One of the Best Views at the Disneyland Resort

Disney's incredibly gifted Imagineers have created some amazing views at that continue to inspire camera wielding guests. Perhaps one of the best, surprisingly, is not found at Disneyland but rather at Anaheim's once has been second park, Disney California Adventure. Yes, by now you probably guessed I am referring to the mountain range which frames Radiator Springs Racers. Even without the cars zipping by on their road race, the view is just wonderful. It's one of the last additions to this park that is truly excellent. Nothing since has come close to that quality. It's been a decade since Cars Land opened. I think it's time for something equally noteworthy, don't you?

The Growing Beast Called Universal Orlando Resort: Attraction Posters

As if the ride on Velocicoaster isn’t terrifying enough, these attraction posters in the queue at Islands of Adventure can give you the creeps! Or if you love collecting these, they make you want to run (if your trembling legs can do so after the ride) to the nearest gift shop and purchase them. 

The last few years at Universal Orlando Resort have brought some serious contenders for best coasters in Florida! Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes on a lengthy attraction name- which seems to be the new must-do for designers- but the ride is just a whole lot of fun and so repeatable! 

Universal has even given Walt Disney World a run for their money in the favorite theme park category. Word of mouth is growing among families. Year after year increases in their park's attendance proves the company's mojo, strong themes, and quick build times, is paying off. 

When Epic Universe opens in 2025, I know I want to be there. A Parisian themed Harry Potter land, an expansion Super Nintendo World, and a Classic Monsters areas join a family friendly How to Train Your Dragon, proving once again that fun is not limited to what's found at the theme park king down the road. But kings fall due to neglect, hubris, greed, and a variety of other reasons. Keep your eyes open! We're all about to watch Disney lose one more of those precious vacation days to their competition...

(Art copyright Universal Orlando.)

Harvey Weinstein Deserves to Die

By all accounts, Harvey Weinstein is a serial rapist of the worst kind. A man who also destroys careers and reputations of his victims- as if sexual violation and emotional defilement were not enough. 

The guy is royally messed up!

With Hillary Clinton in 2012.

Harvey going all the way to the top.

Weinstein, the founder of film studio Miramax - which was Disney owned for almost 20 years- was a very successful businessman and film producer with connections to the rich and famous and the politically powerful. Very powerful folks who once partied and worked with the man have wisely distancing themselves from him, especially California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose wife was also a victim. They all clearly knew something we do not?

It seems just about everyone in film and politics, from Washington D.C. to Hollywood and beyond, interacted with him. Actresses were offered much more of him than they may have wanted. Just a look at his potential conquests, and you've got a whole slew of top Hollywood stars.

Unfortunately, Weinstein is just one of many Hollywood and business types that have been exposed for their offenses. Actor Kevin Spacey, film producer Bryan Singer, financier Jeffrey Epstein, and many others, have all had to face the music one way or another. Epstein ended up in prison until his death. When exposed for the bad decisions we make, we get desperate. When crimes are punished, it would be natural to consider a quick death by suicide. Certainly, all the victims of these men have probably considered it as well, making healing next to impossible. Or forgiveness, for that matter.

What has been forced upon Weinstein's victims is inexcusable. Rape ruins people, destroying lives, and impacting families for generations. (Yes, mine too.) The percentage of women experiencing sexual assault or rape is surprisingly high- and the numbers of male victims are increasing as well. Evil, yes, but it's also the human condition. It's not excusable. God certainly doesn't excuse it as it breaks His heart to see a people He created so engulfed with selfishness and utter depravity. He will judge our sin, and we all have fallen short in various ways. 

It's easy to point fingers. 

Because God's laws are designed to protect our lives and lead us on a path full of goodness and mercy, we suffer when we walk a different direction. Pain is the end result when we walk our own way. If you're like me, it's a lesson we learn over and over again. 

Honestly, in the eyes of a loving and holy and pure God, we deserve nothing less than death and punishment. Yet- and I so thank God for this- because He loves us so, He sent Jesus to earth to die for the sins of all men and pay the price in full that a holy God requires. We can choose to believe in Jesus' own words - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me" and find the wholeness, healing, new constantly look for. If we believe that he died and rose again, it is ours. It's a very gracious offer. One paid for at a very high price. Or we can continue on in our search for fulfillment and pleasure and power in disobedience to God.

Harvey Weinstein deserves to die. So do we. Thank God, we can all have a fresh beginning and full forgiveness by turning our our lives to Jesus and walking another direction. What will Harvey do now? Hard to say. But I have to focus on my own choices. So do you.

Mary and Bert's Jolly Holiday at Disneyland

When I begin to give "New Imagineering" credit, it goes pretty well in some cases- and then I remember they are continuing to leave Mary Poppins on the table. That said, a strange little carousel in Epcot's World Showcase is not the best or most fitting way to honor the film that turned around the fortunes of the Walt Disney Studios in 1964. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Walt Disney made movie magic and cinema history.

When I look at "Classic Imagineering" of the Golden Age, it goes very well in most cases- and then I remember they had the exact same opportunity to place a wonderful "E Ticket" type adventure in Walt's park. Disneyland, of course, is the perfect place for a Mary Poppins attraction. Perhaps the only place it belongs.

Where would the attraction's home be? It just has to be Fantasyland. Imagineering's Tony Baxter had a wonderful concept. (See here.) Now, it's time to brush it off, upgrade it to something grander without losing the original charm, and use up that old Motor Boat Cruise area. 

Imagine that all those new tricks from Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway were used in a fresh way to bring Jolly Holiday to life. All guests exiting the ride would say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Her Children Arise and Call Her Blessed

My dear sweet mother-in-law has gone home to be with her Lord Jesus. But what glorious years she had on earth! Serving people, loving people, loving her God. I will so miss her. The book of Proverbs, particularly chapter 31 makes me think of her: "Her children arise and call her blessed..."

And her grandchildren (my kids) do as well...

  

Smallville's Lex Luthor Ready for the Big Screen?

Smallville? Wow, what a show! What begins as a simple take on Clark Kent aka Superman as a teenager becomes an acting tour de force for a few of the characters. Yes sir, Tom Welling as the Man of Steel is pretty impressive, both innocent and wise while navigating raging hormones and teenage dreams. Certainly, Kristin Kreuk's Lana Lang is great as the girl of his desires. She's both alluring, available, and not willing to settle for anything but the best. Third wheel Chloe, played by Allison Mack is sharp, charming, and the perfect foil to all those creeps who show up in what must be Kansas' most dangerous town in which to live. (In light of her choices and battles, it's safe to say she's a pretty good actress!)

Smallville's the story of an ensemble cast to be sure, but it's the masterful, understated performance and character development of Michael Rosenbaum that darn near steals the show. When Lex Luthor is on the screen, it's impossible to take your eyes off it. 

Hope against hope- and against knowledge of the comic series and other Superman films before it- I find myself rooting for Lex to find his way out of the increasing darkness in his soul, to come into the light and become someone who is free, lovable, and worthy of doing good that only he can do. And there's plenty.

I find myself wanting to tell him "It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are contrary to each other, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?" (These are the words of the Apostle Paul in The Message translation of the Bible.)

No one is beyond God's redemption. But if Lex did come clean, who would then be the villain?

I find myself much like Lex at times- called to be free but fighting against the desires of a sinful nature. Thank God for the gift of his Holy Spirit who empowers me to stay the course- and to Jesus Christ who paid the price of my brokenness, shame, and shortcomings.

Now, James Gunn as you step into DC's universe for yet another version of the Superman mythology, I want to ask you- Who can make a better Lex Luthor than the man whose players him for years and to such great success? 

Two Rare Adventureland Goodies

Since I ran out of time to put together my "The New Orleans Square You've Never Seen" article, I thought I would put out there a couple of pieces of rare concept art for Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

At top is Imagineering's Colin Campbell and a beautiful piece showing the outdoor preshow area to the Tropical Serenade at the Sunshine Pavilion. In Florida, there's no garden with the gods before entering the Enchanted Tiki Room, but there is a cute little show while guests wait for the main attraction. In this piece, I'm struck by how dressed up everyone is! What a nice change of pace compared to today, right?

Do you love eating at Skipper's Canteen? (I haven't gotten in yet. It's on my must-do next trip.) The Jungle Cruise inspired restaurant looks to have a great menu and an intriguing atmosphere. 

But actually, I have gotten into Skipper's Canteen, just under the name of the Adventureland Veranda- which goes back to opening in 1971. Same location, different interior, much less expensive but some similarities. Dorothea Redmond captured the charm of early Disney World perfectly here. The Veranda also had some space now used by the Magic Kingdom's more difficult to see Club 33. It was nice to sit and eat lunch and overlook the rest of the park while the Plaza Swan Boats sailed by. Ah, simple pleasures of years gone by...

Many Disney Parks fans like to play "Which Resort is the best?" I'd rather just enjoy the differences for what they are. They're both so different and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. But one thing is certain: Disney Imagineers are some of the best in the business! Even if Universal Creative is killing it lately, I want to believe Imagineering can still create world class attractions when given the proper encouragement, direction, and budget. Where's Walt when you need him?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Special Day

The happiest birthday wishes to a very special woman! Smart, kind, generous, and open hearted, she's someone you'd be very proud to have as part of your family. And I am- thanks for being so wonderful!

Whiteout

In all the years we've lived here, this has been the coldest and snowiest year yet. As our good friend used to say, "I'm so over it!" We've never gone this long without the snow melting until it's totally gone. With everything else happening in my life, it is the last thing I need. But I know God is always good and always loving- even if I don't understand what He allows. The Bible mentions His goodness over 100 times. It's up to me to trust Him or not. Doesn't make it easy, but I do. He's proven himself a loving Father Time and time again.

The Most Beautiful Disney Castle of All

You can add all the bunting, rose gold, and other embellishments to the castles at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, but you still cannot surpass the sheer beauty of Disneyland's Paris' stunning Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant. However beautiful they may be, photographs do not do justice to this fanciful and enchanting landmark. 

Imagineering's Tom Morris perfectly balanced French history and Disney storytelling to create a masterpiece attraction that checks all the boxes. It's a real attraction worthy of at least an hour of exploration. Gorgeous stained glass, rich tapestries, and a fire breathing dragon in the dungeon. What more could a guest want? How about being surrounding by the best castle park of all!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rare Star Tours 30th Anniversary Attraction Poster

When Star Tours opened at Disneyland in 1987, I was there. What a phenomenal weekend! The iconic Star Wars attraction has been a hit ever since. Next, it premiered at Walt Disney World's then named Disney-MGM Studios, Tokyo Disneyland, and EuroDisney aka Disneyland Paris. 

Back in 2017 at Disneyland, Imagineering celebrated the beloved, groundbreaking thrill ride with this special anniversary attraction poster. 

I wondered what would happen to Star Tours when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened, but it stayed put. Good thing! It is an entirely different experience than Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run and some folks would say the original movie attraction is equal to if not better than the newer flight simulator ride. What do you think?

Want more Disneyland attraction posters? Look here for the full collection, beginning with Main Street U.S.A.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

This is Disney World's Polynesian Resort?

Yes, there's a mega story Downtown Honolulu-esque building going up next to Walt Disney World's original Polynesian Village Resort. It may look nice when it's completed, but there's no question it will change the feel of the beloved original property. Here's a piece of concept art that some Imagineer dreamed up awhile back. With elements that feel old school, it harkens back to a simpler time. But, of course, this is modern Disney, so it's all about the money and withdrawing every last bit of cash from every guest. Hence the multi-story Downtown Honolulu vibe of the new building. My love for classic Disney Imagineering and business sense will never fail, but this new brazen one that looks to constantly slaughter the cash cow? Well, I'm losing patience. 

My next trip should include more time at Universal Orlando Resort. Once Epic Universe opens, Disney will lose yet another day to their main competitor. And I will not be the only one.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

40 Years Without Karen Carpenter

 

Forty years ago, Karen Carpenter died- and I remember exactly where I was at the time I heard of her death. It's hard to believe four decades have passed. With her brother Richard, the Carpenters had not only an amazing career filled with huge record sales and Grammy awards, they amassed generations of fans. 

 

The news was a shock, and part of our innocence also died when Karen passed. I just couldn't believe it.

Jazz artist Michael Franks (the Carpenters created a fresh take on his song B'wana She No Home" back in 1977) wrote poignant lyrics about a friend and fellow artist who passed away. These very words are worth mentioning today to honor Karen and her legacy.

 

On his Rendevous in Rio album, the recording "Songbirds" leaves listeners with these heartfelt lines: 

 

"When I consider your absence then my smile erases. 

Sure, the Creator creates, but rarely He replaces."

Rest in peace, Karen, and thank you for your part in the musical legacy left behind.

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A few of the other many, many, posts here about Karen, Richard, and the Carpenters music and impact on my life:

The Night I Met Karen Carpenter

Great American Voices: Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Revisited: A Fresh Look at Horizon 

The Legacy of Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Band Offers Their Tribute 

The Last Hours of Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter: The Drummer Who Sang

Three From Tomorrowlounge 67 Plus A Bonus

 Disneyland fan Mike Cozart's and his now (very sadly) defunct  Tomorrowlounge 67 site hosts some of the most incredible information and images you will find on Anaheim's Land of the Future. Here's three pieces of Imagineering concept art- plus a bonus one- to prove my point.

 

Yes, this once was Disneyland's Land of the Future.

The top image is in vibrant 60's era colors, so Tomorrowland sparkles with an energy it is certainly missing today.  The Peoplemover, the Rocket Jets overhead, and the elevated ramps brought vibrancy and movement. Toss in the Skyway and the Monorail, well, you didn't need to see the blue waters of the Submarine Lagoon to realize the future was definitely one on the move, one that looked very inviting.

 

 

 

So good were the Imagineers at their craft that even in these muted brown tones or in charcoal, a clear sense of excitement there, easily communicated in these renderings. 

 

Although long gone from Disneyland where the Peoplemover tracks rot, the great bones for stunning Tomorrowland now reside only in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

TRON will certainly add to the excitement, and now that those long lines will appear all over the land for two attractions with a height limit, I'd say it is high time to give some love and care at a deep level to classics like the Carousel of Progress. Folks who don't ride the land's thrill attractions need something to enjoy. So why not give them a taste of the excellently designed gifts of the first and greatest generation of Imagineers?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)