Club Disney? Yes, It WAS Built- and the Unbuilt DisneyQuest

Ever heard of Club Disney? I was in one. It really happened! Anyone here remember DisneyQuest- the great indoor theme park that  was once found in Florida's Downtown Disney? It was a great stop at Walt Disney World on the days that the rain or the heat was too much. There was one planned for Disneyland as well, but it never made it off the concept art drawing boards. 

Back when the Westcot theme park (look here) was to be added to California- in the 1990s - before the suits decided the park was to be replaced buy the MUCH more financially safer and very inexpensive Disney's California Adventure, a West Coast version of the indoor gaming playground was all set up to happen. We've all heard the story before and we'll hear it again- plans change, budgets are reallocated, and priorities shift. It happened here. 

This project is not to be confused with Club Disney, the young family focused indoor entertainment center for those with kids 10 and under. One opened in Lone Tree, Colorado, just a few miles from our home. When we visited, it was a combination indoor play area and Chuck E. Cheese and Dave and Busters... enjoyable, charming, expensive, and not worth more than two hours of your time. But it was "Disney", so for this family far from both California and Florida, it was a nice little diversion. 

This new venture was long before Disney's Celebrity Sports Center from the 1960s that lasted until the early 1990s in Denver. (Yes, I had been inside exactly once. It was little more than a run down bowling alley by then. Not even sure who owned it.)

For now, both these are a piece of history. Will the ideas be resurrected again? Probably not, but you never know what could happen as the company and the U.S. economy changes over and over and over again.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Where is God in the Los Angeles Fires?

When a crisis hits, the questions begin. The most common questions are "Why do bad things happen to good people or why is there evil in the world or why would a good God allow such horrible things?" These really are not bad questions to have as long as you dig deep to discover the real answers before you make your conclusions.

Here's the Bible's answer in much abbreviated form. Evil came into the world when the man and woman God created- with free will- decided to trade a perfect relationship with God for knowledge like his. (Ever notice the bite out of the apple on your device?) Bad choice for all mankind. 

The earth and its people now begin to fall apart. People do horrible things to each other, sometimes even in the name of God. It's a pity because God's name is damaged when He had nothing to do with it.

But it is God himself who steps in, offering hope and salvation to every person who would choose to accept his free gift- and accept it His way. Consequences of all kinds of sin lead to disaster. Even though God gives forgiveness to all who come to Him, confess their sin and turn away from it. An eternity of Heaven or Hell hangs in the balance, and each person must choose a path. Not choosing is choosing in this situation.

So, the earth begins to crumble. But God is good! Every beautiful sunset, every fresh breath found in forest filled air, the wonderful sound of crashing waves on the shore come from God's hand. And here's the thing: Every person is born with value and a purpose. Every blessing comes from his hand. The disaster or heartbreak we find is a result of a broken world, but God remains good in the midst of it all, holding everything together. The enemy of God wants people to believe it is all God's fault, but in reality it is man who started it all and God who offers healing and hope, beauty in the middle of pain. His goodness leads us to turn to Him and away from words and actions that cause heartbreak and pain.

The truth is our hardships either make us turn toward God or away from Him. And He is looking at times such as ours, watching for all who would come his way. With eyes of love and tenderness. 

Some will find refuge in God but others will go elsewhere into drink and drugs, sex, a search for power or for wealth or fame, or even to other gods. The God of the Bible offers something better. 

The words of Jesus in the Bible's book of John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

There would be plenty of reasons to walk in fear, and yet God is always in control and always faithful.  He will NEVER leave us or forsake us- even in the worst of events we live through.

The words “Fear not” appear over 150 times in the Bible. God is with us! The world will crumble, but He will never turn away from those who love Him. Will that be you?

The ancient prophet Ezekiel says in Chapter 33, verse 11:  “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?”

It’s time for us to pray!

Wars, rumors of wars, terrorist bombings, natural disasters of all kinds. They are happening all around us these days- fires in California, bombings in New Orleans and Nevada, and disasters all over the world. These times are opportunities to pray for people- and to pray for people to come to give their lives to Jesus as well -that God would use circumstances the enemy planned for evil to instead be used for God’s purposes.

(Photograph by Amy Katz, Zuma Press.)

The First BIG Snow of the Year

You can't tell from this photo, but it is snowing very, very hard. Just yesterday, our grandson shoveled off the patio snow, leaving it clean and dry. Little did we know. As much as I hate it, I forced myself to stop and thank God for this. Thank you for the water it gives, thank you that I can work from home, and thank you for the protection it brings from many types of fires. Speaking of which, pray for the people of the Los Angeles area who are losing their homes to fire. May God have mercy on them- and may they be drawn to Him for comfort and peace!

 

The Shine of Christmas

 

Many years ago, I took this photograph while at the beautiful Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. To call this location a nursery is as much a misnomer as it is to call Disneyland a garden variety amusement park. No other nursery can compare. It's filled with all sorts of eye candy- including the original Disneyland Bandstand- and signage with a nod to the Daveland blog.

I love the "sparkle" of Christmas! It is a time when everything looks bright and new. Whether it is lights shining brightly on buildings old and new, ornaments hanging on the tree, the glow of candlelight at a Christmas worship service, or the gleam in the eyes of children, it brings the warmest of smiles to my face.

Just imagine what was running through the minds of the Magi as they encountered the Christ child centuries ago! Whether He truly glowed as many painters imagined or not, here was the hope of the world, the Light for all men, before their very eyes, given in the most easily received form- that of a child. Their gifts were humble compared to the Gift of Life He gave to all who would believe and turn to Him, but they were substantial and said much about the mission of Jesus Christ.

One brought gold- a gift given between kings. Its symbolism not lost on peoples of the region. Here was one king acknowledging another. A human king with limited realm honoring the King of All Creation.

Another brought frankincense- a gift given between lovers. A perfume of sorts, symbolizing the relationship that this God Who Became Man wanted to have with the people He created. It was out of love, Jesus came to earth to die; and it is from His love that we can be revitalized given hope when all is lost. God desires we love Him with all that is within us. A love that grows over time.

The last brought the gift of myrrh. Quite an odd gift choice, as this spice was also used for embalming the dead. Imagine the young mother Mary and her husband Joseph, receiving these visitors- and receiving the gifts intended for the young Jesus. They must have known the gift of myrrh symbolized his coming death. But little did they know He would rise triumphantly from the grave as well, defeating the plans of the enemy of men.

We can also carry this glow as we look to Him. In the Old Testament, the Psalms give us this beautiful description: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."

I love this piece of Psalm 34. It reminds me that regardless of the evil I have done or continue to do, God himself waits to forgive me when I come to him in humility. This is the brightest and "sparkliest" of all Christmas messages! And I pray this is the Christmas message that rings in the depths of your soul- and may it be the Christmas message you pass on to those you know and love.

Merry Christmas to each of you! May His Love fill your home!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

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!

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!)

Find Any Disneyland Map Here

Looking for that special era map of Disneyland? Maybe you want to see how Disney California Adventure was laid out at opening. Check out when individual attractions made their debut and when they disappeared. (How long was Superstar Limo around?) Perhaps you want to know what the whole Disneyland Resort is made up of. Then take a look at this little website: DLRMaps.com. It's a treasure trove of goodness!

The Kind of Stuff Screams are Made Of

Given the day, it just seemed right to take a peak at the beloved Disney attraction, The Haunted Mansion. I was one of the fortunate ones to be at Disneyland in August of1969 when the park's scariest ride made its debut. We were visiting with a friend from Mexico who had never been to the USA before, so of course a visit to Walt's park was a must! The brand new attraction was one that provided happy screams of adults and kids of all ages ever since. Other companies may try to duplicate the feel, but they just can't beat this Imagineering classic. (The two movies attempt to create their own spell, but what awful films they ended up being! I actually found the Eddie Murphy original the better of the two.)

When I finally visited Walt Disney World for the first time in 1975, I was thrilled that the mansion ad an entirely different look and feel! Befitting to its placement in Liberty Square, its gothic inspired design and beautiful greenhouse made it an instant architectural favorite. Above is a terrific photo here of the Magic Kingdom's iconic Haunted Mansion on opening day in Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971.

 

The Disneyland original.

It would be years until I visited Disneyland Paris, the first being in 1997, when I would step into Phantom Manor. This visit would actually be our youngest son's first Haunted Mansion ride. Long before he'd see the originals in the Stateside parks. The darker tone, Western theme, and fantastic music made this version an instant classic all its own.

In Florida.

At Tokyo Disneyland.

So far, I have not been to the Tokyo Disney Resort. Yet. Unfortunately, I keep postponing my trip for various reasons, but Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneysea may finally be what tips the scale. Japan's Disney mansion seems to be a bit different as well, with tones of red and green providing the creepy lighting scheme. Can't wait to see it myself.

The Haunted Mansion themed bar on the Disney Cruise Line's new Treasure ship, will be home to a brand new experience never before seen or heard or now, tasted.

The Haunted Mansion's tropical themed distant cousin, Mystic Manor, in Adventureland at Hong Kong Disneyland, may have an entirely different storyline and feel, but the thrills are there. Will I ever see this one? Probably not. I'd enjoy visiting Hong Kong and China, but their government is becoming more invasive and is now even scarier than any ghost inspired theme park creation.

Will there ever be another Haunted Mansion as originally designed? Never say never. Theme park guests can't get enough of the attractions that mystify, thrill, and scare!

(Photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Sunset in San Diego

What's not to like about beautiful San Diego? My youngest daughter and her family decided to go there vs. a much more expensive trip to Walt Disney World. Sun, sand, surf and Sew World. A nice sunset against the water. A beautiful thought to make me a bit jealous... and happy for them. And it worked.

The Thrill is Gone

Boredom, indifference, being tired. I don't know which one it is, but this I can say: The thrill is gone. No, I don't mean the classic rock song by B.B. King. I mean I just don't seem to care much about many things. My travel business is losing its luster, the new discoveries in my local record store don't bring a rush, I certainly am not all that interested in this blog right now, and definitely anything having to do with the Walt Disney Company is just not bringing it. I'm sure it will all return at some point, but for now, it's just not there.

A Quiet Day at the Beach

The soft green hues against the blue gray sky fit the mood of the day. We were in San Clemente then drove up Pacific Coast Highway in California. It was a bit of a respite for our souls. The emotion of the last several weeks temporarily melted away as I listened to the sound of the surf. God was so good to use to give us a day like this...

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

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?

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.)

Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon and The Disneyland Hotel Project from the Past

Long before Anaheim's difficult to book Trader Sam's, there was Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon. It was the place to go in the area for some late night mischief on The Disneyland Hotel  property. Imagine a Canadian show setting with an Adventurer's Club vibe. It was unique to the time, setting the stage for what would come later in Florida when Walt Disney World needed to compete with Church Street Station's popular complex in Orlando. Did you think under Michael Eisner's reign, Pleasure Island came about because of more altruistic motives?

Anyway, back to Aneheim.

 

 

The Disneyland Hotel has been through so many additions, so many incarnations,  that it is pretty impossible to track them all. 

This piece of concept art above is most likely from the 1970's when the newest feature was planned- a large, expanded tropical pool zone. The Imagineers on this job kept it pure and simple, and probably rather inexpensive. But I don't remember this actually being built as shown. Dancing Waters? Check- been there and remember that. Same with the hotel's first video arcade. And many other additions.

Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon, and the beautifully done wharf area nearby made the area a great place for a cheaper date night when you wanted your Disney fix.  You could still ride the monorail from the hotel into the park and back for a small fee. In earlier days, day guests could even play miniature golf on a course that featured icons from Disneyland park. 

What comes next after the Disney Vacation Club tower opens? Who knows?  But the evolution of the hotel and its grounds will go on and on as long as there are Disneyland fans left in the world. In other words, until the end of time!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Cynical Look at Disneyland

Are you a cynic when it comes to Disneyland? Do you love sarcasm? If so, let's take a look at the park Walt built. Do the guns in the Shooting Gallery make you shake a bit and fill your mind with snarky one liners? Will riding the carousel lead you to a strong of profanities or is the ride about galloping off to Heaven? Real life comes into play as well in this new Inner Disneyland. Does death give you the creeps? No worries. Have you visited the real New Orleans and been a bit shaken by the smells? You won't have that problem in Walt's version. Are you less likely to visit the original Magic Kingdom because it feels fake and soulless? Well, if so, this post is just for you! 

Back in 1978, New West magazine published this map with an in-depth and rather snarky accompanying article discussing the psychology used in building and adding to Disneyland. The focus is on creating an environment of assurance and comfort, be it a visit to 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion or setting sail with a motley crew for an adventure with the Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Decades later, the map seems surprisingly vintage and retro. But the desire to escape the real world appeals to millions upon millions of Disney fans all over the world. Cynics be damned! The park Walt built and those those that followed remain havens of fantasy and adventure and yes, escape, for guests all of the world. 

There's no dealing with reality here- except for long lines, overpriced food and beverages, and a pricing and experience based structure that reinforces the social structures so evident. Hmm... So, who is the sarcastic cynic now? Yes, yours truly.

(Art copyright New West magazine.)

Take A Ride Around Tomorrowland at Disneyland Circa 1967

Retro Disneyland is pretty cool! You certinaly won't get this exact view, but I like the photo so much that I wanted to include it just for fun. 

Take a look at this vintage video below. It's from 1971- a great year in the park. Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are relatively new, and the brand New Tomorrowland premiered just about the same time.

You'll take a ride on the Monorail over the Submarine Voyage Lagoon, cruise to the Disneyland Hotel and more. It's a pristine new, optimistic look at the future. And it's a world where the Imagineers were led by the greatest Imagineer, the man who started it all- Walt Disney.

A Second Renaissance for California Adventure

Do you want to know what's next for Disney California Adventure? With the D23 convention coming up in August, and Disneyland's 70th anniversary on the horizon, it will take more than relative quiet about the DisneyForward project to keep us fans speculating on the future of Walt's park and its now legal age sibling.   

Concept art or otherwise, it's been awhile since I've written anything about Disney California Adventure. The constant Marvel character infusion into Avengers Campus is of little interest to me nor is the newest attraction, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is old news, and I don't see anything on the immediate horizon of interest. However...

Way back in 2008, I rote a very, very long post about the park and its quite unfortunate Bargain Basement Imagineering. Readers loved it as it showed in visual form the stories behind the park and pieces of art for each attraction. But I'd never seen the piece above. From the beautiful Grizzly Peak and Soarin' Over California - the park's two success stories- to the dismal Bountiful Valley Farm (Tractors as an attraction?) and the shopping mall entry, it's all there to see. Certainly, it was an insult to us fans sitting next to Disneyland. Yet, months later, Japan would get Tokyo Disneysea. That was an even bigger insult.

Thankfully, new CEO Robert Iger admitted Michael Eisner made a huge mistake  by greenlighting the park as designed and announced a sure to be fabulous makeover of Anaheim's laughing stock theme park. Soon after another article came out by me: Imagineering A New Dream, a collection of new art and new stories. 

After a great beginning with Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, the park began to slide into its opening years plan as many additions to it were actual subtractions.  Pixar Pier is the worst of the offenders.

Will there ever be a third collection highlighting a fresh infusion of creativity, focus, and cash for the park that sits next door to Walt's Kingdom? Or will DisneyForward kill that dream?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company)

My Photograph of This Concept Art Has Traveled the World

From MiceAge in the United States to international sites headquartered in Spain, France, and elsewhere, my photograph of this concept art for Plectu's Intergalactic Revue has traveled the world- and I couldn't be more thrilled! It truly shows that Disney's theme park fan base is one big family. 

Yesterday's MiceAge article from by Shelly Valladolid  aka the Fabulous Disney Babe, deserves a bit of a backstory as to where this photograph came from.

I took this photo in 1990 of concept art for a brand new use of the Carousel Theater at Disneyland. The concept art caught my eye while I walked through Tomorrowland. I first shared it in 2008, and had no idea it would travel the world. (The same could be said for the art I broke to the world for the infamous Disneyland Dubai.)

The name was to be Plectu's Intergalatic Revue. This was back in the day before Disney characters invaded the land of the future, when Star Tours still felt new, and when aliens from other planets came and staked territory first. 

As with America Sings, these friendlier aliens were to put on this show, and in a different attraction, an angrier alien was to make his appearance at the West Coast version of the great Alien Encounter. Plans change, ideas change, and this concept art was eventually removed from the public eye. The building would have looked great- and I left the enlarged image quite big so that the details can be seen.

There's more than a few other pieces of rare or rarely seen concept art on the Insights blog- but that's what this is all about. Proving once again, if your site is big or small, we're one big Disney theme park loving family.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Walt Behind the Wheel

Ah, the sparkling days of the early Disneyland! Energy and optimism abounded as the guests loved Walt's new kingdom- even if it came with a few challenges. But is was clear the man himself enjoyed the kingdom his Imagineers built. 

In Tomorrowland, even more impressive attractions were sure to be built, but this vintage shot of Walt at the wheel of the beloved Autopia is sure to make you smile. Years before Space Mountain would debut, kids and kids at heart just had to get behind the wheel for a spin- and Walt himself couldn't resist.

(Photograph from The Walt Disney Company.) 

The Mandalorian Visits Oakland

Our 7:00am non-stop Southwest Airlines flight left Denver for Orange County California, so you can only imagine our surprise when we landed in Oakland and then Las Vegas and finally onto the O.C. for an arrival at 4:30pm. We were dismayed not delighted as we circled Ontario Airport and could have landed there, but who understands the airlines industry these days?!?

Stepping out into the Oakland airport, we saw that The Mandalorian had invaded! This Star Wars character was in full form! Could he one day end up in Galaxy's Edge? Certainly wouldn't hurt for him to arrive in either Walt Disney World's gigantic Hollywood Studios' outpost or the similar version at Disneyland!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)