getting better and better- and with Epic Universe on the way, you can be sure I'll be visiting again.

Searching the internet, I discovered a whole new world. Orlando Park Stop is a great site worth exploring. If you want to discuss Universal and all they're doing, you've got to check out the Inside Universal Boards. These boards are the Universal fan equivalent of the excellent WDWMagic Boards with insider news and passionate and intelligent conversation. 

The iconic Magic Kingdom, the once excellent Epcot, the newly revisioned Disney's Hollywood Studios and the gorgeous but under built Disney's Animal Kingdom better come up with some splendid announcements at this year's D23. Competition is here, and it's a great time to be a theme park fan!

An Evening at Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe in 1955

Golden Horseshoe Saloon. The beloved Disneyland original is still open since day one. This piece of concept art by Imagineer Harper Goff shows the elegant building at the end of the main Street in Frontierland. 

The original cast.

The first and best show featured the lovable comedian Wally Boag. Along with the beautiful and smart Betty Taylor as proprietor Slue Foot Sue, the gave guests a show that was energetic, family friendly, and fully memorable. All for the price of admission. No uncharges, no tricks, no 60 days out advanced booking. 

The man.  The visionary and the wife who supported his dreams.

It was a must-see attraction. Walt Disney himself enjoyed his time there the night before the opening of the park. As you will see by looking at these attraction posters for the area, Frontierland was once a real world on the move with multiple forms of transportation in the Wild West. You might even discover some attractions you didn't know existed. 

The original show eventually gave way to others, but it did bring about another fan favorite featuring Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. It's been a mixed bag since, with food ranging from pedestrian fare to little more than snacks and drinks. But there's hope!

As Disney discovers there's a market for nostalgia, Epcot's Figment popcorn bucket sales as an example, the suits may decide its high time to go vintage and bring back something this terrific. Retro is in- and following up a late night show at the Saloon with a cruise around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain Steamboat would sure be a great way to end an evening at the Anaheim kingdom.

(Images copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Notable and Quotable: Gerald Coates

“God will not be tied to 17th century language, 18th century hymns, 19th century buildings, and 20th century religious inflexibility...God is changing his church. We are part of that change!”

                         Gerald Coates, New Church Movement Pioneer

Richard and Karen Carpenter on the Top of the World

Photographer Neal Brisker captured Richard and Karen Carpenter on film for use on their album, The Singles 1969-1973. But his most famous photo of the duo is not the one you see above. It's the one you see below as the interior gatefold photo for this global multiplatinum best seller: 

Top of the World, Yesterday Once More, We've Only Just Begun, Close to You, and Superstar - made even more famous by Chris Farley and David Spade in the movie Tommy Boy- and seven other monster hits. 

After this collection, there would be many more hits, successful concert tours, and television shows, but no album would eclipse the sheer artistry and impact of the original disc.

It seems the whole world knows Karen Carpenter died of anorexia in 1983, but the legacy she and Richard left behind outshines the sad image. She would have turned 72 today. Just imagine what could have been... 

Happy Birthday Karen- and thank you, Richard, for keeping her memory and the duo's legacy alive.

(Photographs copyright Neal Brisker. And thank you "Karen and Richard Carpenter Fans" Facebook page for the top photo.)

Say Goodbye for Good to This Once Planned Epcot Project

World politics being what they are, it's safe to assume we can now say a permanent goodbye to Disney Imagineering's plans for an epic Russia pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. Really, truly, unique addition to that part of the park- with a slew of attractions beyond the expected film type tour of the country. Retired Imagineer Joe Rohde was part of the project team. That should tell us something about the dedication to authenticity and excellence.

Beautiful or what?

Obviously, the plan was to move beyond the Communist regime and the Putin era by going into its history. With a nation rich in culture, art, music, and instantly recognizable architecture, Imagineers planned to offer guests the opportunity to experience it all in a stay rich manner that only Disney could. Go to Red Square as the beginning of your journey. Then enjoy a variety of attractions taking guests into the land and experience the history through the lens of literature and music, puppetry and more. 

Prior to this war with Ukraine, in the earlier days of Epcot, what kept this from becoming a brick and mortar expansion to World Showcase? Lack of a long term plan for the park that gave way to the invasion of Intellectual Property and the desire for long term mega-profits for the highest levels of the Disney executives. (Should I say that? I don't mean to sound so negative, but when you look at the recent bonuses and pay levels, what else can you conclude?)

Grand but intimate, rich with detail!

Imagine if you will, a Russian version of The American Adventure- a full blown theater presentation using all the tricks of the Imagineers with a cast of Audio-Animatronic characters. Heart wrenchingly beautiful musical pieces would accentuate the story making for a very memorable experience.  

More was planned, including a fun-filled journey on a sleigh through beloved Russian fairy tales, making it the perfect chance for Disney to use that trackless technology in the correct way. Of course, there would be more than plenty of opportunities to spend our heard earned cash. Dine on authentic cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, experience some great entertainment, and then interact with cast members from the homeland. Oh, what could have been! I have lots more concept art, but that will be for another day.

Sad, isn't it? Due to the invasion and the Russian government's plan to recreate the Soviet Union by force, this expansion for World Showcase will be relegated to coffee table books of what was planned but not built at Walt Disney World. It's good to remember that the people of any nation do not equal the government leaders. So, pray for peace- and pray for repentance. A complete turnaround of the situation would be wonderful, wouldn't it?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)