Walt Disney World Loses A Third Day to Universal- Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry Will Rock the World!

As expected, Epic Universe moves beyond Disney starting today. The final details have just been released. Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry. Take a ride on the Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for an attraction that look like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on steroids! It will leave fans with a resounding question of "How did they do that?!?"

In this new wizarding world, it wouldn't be Paris without a cabaret! In the brand new land, show patrons will enter a tent in the center of the streets to enjoy a full-scale incredible traveling group called Le Cirque Arcanus. Encountering fantastic beasts of many kinds and performers of equal variety, be prepared for something spectacular. When the brilliant minds of Universal Creative puts a theater show in the middle of the land, you can be they are very proud of it! 

What's the Wizarding World without some Butterbeer? Is it here in Paris as well? Mais bien sûr! (But of course!) Shops, restaurants, and brand new places to explore will bring guests for a third full day to the Universal Orlando Resort. And this is Disney's new problem.

A whole Parisian Potter world.

How does Disney stem the tide of an additional third day loss day of revenue? Families by the thousands will now call Universal their home resort for the next family vacation. 

The full video.

They may act unafraid, but you can guarantee the suits at the Walt Disney Company have  to change their clothes today. In this world, no one successfully competes with the wizard named Harry Potter!

(Concept art copyright Universal Creative.)

Le Spectacle ! La Pluie ! Les Jeux Olympiques !

Yesterday's opening ceremonies on the 2024 Olympics in Paris was a sight to behold! Three hours worth of drama, entertainment, and an unexpected game of where will the Olympic Flame finally come to rest. Oui, mais bien sûr! (Yes, but of course!) Suspended by a giant hot air balloon, the giant cauldron was blaze with more spectacle. Aside from the ridiculous fashion show as part of it all, this opening was one to remember.

(Photogaph by Olympia de Maismont/AFP/Getty Images.)

The 10th Thing the Disney World Skyliner Desperately Needs: A D23 Wish List Item

Gotta love the Disney Food Blog! Yesterday's article about "9 Things The Disney World Skyliner Desperately Needs" was a fun read with some ideas worth consideration- but I have one more to add to the list: An expansion! Yep- The Skyliner is just a blast! It's a very fun and friendly mode of transportation that needs to be expanded to other parks and hotels. Imagine a sky high cruise over the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom or a journey to Disney's Animal Kingdom near the park. The possibilities are endless. I don't expect D23 to reveal anything like this, but it could certainly be a great way to get around the property.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Veggie Veggie, Fruit Fruit?

With apologies to Veggie Tales, a Thursday cartoon to brighten your day. Definitely worth a quick look, a chuckle or two, and even some consideration. Clearly done, point well made.

One of These Things

Gotta give credit where its due. My oldest son ran across this hilarious piece of promotional material for the 2010 "Deathfest 2" in the Bay Area, ie Northern California. Take a look at all these logos from various bands- and then notice the one act with a different twist on what constitutes an identifier for bands of this musical genre. We certainly had a good laugh. But the question in my mind after awhile: "Why are we 'celebrating" death?" Odd, very odd.

Karen Carpenter On the Radio

On a perfect drive to the beach, I'd be cruising in my convertible down Pacific Coast Highway with the radio blasting the Top 40 songs from 93 KHJ Los Angeles. What were your summer songs? Those days are long ago, but it doesn't mean you can't have your own Summer playlist to bring those memories back. Of course, for me, it's yesterday once more when the songs of Richard and Karen Carpenter are on. Sure, the duo's known for their beautiful melancholy songs which play magnificently against her rich voice. BUT don't let the great documentary Karen Carpenter Starving for Perfection by Randy Schmidt make you think it was all doom and gloom. The Carpenters had plenty of great tunes that were happy, upbeat, and playful. Here's a few of my 2024 Summer Playlist songs, those Golden Oldies that make me smile (in no particular order):

There's a Kind of Hush (All Over the World)- A guilty favorite of mine. You probably know the record. It's the ending layered vocals that pull me in and make me think "Is there nothing this woman couldn't sing?"

Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night- Originally recorded for their 1981 comeback album Made in America. Much better than anything released on that disc, Kiss Me is fresh and romantic. It's hard to be immune to the recording's charms. Karen absolutely coos each lyric, and the music sounds contemporary with Richard giving it the arrangement it deserves. Perfect late night radio! The record finally made it to 1989's Lovelines disc... but sadly, so few people have heard it.

Love is Surrender- From the Close to You mega selling album. The duo's new to the ear of the public. You can tell they are having fun only just beginning their career. Carefree, heartfelt, and snappy.

Only Yesterday- The biggest hit single from 1975's Horizon album. They made it easy to think anyone could do what they were doing, but the truth is, no one could. From Karen's basement notes to Richard's complex sophisticated arrangements, this is one record that will never be remade by anyone else.

Boat to Sail- The first of three boat songs. "Yacht Rock" before it was a thing. This is my favorite song by the duo. I know, it's not dark, famous, or incredibly deep. But it is irresistible. Karen sounds right there next to you as the spray of the water hits your suntanned face. Richard's banging on the keyboard on the beach but playing with such abandon and freedom. It's one of a kind. They never recorded another song like it. 

All You Get From Love is a Love Song- This was the one duo's record that deserved to be a hit-- a big one. It's sassy, it swings, it has a great beat, and like most of these on my list, it is a blast to sing along with! Unfortunately by 1977, the Carpenters were long past their mega hit making days. But I'd say they were making interesting records that were creative and even adventurous. The Passage album was a tough sell in the USA, but overseas, it has legions of fans tuning into Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft. 

Sailing on the Tide- Released in 1983 after Karen's untimely death. "Leaving at dawn, after I'm gone, life will go on. Someone's gotta take my place running in the human race"- yes, those words take on a particular painful reality for the fan listening, but this Tony Peluso written song (the guitarist who made Goodbye to Love controversial) but the fun factor is pretty high. Makes for a nice break on the very melancholy Voice of the Heart album.

Top of the World-  The first of two country tunes on the list. All our favorite Friends loved this one, and so do I. (Man, I miss Matthew Perry and his comedic timing...)

Sweet Sweet Smile- Fiddle and banjo on a Carpenters record? A Juice Newton composition that's just too snappy, happy, and with a whole lot of twang. Karen's having a blast singing it and it shows. 

Prime Time Love- Richard's background vocals are perfectly done on this record. Of course, Karen sounds great- she always does- but her brother brings just the right touch to this upbeat number. 

Bacharach Medley- The 1971 "Tan" album was a monster- Rainy Days and Mondays, For All We Know, and Superstar are on it. This medley is a bright spot among the slower ballads. Even at 5 minutes in length, I'm left wanting more. Few folks wrote as many great songs as the late Burt Bacharach.

Our Day Will Come- This classic Ruby & the Romantics record is the one I am currently playing more than any other Carpenters record. If you thought the original was great, this version will slay you. It is the ultimate 50s/60s cover song done by our siblings who loved and respected the songs of the day. Find the fan made extended mix on YouTube. (It can be found here.)

Please Mr. Postman- STOP! This is another oldie and their last Number One single. You can slam it, turn off the radio when it comes on, or you can rock out to it and enjoy every bit of saxophone and guitar that gives it energy. 

Make yourself a list and cruise down the highway while the Summer nights are so much fun. You'll feel like a kid again!

Happy 69th Birthday Disneyland!

Happy Birthday to the granddaddy of all Disney theme parks- The one, the only, the original Walt Disney's Disneyland. Sure, Florida's Magic Kingdom is grander, Tokyo Disneyland incredible, and Disneyland Paris the most beautiful- but you, castle park in Anaheim, are the one that started it all! So Happy Birthday! And thank you, Walt!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Late in the Evening

John Williams is known for some truly iconic soundtrack music. But none compares to the beautiful music created for Sabrina. While the film is more interesting than you'd imagine- how could it not be with Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear- and the photography equally great, it is the music that is the standout. Perfect late night on the patio fare. One of our enduring favorites.

 

Disney's Hollywood Studios- The Worst Disney Park in Florida?

From one of the best days of our trip to one of the worst: The mess that is Disney's Hollywood Studios. "Wait!" you say in protest. "It's got Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock n Rollercoaster!" Yes, that's true. And in response to you, I say, "1- Down for the day. 2-Still great and 3- Closed for Refurbishment." That was our day in a nutshell when it came to our favorite attractions in the park. Ddi we have fun? Sure, but it was "different".

Fun, fun, fun!

Since we couldn't get virtual queue for Rise, took our own sweet time getting there. Even at almost an hour before official opening, it was a pretty light morning. When we entered the park, we headed straight for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. Immediate 40 minute wait. What? So the problems began. The dang park is just under built, and it shows. More on that later.

I do not get the complaints on Runaway Railway aside from the Great Movie Ride question. That is one I totally get and really wished the suits would have upgraded the opening day classic and put Mickey and Minnie in the old Animation Courtyard where it belongs. 

Cute, Classic Disney, and full of charm. Imagineering at its best. It's a near perfect family friendly ride that hits all the right elements. Had it been around during Walt Disney's day, I'm guessing he would have been very proud of it. Sweet, funny, and something everyone young and old can ride together. No height restriction, a massive people eater, and it is all much more reliable than that other big trackless ride in a galaxy far far away. What a great ride to start our day!

Checked the Disney Parks app. Rise was still down. Off to Star Tours. Why is it the older ride can pull you into the story and seems to have more action and energy than an entire land just a few steps away? Like Mickey and Minnie's, we walked off with a smile on our faces. 

Now that we'd been bitten by the Star Wars bug, we walked over to Batuu. Slowing down, we checked out a few shops more than the previous trip, took some photographs, and decided it was time for a Ronto Wrap. I love these things! Yes sir, mine was cold and it did not have a fresh flavor. It wouldn't be the worst meal on our trip, but it was close to the bottom.

Businessman or criminal? You decide.

What should we do next? Walking by, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run had a decent wait, so that was our sign. It may not be the star of the land, but I have to admit, this one is growing on me. Perhaps the working together as a team aspect is the one repeatable thing that never tires. We had a blast, and Hondo Onaka is one incredible Audio-Animatronic. 

App check. Nope, still closed.

This is the part where the park shows its weaknesses. We are not stage show people. Rubberheads are not our thing, nor are sing a longs. We have carnival rides at home, so that eliminated Alien Swirling Saucers. The line at Toy Story Mania was over an hour wait. Even longer for Slinky Dog Dash. The coaster is more fun than you'd think, but no and no. 

We'd seen Vacation Fun Madness or whatever it is called, and that was a bust. How could they pass off as an attraction a splicing of Mickey cartoon segments we'd all seen multiple times? Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is awful- but we're not its audience.

One of the classics for a reason.

My wife was happy to sit down for a bit, so my son and I decided to bite the bullet and embrace the wait for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. We are never disappointed. It's just all over so fast. Then, it was back to looking for something else to do.

Goodbye Kermit and Miss Piggy!

By now, it was hot. Really hot and muggy. Time for a Mickey bar and a short visit to Dinosaur Gertie for some photos. Why? Because it's my tradition! Next, with a 5 minute wait because we timed it just right, we gladly took in Muppets 3D. Hadn't seen it in years. Hadn't missed much. The gimmick of 3D no longer plays well and neither do the Muppets, regardless of how much Disney tries to reboot the franchise. Time for it all to go. There, I said it.

One more ride in Star Tours. New scenes, new destinations, still fun.

Nice. A good stopping place.

We regrouped by grabbing a seat inside the BaseLine Tap House. A wise stop. There's no meal to be found here, just some trendy bar snacks to go with the beer. Nice environment but nothing too themed or special. People watching was the order of the day there. I spied with my little eyes something fun. You'll have to look for the Disneyland reference yourself. I might save it for a Design Detail post, though.

What was it? $35 for lunch? No thank you.

App check (again). Rise was still down. The waits for Slinky Dog and Toy Story Mania were even longer than before. We had a 35 minute wait for the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. 

In an instant, our decision unanimously made. No debate, no second thoughts. Booking a late afternoon reservation for La Hacienda de San Angel restaurant, we walked out of the park and hopped right on the Skyliner to Epcot. Our day instantly was 100% better. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom would be tomorrow. Given the day's events, I was more than a bit nervous.

This park will become a dinosaur unless things change.

I'm calling it now. Disney's Hollywood Studios better get their act together. As it currently stands, unless we are traveling with others who insist differently, this will be the Disney park we skip over in order to go to Epic Universe. 

The latest hot rumor mill says Universal is demanding guests buy a three day park ticket in order to get into the newest park once it opens- but the catch is you can only go to that park one day. That leaves the other two days of a vacation on their property for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and City Walk. If you're adding it up, that's a total of three days out of a week's vacation spent at Universal vs. Disney. Throw in two days for travel, and watch out. Things are about to change big time. People were initially mad to have to buy a two park ticket in order to ride the Hogwart's Express. But they got used to it. Now, Universal is a two day experience, Soon enough, they will get used to three days at the Universal Orlando Resort as well.

Come 2025, long after D23 has come and gone and plans change or get cancelled once again, people will start saying what our son is saying now: "Going forward, I can't imagine a trip to Central Florida without spending days at Universal Orlando." 

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Is a Hit!

Thanks to the great DSNY Newscast, we have our very first look at the newly reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. As the second newly recently revamped attraction in Frontierland, is it a home run? Tiana's Bayou Adventure should be this much fun.  Yes, a grand slam. No spoilers here, but I'll admit I was skeptical when Imagineering told us this classic Marc Davis Audio-Animatronic show would now include Disney tunes. Wisely, this team built on the legacy of the past without tearing it apart and losing its iconic friendly feel. There's a party in Frontierland- and it gonna be a whole lot easier to see than the log flume attraction down the path.

(Photograph from the DSNY Newscast.)

Saturday Night at the Disneyland Hotel

What it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer panache. The Disneyland Hotel may not be the biggest or the most prestigious resort ever found at a Disney themed resort, but it has a style than none can match: It's the only one that celebrates the history of what came before it. 

To put a replica of the old Disneyland sign at the pool and then use a monorail themed prop as a slide is genius. In the hotel lobby, guests find a giant tea cup just waiting to be taken for a spin as a photograph. Not to be outdone, down the path, Trader Sams bar is filled with all things tiki with more than a nod to the first attraction to feature Audio-Animatronics- Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. 

The entrance to Downtown Disney is at the edge of the property, and just beyond are the two theme parks, including what may be the most beloved one in all the world. Walt's park. The one that started it all. And that is something no other park can lay claim to!

(And Happy Birthday to the real photographer in our family!)

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Dubai Disneyland - A Decade in the Making

It was ten years ago that I first stumbled upon the concept art for Dubai Disneyland. It was such a large discovery that I even surprised fellow blogger and friend Alain Littaye of the Disney and More blog. (May he rest in peace.) He leaked my find on his site and received a much wider response. Websites around the globe began posting these - and many other- pieces of concept art I had found for the proposed park. It's been a decade, and it is time to consider the future of the project. 

Let's recap further-

I published these pieces immediately, perhaps seven or eight total, much to the delight of Disney Park fans. I continue to receive inquiries and questions, with some even doubting I had the art. I do, and the most popular piece- to prove so- is above. A couple of weeks after I first posted it, I was contacted by the firm and asked to remove it all, as the client was upset they had even made it relatively public. I did so. But now, I feel at liberty to repost one image to prove it all. One image that, by now, can be found on too many websites and blogs to track...so I have no qualms posting it now.

Immediately below is what I posted in November 2014, and I repeat it here for your understanding:

"Yes, once more,  this post by The Disney Times is 100% correct. As are others who reported something similar. I did post a series of pieces of concept art on the proposed Dubai Disneyland, and yes, I was contacted by Favilli Studio. A very nice request was made by the Director of Operations, Linus Sora, a very kind man, to have me take down the pieces- which I did as a courtesy. 

Why did they ask me to take them down? Easy, the proposed project is very real and very sensitive. The clients were upset the pieces made their way to the public  Imagine a Disneyland in the Middle East and everything that could mean and everything that could lead to. The area is already a world power, and we all know Disney is solely in the market to make money. Win / Win. 

Favilli also took their pieces down off the web, but you can still find a concept for Glacier Bay, a land once proposed for Tokyo Disney Sea."

With the first stage of Dubai Parks and Resorts opening October 31, can a version of Disneyland Dubai be far behind? The concept art for it is all over the web (and I should know as I first shared it in 2014). 

My guess to the question is "No". Why? First, with Legoland there and the inevitable Six Flags and Universal Studios, I can't imagine Disney will offer their product in a place that puts them at the same level as their competitors in the minds of travelers. Which is exactly what would happen if they do go there. 

Secondly, Shanghai Disneyland has just premiered, and my bet is the suits and the public are finding there is much more work behind the scenes in making this really work in addition to what's needed to keep it going. Including necessary expansion straight away.

Lastly, with Star Wars Land and Pandora World of Avatar- not to mention upcoming projects based on Marvel and Frozen, Disney is finally taking an active role in the competition for the buck. Their parks will soon once again offer compelling reasons to "do Disney". And just in the nick of time."

Below are most all the pieces of concept art I found. Saving some for future posts.

With official branding.

Look at the above piece again- The larger park view may be the best. It includes a different version of Cars Land as well as a Star Wars based version of Tomorrowland. There's even a much earlier proposed version of Main Street U.S.A. which is more like a Fantasyland styled avenue. Not quite Mickey Avenue in Shanghai, but a European styled village with dark ride attractions, shops and restaurants. Just imagine!

Even a bit of California Adventure here.

As of this date, world events and tensions in the region seem to have placed this project on hold. Maybe indefinitely. No, we won't get an announcement for this at D23, as things will have to cool. But you never know what the suits will pull out of the sleeves. Money talks, and be it China, Dubai, India or anywhere else, Disney always succumbs to the lure of the buck over anything else.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Imagineering Celebrates the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

For Independence Day, it only seems fitting to look at some Disney attractions that celebrate being from the United States of America. Walt Disney was proud to be a citizen of our great country, and the parks built on U.S. soil present attractions befitting a look at our history and our future. 

When it comes to celebrating the American spirit, the crown jewel in Walt Disney World is Epcot's American Adventure. But its roots are truly in the first park in Florida and before that in California.

Liberty Square is an achievement in taking guests to another place and time. During my first visit in 1975, I was taken aback by the "sense of place" which created the warmth and charm in this area. Little details were to be found just about everywhere I glanced. With great attractions in a spectacular setting, period appropriate merchandise, and a strong sense of patriotism in all that is good in a Young America, this land is a winner. 

Over the years, much of both has changed, but the Hall of Presidents continues to stir me. The Liberty Tree Tavern and the Columbia Harbour House are among my first choices when I want to dine in the Kingdom. Last, but certainly not least, I find the chill factor of the gothic flavored Haunted Mansion to be superior than the California one due to the choice of design and location. Loving our heritage, Liberty Square is the one area of the park that I wish were expanded with new attractions, streets to explore, and discoveries to be found.

This piece of concept art by Imagineer Herb Ryman captures it all perfectly. As designed by Walt Disney himself, his original park celebrated and honored our great country. When it came time to build the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, the Imagineers had more freedom and space to create something that would further tell the stories behind our country's rich history.  Liberty Square's Concord Bridge, shown above, is the gateway to life as it was centuries ago. 

It's unfortunate that in the rush to visit the 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion, guests bypass The Hall of Presidents. It's a show rich in history, showcasing our freedoms and the costs to have have them. The Audio-Animatronic show deserves respect for being an incredible tribute to what makes America strong instead of childish booing if guests least favorite Commander in Chief is announced. 

 

From the earliest days of Disneyland in Anaheim and Walt's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to the Magic Kingdom's still beautiful The Hall of Presidents, onto Epcot's breathtaking The American Adventure, these attractions by the Imagineering greats remind of us our past, look to the future, and tell a story of how clearly we are blessed by God with our freedom. Are we perfect? No. We are made up of imperfect people that need to be saved from ourselves by Jesus Christ and His free gift of eternal; salvation for all who would give their lives over to Him. After traveling all over the world, I can heartily say, there is not a better place to live. Millions worldwide see us for who we are. We should take a deeper look and be grateful. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" so says Psalm 33:12.

 

Happy Independence Day, America! The United States remains the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, and people are still streaming in to be part of it.  Even with a pretty messed up political scene right now, we are still the most free nation on earth. May God's grace rest upon us, and may we once again turn to Him as in days of old!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Beauty of Ancient Mexico Inspired the Disney Imagineers Working on Epcot

Visiting World Showcase at Epcot? The Mexico pavilion is one of my favorites! From my first visit, I was totally taken by the mystery and beauty of El Rio Del Tiempo, the boat ride through the history and heritage of the country. The Imagineers took the best of the ancient and newer cultures to represent. We loved eating at the Blue Bayou inspired San Angel Inn Restaurante and its queso fundido. Visiting Walt Disney World took on a whole new angle because of Epcot.

It seemed it would be such an easy life in Ancient Mexico, but alas, there was "Death by strangulation, decapitation, exsanguination. Buried alive, burned on pyres, crushed by stones, thrown off cliffs. 

Homo sapiens in nearly every part of the world has practiced human sacrifice at some point over at least five millennia, often killing females in fertility rites or for burial alongside powerful males.  

But new research enabled by DNA analysis and other scientific advances has challenged assumptions about the identity of sacrificial victims, at least among the Maya of Central America. 

Between 900 and 1,400 years ago, the Maya regularly sacrificed boys—particularly twins or close male relatives—according to a study published in June in the journal Nature. 

The findings are based on the ancient DNA of 64 children who had been deposited in an underground cistern at the site of Chichén Itzá, a city built on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

For the ancient Maya, being sacrificed was considered a privilege, so these boys—most of whom were between the ages of 3 and 6—were likely given up willingly by their families, according to Rodrigo Barquera, an immunogeneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany and co-author of the recent study."

WOW- I was taken aback when I read this. Children sacrificed to gods.  How barbaric! How sad. Are we any better with our abortion on demand and constant abuse of children by those in authority? No. There is nothing new under the sun said King Solomon. Nothing.

The whole article from the Wall Street Journal is here.

(Photograph by J. Krause. Text by Wall Street Journal.)

Charlie Puth to the Rescue

Charlie Puth delivered something I did not expect. I was in a drought of sorts. Nothing sounded good to me. It's not too often I experience a season like that when music doesn't appeal to me and everything sounds a bit tired, flat and uninspired. And then something changed. Browsing around, I found a jazz version of Done for Me. I liked the original a lot, so I gave it a listen. It was so fresh, so unexpected, so fun. And like that in an instant, everything began to sound good again. Now, Charlie, how about a whole album of jazz?

(Photograph from Entertainment Weekly.)