An Epic (Universe) Decision

Ever since our visit to Universal Orlando Resort in 2021- the one where surprisingly I declared the Studios' incredible Diagon Alley to be the best themed land in any of the Florida parks- I have been staying on top of the construction of Epic Universe. Now, that it is open, my enthusiasm for seeing the park has only gotten stronger. A recent turn of events means I'll have to delay my trip even more. My son and his bride to be have decided to make Orlando the location of their honeymoon. I think it's only right that the man who introduced me to the worlds of Harry Potter gets first right to see Ministry of Magic in person. Don't you?

Memories of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama

Early next year, Dinoland U.S.A. is fully set to close. Dinosaur aka Countdown to Extinction bites the bullet as the suits at the Walt Disney Company concede that the world of dinosaurs belongs to Universal's Jurassic Park franchise. This includes the earlier closure of  Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama.

 

While I consider this area a total failure solidly on the same level as California Adventure 1.0 to the Walt Disney Studios Paris at opening,  I do have some happy memories. The top photo on TriceraTop Spin is a family favorite. 

The photo directly above is a funny one. Our wonderful friends took a ride on Primeval Whirl, a cheap carnival ride that made us laugh while we slammed into each other at every curve. 

No, I won't defend this as the art of Imagineering, but the land had some clever elements to make up for the unimaginative rides. Still, glad to see it go in favor of Tropical Americas. The beautiful Disney's Animal Kingdom may just remain the best Imagineered and most consistent park in Disney's Florida kingdom. 

(Photographs by Mark Taft.)

First Snowfall of the Winter

I certainly do not love winter, but I was wondering when it would arrive. Today was the day, much later than it's ever been!
 

Snow Buddies

Just sent to me by our old next door neighbor, a photo time stamped March 2000. Now, she has a family of her own. My, how times goes by!

The Grandsons Call the Shots

What's Thanksgiving and family time without some football? When two of my grandsons are fans of opposing teams, it is a crackup to watch them interact. Dallas Cowboys or Cincinnati Bengals. Just listening to them recite stats, critiques plays, and disagree with the refs made it a day to remember.

Making The Perfect Thanksgiving Even Better

Sometimes, not often enough, we reflect upon the good things. And those thoughts always center around those we love, and I think about those people who mean so much to me. And for so many years have made me so very happy. And I count the times I have forgotten to say "Thank you", and just how much I love them.

Those lyrics above as recorded by Richard and Karen Carpenter on their "Tan" album sadly but accurately reflect so much of the world around us today.  Want a Thanksgiving that is truly different? Try reflecting on these lyrics from a different songwriter: "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." The Psalmist writes this as a prayer, recalling all the great things God has done in his life. Oh, how much better my life would be if I'd stop and recount my blessings! How about you?

Sting and Adam Reader- the Professor of Rock: A Must Listen

Every fan of Sting and of Professor Rock must listen to this one hour long interview! The man behind the hits of The Police and his own solo career talks in a surprisingly intimate and humble manner. 

As always, Adam Reader makes good use of his time. Equally transparent and clearly a fan, his heartfelt questions bring out the absolute best of this singer, songwriter, rock star. Catch it before it is removed again. 

If you want to turn the tables and listen to Adam and his band, Adam Reader and the Turks, watch him swing to "True" below!

Disneyland's Main Street As You've Never Seen It!

Newly released concept art for Disneyland- right from the Walt Disney Family Museum! This beautiful piece shows Imagineer Harper Goff's vision for Main Street U.S.A. It's a different take then what we finally got when the park opened in 1955. A bit more quaint, a bit more rustic, and totally charming. You should see the rendering by Imagineer Bruce Bushman for a new vision of Fantasyland! It actually includes a Ferris Wheel and a very undisguised roller coaster. Incredible what could have been. Certainly there's more in the archives waiting to be uncovered.

(Concept art copyright The Waldt Disney Company.)

Disneyland Paris A One and Done?

Have you ever heard someone say that the beautiful French parc is a "One and Done"? Not me! Disneyland Paris is perhaps the most visually stunning of all castle parks. It's got the depth and charm of Disneyland built on a scale that rivals Florida's Magic Kingdom.  

I was excited for some of our Disney World loving friends to go to London and Paris and of course for their day trip to Disneyland. That said, I was surprised by their assessment of the French park: Although it is extremely beautiful, for them it is a one and done. What? I asked for further explanation.

The castle was a hit and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad a standout, Pirates of the Caribbean solid, but in their mind, there were not enough of the classic attractions that they found in the California and Florida parks. They could see the Studios park had potential, but it didn't impress them in its current state. (Not that many would disagree at this stage.)

As a huge fan of Disney Imagineering, the art of theme park design detail, and Tony Baxter in particular, even objectively, I find the park to be a work of art. I go into great detail why I do here. Read it and tell me if you agree.

As for the French resort, I can't wait to go back! The only question is when!

(Photograph from DLP Welcome.)

Islands of Adventure's Port of Entry Tops The List of Florida Theme Park's First Acts

Sorry, Walt Disney Imagineering, but even the beautiful Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom or the iconic Spaceship Earth at Epcot can't compare when it comes to the grandest, most intriguing "First Acts" of Florida theme parks. The winner of them all is found at Universal Orlando's powerful Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure. It's definitely not the biggest or even the one studded with attractions. It is, however, the one that best captures what kind of day is to come.

 

The art direction, the design detail as I call it, shows what the artists at Universal Creative can do to create the mood, the atmosphere,  of a park that is like no other. You can feel the sense of adventure and excitement in the air. The anticipation of thrills, wonder, and discovery to be found beyond the mix of exotic and whimsical buildings, lush plantings and fountains, all set to a soundtrack that amps up the suspense. 

Watch this video to get the vibe.

At Epcot, Spaceship Earth used to set the stage for what was to come, but the attractions found within the front half of the park no longer deliver a look at the future, belying iconic structure's promise. At the Magic Kingdom, the real "First Act" is better seen once guests reach the hub and can see Cinderella Castle with the other land's entrances around it. The closest Disney competitor is really the grand reveal of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Even though the park's entrance gardens are beautiful, they hit one note.

Universal Creative did not hit a home run at all of their Florida parks. Sadly, Universal Studios' entrance area feels barren, flat and rather  unimpressive. Beyond the turnstiles, the front of Epic Universe is lovely but doesn't come close in what's presented at the resort's second park. 

The winding path through Port of Entry furthers the impact. Guests can help but be drawn into whatever comes next. Yet, not every piece of Islands of Adventure scores so high. Beyond the entrance, the two lands to the left are nominal in its effectiveness and appeal even if their attractions are some of the strongest (and definitely wettest) in the park.  No matter. More is coming, and these three parks will only get even better, giving Disney's biggest competitor in Orlando a winning hand.

(Top photo copyright Mark Taft. Other images and video copyright Universal Creative.)

Disney Mansions and Manors- Frightfully Funny or Just Frightful?

The Haunted Mansion. Phantom Manor. Mystic Manor.  Each one certainly comes with its own plusses and minuses, but in their own ways, Imagineering has created a masterpiece that results in each being a true "E Ticket" adventure. Should a young child take a chance and explore what lies within?

One main consideration is the use of humor. When inserted into an attraction, it can take the edge off what could be a solely frightening experience. The levels of this vary greatly in each, making some a "safe" experience for younger kids, while for others, it may be much too dark, much too frightening. Let's focus on the humor levels as the main storytelling device.

At the Disneyland original, elements of lightheartedness come into play during the ride's third act, but not one single moment before. You find nothing humorous of the sort while waiting in line in New Orleans Square. We're talking serious business... particularly after dark. 

At Walt Disney World, a dash of humor begins in the queue, where cartoonish looking busts greet those waiting to enter the house on the hill in Liberty Square. That said, there's something about that eerie tombstone of Madam Leota that just delivers the shivers. 

In Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, there's really no humor at all until the graveyard in the outside gardens upon exiting the home. It's a very dark, quite sinister presentation while riding your Doom Buggy, giving a gruesome twist to the story that binds together all the elements of Frontierland as tightly as the noose in the opening scene. Parents should take serious caution before allowing their young children to ride. Snarling skeletal dogs and the Phantom himself keep the edge. The manor in serious disrepair has not taken its inspiration from the movie Psycho without reason. Beware.

On the flip side, Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor is full of fun and mischief from the very beginning! The colorful exterior gives guests a cue. Who cannot love Albert the adorable little monkey who puts the upheaval into motion? From any angle, the attraction is a winner that is repeatable visit after visit- and I've only seen the videos. Families of all ages should not miss this!

Will there be another incarnation of the Mansion / Manor at the soon to come Disneyland Abu Dhabi? Your guess is as good as mine.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Attraction Poster for Disneyland's Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Love it, hate it, or somewhere in the middle, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is a popular attraction due to wonderful music, memorable characters, and an incredible ride system. Sure, the storyline is forced and rather ridiculous even unnecessary, but this is modern Disney we're talking about. 

For Disney theme park historians, the attraction will stay somewhat controversial due to it replacing Imagineer Tony Baxter masterpiece Splash Mountain. I have not been able to ride it yet at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. When it comes to the Magic Kingdom, I'm very curious how it will fit into Frontierland's soon and coming Piston Peak and Big Thunder  Mountain Railroad. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

My Wonderful In-Laws!

My wonderful in-laws! God bless them! They loved this son-in-law even when it looked like there wasn't much to love or appreciate, and they welcomed me into their family many, many, years ago. Our vacations to California were made so stress free because of their love and hospitality. My wife is the gentle, kind, woman of faith that she is because of how she was raised. We're all blessed because of her and her folks. Man, I miss these two today!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Walt Disney World's Jungle Cruise

With the "Jingle Cruise" already in operation at the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World, it's easy to focus on this rather hokey overlay versus the brilliance of the original. It's even harder as less and less of the original is left. Regardless of all the changes, the queue remains a brilliant example of design detail. Disney Imagineering doesn't have to do what they do when they go this deep. They do it for the love of the art of theme park design. Yes, when it is in the queue, it helps set the story and makes the wait time more bearable. But it is also just plain fun as this photograph proves.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

The "New Disneyland" Park

I just love old school Disney optimism! Nowhere do I find it more entrenched in the hearts and minds of the Disney suits, Imagineering, and the general Disney theme park loving fans than in the promotional materials for Walt Disney World. Not just a new Magic Kingdom in Florida, but a whole new world of entertainment, shopping, dining, and recreational facilities. This was to be what they couldn't do in Anaheim but on a larger, more controlled environment and scale. 

Even the "New Disneyland Park" was to be unique. A beautiful new castle, a brand new land (Liberty Square), and a series of E Ticket attractions not seen before at Disneyland (Country Bear Jamboree, The Hall of Presidents, and the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue). Even the Fantasyland dark rides were originally going to be a different mix of stories and emotions. Unfortunately, that never came to pass. 

Perhaps the most special part of a new kingdom involved getting there. There's something special about arriving via boat or monorail across the Seven Seas Lagoon that just builds the anticipation to a great day. It still gets to me- even after all these years!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company).

A Couple of Decades Apart

You know how the story goes: Siblings or a family take a group photo and then repeat the process for years in a row. So, here I am with our two sons way back in the day circa 2007 or so. I think, but I'm not sure, that we were in Newport Beach sitting on a bench at Fashion Island while most of the women were in a store.

Now, the above photo is just a few months ago. All our kids and their families were in town for a mini-reunion. Someone had the idea to do this, remembering the photo at the top. We took so many shots of the three of us because we couldn't stop laughing. Me, especially. Good, good times!
 

Dolly's Parton's Time

Dolly Parton is one amazing woman! This 20 minute interview with People magazine gives a small glimpse of the woman behind such hits as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Make sure when you have a bit of down time in between all the holiday stuff that you take time to watch this. Find it here.

 

A Look at Disneyland's Adventureland Circa 1955

Innocence and discovery without agenda or political reckoning. That was Adventureland during its initial decades at Disneyland. The entrance to the land as seen in this concept art reflects the time. How refreshing! The United States was at the cusp of bringing Hawaii into the union when Disneyland opened, and you just know that with the forward thinking Walt Disney that some island themed atmosphere would soon be coming to his beloved park. Of course, that would come within its first decade when the Tahitian Terrace opened in 1962. Just around the corner was Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, and it would take the world by storm with its Audio-Animatronics musical show. This was only the beginning for the little park that changed the world...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

They Went to Disneyland with Bob Iger

"The Rest is History" so they say. Well, in this case, the guys from The Rest is History vlog were accompanied by none other than Robert Iger on a tour of The Walt Disney Company headquarters and then on to Disneyland. Of course, Bob was the perfect host as they visited various attractions- everything from Walt Disney- A Magical Life to Pirates of the Caribbean to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and beyond.

So what did Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook think? You'll have to watch for yourself. But love him or loathe him, Mr. Iger is the perfect gentleman and a true lover of the genius of Walt Disney and his accomplishments.

EPCOT Center's World Showcase 1.0 From The Sky

Any serious fan of the work of Walt Disney will instantly acknowledge that EPCOT Center is a theme park and not really E.P.C.O.T. as he envisioned it to be. That doesn't mean that Walt Disney World's second theme park is without its charms or purpose. Going through multiple incarnations of what a World's Fair would look like done Disney style, the first go around resulted in a very standard looking set of circular structures to house pavilions that represent different countries of the world. 

This model viewed from the sky shows the plan. The only positives I could see in this plan were two: Everything was inside and therefore could be "nighttime"; and secondly, ease of getting from one nation to the other. Wisely, cooler more imaginative heads prevailed, and we park goers ended up with a beautiful view on fanciful landmarks around a shimmering World Showcase Lagoon. Can you imagine an Epcot with an Illuminations- Reflections of Earth or the more recent Luminous- The Symphony of Us? Not me! These shows are among the highlights of my day!

Decades later, the bones of EPCOT Center are still intact, but the forward looking, culture focused take on our God given world has been traded out for wine, food, and tons of characters. No matter. Those of us who love this park will always have fond memories of the past along with hopes for the future. 

Why did the park change? It's our fault! Take a look at my article here and tell me what you think.

Epcot's Mexico Pyramid is a Real Place

Ever wonder where the Disney Imagineers got their inspiration for EPCOT Center's Mexico Showcase? It's right here: El Castillo (The Kukulkan Temple) of Chichen Itza, a Mayan pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico. It is almost a full on replica just scaled down to a theme park size. In Florida, the interior includes a beautiful village and a boat ride. Long ago before Donald and the Three Caballeros invaded for their Gran Fiesta Tour, the elegant and mysterious El Rio del Tiempo called to guests willing to explore Mexico's ancient past and vibrant future. I'd look forward to the day the suits decided to return to the park's roots focusing on culture and history in World Showcase. But that will never happen. 

The Rarest of All Disney Attraction Posters

The construction of Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom in 1990 was a huge undertaking that required a bit of rerouting for guests riding the Walt Disney World Railroad. In fact, for a season, guests rode in the exact opposite direction! 

Do you remember the relatively short lived Mickey's Starland? It was the cheaper knock off version of Disneyland's incredible Mickey's Toontown (which shockingly opened years later in 1993.). The land started its existence as Mickey's Birthdayland in 1988 before becoming Starland in 1990. Well, guests would board at the Main Street station and off they'd go to Mickey's Starland. This clever attraction poster was designed to take advantage of the construction as well as remind guests the popular railroad was still open for business.

When Splash Mountain finally opened October 2 of 1992, the Walt Disney World Railroad resumed its normal clockwise route. As for Starland, during the 1995 Christmas season, it became Mickey's Toyland then reopened as Mickey’s Toontown Fair. The land lasted until 2011 when it made way for the park's expansion of Fantasyland.

As you might have guessed, this image directly above these words is NOT the fully original poster. It is a little too perfect and also a bit sanitized, removing some of the scrollwork even if it filled in the background to a solid color. But you get the idea. The original right above it had to be AI enhanced to bring it back to life. This image with the blog marker is above and the first AI version below it. The original is from the great now defunct Disney Park Attractions blog. The very top piece of art at the beginning of this article is a combination of AI and some photoshop to fill in bits of reflection from the photograph of the poster. 

But, with just more than a little persistence and the right AI program, you can get what you want IF you are patient enough. The image above is proof.

As always, the art is copyright The Walt Disney Company.

 

A Bit of Paris on a Dreary Day

It's clearly cold outside, so my thoughts drift to vacations long ago... This little shop in Paris caught my eye one day. The golden lettering against the deep green and the black grillwork is stunning! But you could say that about most of what you'll see in the city. Ah, Paris! Ah, vacations! Ah, God's faithfulness to give me a break when I need it most!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Years ago, we were studying through the book of Isaiah on Sundays. It is a stark reminder for us who follow Jesus to rely on God and not the methods or politics of man. It’s also a great encouragement that God is for us, always paying attention, and always willing to work on our behalf when we call out to Him.

Today, Sunday November 2 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It’s an important and personal day for our church family because being a follower of Jesus in these places comes with great risks, places like China, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and many more. Hundreds of people who once believed in a different god come to faith in Christ and are discipled. Yet, many times the local people will not even consider hearing a reading from the Bible. This all raises an important question “In these spiritually dry lands, how can they minister effectively without the written Word?” 

Jesus provides the answer to this question in the Gospel of John: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  

even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17) 

In Biblical times, the scrolls containing God’s Word were owned by a select few as they were very expensive and not widely available. Most all the people were illiterate. When Jesus sent out The Twelve and the Seventy-Two in His power and authority- the first short-term mission trips- they went out in obedience, and God blessed them. The ministry of the Lord prevailed and the number of believers grew to epic proportions. This is due to the obedience of the believers who went out in their neighborhoods, towns, and all over the world, proclaiming Jesus and doing exactly what God told them to do.  Despite their lack of access to the Word, they did not go out unprepared. They carried God Himself, the Holy Spirit, the very Author of the Scriptures, who lived within them and supernaturally empowered them for the work of the ministry. Today, our family in Asia goes out in the same manner- in obedience to God and in the power of His Holy Spirit. God is not limited by man’s need or shortcomings! In fact, He is glorified through them.

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
 and streams on the dry ground;
 I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
 and my blessing on your descendants.” (Isaiah 44:3)

The Book of Acts records the Sanhedrin were amazed by the courage of Peter and John because they were unschooled but realized they had been with Jesus. What a testimony where God got the glory! The Apostle Paul states we are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as we await Jesus’ return (1 Corinthians 1:7). The Holy Spirit is a person not a power, so we can ask Him for what we need. When we travel overseas to serve, if we don’t know what to do, we seek God and ask, and He gives us wisdom in the moment (James 1:5). This includes God’s Holy Spirit bringing Scripture to mind exactly when we need it. We’ve seen this time and time again, both His direction and His protection. Our God is incredible!

Other Christians in spiritually parched places of great risk are under great scrutiny. There are times the authorities step in, and even though this is troubling, they move forward with confidence in God. How many times they must have this Scripture come to mind: 

“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

Today, I ask you to commit to pray for the persecuted church! They need us- and we need them! They help keep our hearts focused on the eternal things of God. In our brave, new world, our thirsty and spiritually dry land, we too minister in difficult times. We need God to give us strength, wisdom, and to work through us as we obey His commands to love our neighbors and share the Gospel message of hope, love, and salvation with them. Just like believers of old and our family on the other side of the world, He will give us what we need as we step out in faith! Yes, His love stretches to the ends of the end- and He loves the people of the U.S.A. and beyond as well!

My Favorite Disney Park Roller Coaster- And Some Rare Concept Art!

Disney is not known for putting the most thrilling roller coasters in their theme parks. But they are known for creating some of the best when it comes to family thrills and outstanding theming. Park fans may clamor for Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy" Cosmic Rewind, Expedition:Everest or even Slinky Dog Dash, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, or Rock n Rollercoaster, but when it comes down to it, if I could only ride one, it would be Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It's an Imagineering masterpiece! Yep, the best one is in Disneyland Paris, but from California to Florida and beyond, nothing comes close when you want the art of theme park design and good old fashioned fun. They may try to erase his name or alter his iconic work, but Tony Baxter knows how to build great attractions. In fact, I'd pay to go to a park filled with everything from Big Thunder to the original Journey into Imagination!

Back to our story... night or day, Big Thunder has the perfect story, is full of design detail, and provides non-stop laughs and screams. Year after year after year, visit after visit, this mountain (and Pirates of the Caribbean) define a day at the castle parks. It is the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!