Why Disney's Chance at Pandas for Animal Kingdom Are Over

The days of Animal Kingdom seeing Pandas come into the park are over. And, no, no amount of persuasion from Shanghai Shendi Group (who partners with Disney on Shanghai Disneyland) will make that change. Why? As the Japan Times eloquently explains in this article, China is exercising "dumb power" by demanding the return of these beautiful creatures. They have long inhabited the Washington DC's National Zoo since the days of President Nixon. And they are quite the draw for tourists of all ages! Like most things done under the current Chinese regime, it's a power play.

So, for now at least, the natural choice for the next animal exhibit in Walt Disney World is in the trash bin. The drawing power of these beautiful animals will go to waste. I'd say they'd be equal to a big E Ticket expansion long term. But, as we all know, in the bigger scheme of our shaky world situation, an addition of nay kind to any theme park is just not that important.

(Photograph copyright The New York Times.)

迷人的想法

「 神 愛 世 人 ， 甚 至 將 他 的 獨 生 子 賜 給 他 們 ， 叫 一 切 信 他 的 ， 不 至 滅 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。
 因 為 神 差 他 的 兒 子 降 世 ， 不 是 要 定 世 人 的 罪 （ 或 作 ： 審 判 世 人 ； 下 同 ） ， 乃 是 要 叫 世 人 因 他 得 救 。
 信 他 的 人 ， 不 被 定 罪 ； 不 信 的 人 ， 罪 已 經 定 了 ， 因 為 他 不 信 神 獨 生 子 的 名 。
 光 來 到 世 間 ， 世 人 因 自 己 的 行 為 是 惡 的 ， 不 愛 光 ， 倒 愛 黑 暗 ， 定 他 們 的 罪 就 是 在 此 。
 凡 作 惡 的 便 恨 光 ， 並 不 來 就 光 ， 恐 怕 他 的 行 為 受 責 備 。
 但 行 真 理 的 必 來 就 光 ， 要 顯 明 他 所 行 的 是 靠 神 而 行 。 」

从圣经，约翰福音书

Flying with Peter Pan in Shanghai

There's a reason that even Shanghai Disneyland gives guests a chance to fly to Neverland with Peter Pan: this iconic Disney attraction is just plain fun! Walt Disney knew visitors all of ages to Disneyland would not be able to resist boarding a pirate galleon and flying over London and follow the second star to the right. This concept art perfectly captures the thrill of soaring high above it all. 

You'll see this beloved attraction at home in every Fantasyland ever created- except for Hong Kong Disneyland, which continues to amaze me since British rule and influence has made such an impact on the people. Perhaps the newly Imagined larger castle will lead to other enhancements for the beautiful but small park. 

Much of the Mainland China park is unique and enticing, yet the weakest part of it all is their version that holds this flying attraction. 

I haven't been there yet, but I think it looks like Fantasyland is an epic design fail. Where shall I begin?

The monstrosity of the boxy castle lacks elegance and charm. Big is not always best. Even worse, the layout of the land seems awkwardly clumsy with an attraction lineup that lacks depth: Aside from the mine train roller coaster, the supposed to be stellar Voyage to the Crystal Grotto is a well known disappointment. The Tim Burton inspired Alice in Wonderland maze seems like an out of place nightmare, and Pooh is just a mash up of cheaper versions found in California and Florida. Fantasyland is clearly where budget cuts and rumored bribes took a bite out of what could have been. Did the money go to the government's Shanghai Shendi Group or somewhere else? And why isn't there much information on which group of Imagineers designed the park?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)