A New Yeti in Town

There's a new yeti in town! And he's coming the Summer of 2019- No, not to Disney's Animal Kingdom. The suits are still sitting on their hands when it comes to fixing the main reason for that tea train ride to Expedition: Everest. Instead of the Imagineers finally getting to fix that thing, it's the creative forces for Knott's Berry Farm that are bringing in a new beast of the mountain. Their Bigfoot Rapids ride transforms to Calico River Rapids next summer. Sounds like leader Matt Ouitmet knows what it takes to draw a crowd, doing it faster than the decade or so Disney's spent looking at options.

(Art copyright Knott's Berry Farm.)

In Fact It's a Very Cute Story

At long last my copy of Imagineer Rolly Crump's It's Kind of a Cute Story arrived. I was very skeptical as it seemed every review of the book was glowing. I'm here to tell you, what you've read is true. It's one great book! Whether it's Rolly dishing on what he really thinks about Dick Irvine, John Hench, or Tony Baxter, you get the feeling the man is sitting across from you at the local bar, telling stories about his life without caring who knows what. It's a refreshing change from the Walt Disney Company hype and publicity machine that would have you believe all is constantly rosy at the company Walt built. And speaking of Walt Disney, it's safe to say he and Rolly had a real true friendship. Be it working on the Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room, It's a Small World or even EPCOT or Knott's Berry Farm, you get the sense Rolly always carried Walt's philosophy with him. The stories he weaves as told to Jeff Heimbuch are alternately funny, charming, sweet, and ribald. It's a great read... and a very cute story indeed.

Goodbye Maliboomer!

California Adventure's Maliboomer closes after today as its last day of operation.

The Maliboomer was a glaring first sign that DCA was a dud to the outside world. It's Six Flags and Knott's Berry Farm style evident for all to see. Guests pondering to spend their bucks there or at Disneyland may have seen it from the parking area before coming to the conclusion very quickly that Walt's original park was a better value, lovingly created, and just much higher quality. This weekend also marked the closing of Pizza Oom Mow Mow, the S.S. rustworthy, Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market, and more. Adios, Maliboomer and all the other now-defunct remnants of DCA 1.0- I will not miss you!

Note: Tomorrow, I'll post my article on the Disney Park that earns the Number 2 position in the Countdown. See you then!

Rocky Mountain High 2

John Denver had it right. It is very easy to get high in Colorado! We took a short family vacation about one hour south of Denver, visiting many places we have taken for granted over the years.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most unique and best themed zoos I have ever seen. Set in the mountainside of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, it is easy to get happily lost in the numerous paths that wind around the open air animal exhibits. The giraffe area (below) is almost Disney quality in its execution- including elevated viewing areas and a very up close and personal petting and feeding patio.

Of course, the alligators were an unexpected find at about 6200 ft. above sea level!


At the base of the zoo, a chair lift takes you to the top of the mountain and back down for some spectacular views, including the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel, built in an elegant 1920s style. The Spanish style resort buildings are gorgeous up close but still very impressive from a distance.

The last shot is of the Seven Falls. It is quite a hike up to the top, but the payoff is being in the midst of a lush forest next to the falls. If you look at the top of the photo, you can see one of the suspended bridges.


This is only a small glimpse at what can be found in "The Springs". There are Indian cliff dwellings, the Cave of the Winds, the breathtaking The Garden of the Gods- a red rock paradise with climbing and hiking, and the wonderful Flying W Ranch- picture a dat at an authentic old school Knotts Berry Farm western town and ending with an evening outdoor BBQ dinner with live music under the stars. It's always nice when a real vacation from home can be just an hour away!

(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)