That Thing You Do

Back to the beginning. Not quite the very beginning, but very close. Well, let's go at least back to the beginning where I really began to get connected to a local group of Jesus followers. In the city of Orange, at its very famous Orange Circle- the area was the physical centerpiece of the movie That Thing You Do- lies an old movie theater that was converted to a church. Back when the area was run down and the people on the street were falling apart, Pastor Joe Magliato brought Jesus and new life. Even in his 80's, he's still going strong. God bless him! As for me, I know God was faithful in a dark time. Oh, LORD, that thing you do as we trust in you...

The Hidden Greenhouses of Disneyland Paris aka EuroDisney

We Disney fans love our Hidden Mickeys! In fact, to find anything that is hidden while we are in the parks is a delight. At Disney Animal Kingdom's opening, there was the famous hidden trail which was actually found along the main path linking Asia and Africa. This sweet little area was designed by Joe Rohde and his Imagineering team. 

In another surprise, EuroDisney (Land aka Disneyland Paris) has a set of gorgeous victorian styled greenhouses set far away from the guests eye. The photo looks like a backstage area of where Fantasyland meets Adventureland, but I can assure they are not there. In fact, they are truly thousands of miles away in my home state, Colorado. "What?" you say.

Let me back up, each visit to Southern California, we travel to Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. This beautiful place is home to a piece of Disneyland history. The famous Disneyland Bandstand rests inside the nursery. (See can see my post about it here.) It made me start to think.

In 2017, we found a portion of EuroDisney that was never installed and instead shipped to Denver, Colorado at our Denver Botanic Gardens.  Read the sign below:

The absolutely gorgeous solariums /greenhouses were initially ordered by the Walt Disney Company when the Imagineers planned to install them in the Company's French parc. 

Seven of these lovely structures were ordered and never installed, but this one in Denver is the only one available for public display. My cel phone photographs do not do justice to the detail. Today, during a visit, a wedding and reception was being held there, so I had to use old photographs to maintain some privacy for the newlyweds.

The green painted metalwork is strikingly similar to what is found on Paris' stunning Main Street U.S.A. Were they to be used in the gardens found right in front of the theme park? Maybe the hub? Were they not so simple bus stop structures designed to welcome guests in case of inclement weather? I have no idea. Yet they are beautiful, no doubt.

Interestingly, years before that visit, we had walked right by them one evening at Christmas while we were enjoying the garden's annual Blossoms of Light decor.  I never noticed the little metal sign. 

When it found it again, it was like a "kiss" from God- a time when you discover something unexpected and so out of the ordinary. It brought an instant smile to my face- and an immediate discussion of just how we might have to return to Paris and that beautiful Disney park.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Looking Out the Window from The Walt Disney Family Museum

Without question, a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum should be a must see attraction for any hardcore fan of Disney's animated films or theme parks. The beautiful scale model of Disneyland alone is worth the visit! There's so much to explore, that you could quite easily spend 2 to 3 hours there.  Our visit was just what the doctor ordered. No large lines, no advance planning, no rush. Relaxing, enjoyable, and filled with opportunities to learn. (Sounds a lot like EPCOT Center in its early years.) One unexpected pleasure was the view outside. It was picture perfect as you can see!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Beach Getaway

Snapped this photo years ago while in California. It just seemed so iconic, so SoCal! I can almost feel the ocean breeze and the sound of seagulls. The full size version sits as my desktop photo right now. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign

When it comes to art, design detail matters. Finally in the last decade, it has seemed like Imagineering has a real firm handle on what the Disneyland Resort is. A design masterpiece and a piece of history. Walt Disney was forward thinking! Now generations later, even home town fans of Walt Disney World are recognizing the impact of Walt's castle park and what grew around it. The Disneyland Hotel has embraced its vintage / retro feel to great success. Downtown Disney is leaning into this too. The result fits perfectly. This sign is an instant classic!

A Little Birthday Gift

Sometimes it's just so true that your awesome wife knows you better than anyone else! For my birthday while we were in California, she rented a Mustang convertible for me and gave men a gift of an entirely free day to drive PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and then anywhere else I wanted. She even thought of packing a few of my favorite discs for the day in the car. Smart woman! Blessed man!

Italy Comes to California

Do you love Italy? The food, the landscapes, the people? I sure do! It was during a tour of Napa and Sonoma, California, wine country, where we found a bit of Italian charm right outside our door. No, it's not Epcot (or even Westcot). Even the cloudy skies can't hide the charm!

The gorgeous Castello di Amorosa is a family owned winery. This beautiful plaza and its fortress walls were built from scratch. No, they weren't there before. The look was lovingly recreated from the minds of the family working with similarly minded architects and designers. The end result? Something you would easily find in those Tuscan hillsides thousands of miles away!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

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!
 

The Beauty of Disney's Westcot at Night

The long lost Disney Imagineering project that should have been built in place of Disney California Adventure. They call it Westcot. A new version of EPCOT Center improved upon by learning from mistakes from the past. It has always seemed that the Imagineers were at their most creative point when they were forced to deal with Disneyland's space limitations. Obvious case in point: Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Both attractions benefit from the restrictions they had to work around. Such would have been the case with Westcot. By design, the nations of World Showcase would have the be grouped into continents and the Future World pavilions reorganized into more effective layouts. This AI created image shows what could have been.

Want a deeper look with many more real pieces of concept art? Go here and here.  Both are different, and Imagineer Tony Baxter detailed all the plans for Westcot on the second article. Still another missed opportunity by Disney. By hey, we got Pixar Pier and SanFransokyo, right?

 

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.)