Disney's Too Clever Not to Share Wine & Dine Marathon Logos

Who doesn't love the penguins from Mary Poppins? (Who doesn't love Mary Poppins is an even better question. Without a doubt, the sequence where they appear in the film is the highlight of the movie. But I digress...) The logos from the 2026 RunDisney Walt Disney World Marathon are just too good not to share!

Perhaps the Aristocats is your favorite instead? Well, here you go!

The Three Caballeros work well, too.

Is there anything to be Grumpy about? No, not really!
 

Happy 100th Birthday Dick Van Dyke! And Some Good Advice from the Man Himself

Dick Van Dyke. Icon. Legend- Disney and more. Family man. One of the nicest celebrities I'm sure anyone has ever met. What an incredible  life! Happy 100th Birthday! Mary Poppins made us love him, and life made us realize just how special he is. What's one piece of advice he'd like to share with us?

"Anyone who does try to live by the Bible sooner or later comes across a text that seems designed especially for him. For me it’s that tremendous question in Matthew 16:26: What does it profit a man if be gain the whole world but lose his own soul?"

                            God bless you, Dick Van Dyke!

Fueling My Disneyland Paris Dreams

Really, I wasn't going to share this, but I just couldn't resist! This stunning poster of Disneyland Paris caught my eye. Definitely without a doubt, France's Magic Kingdom is the most beautiful Disney castle park of all! Imagineer Tony Baxter and team designed a masterpiece. Even without a few classic attractions, this one would be the castle park I would choose if I could only go to one. Why? It's almost because of what it doesn't have in addition to its strengths: There's no dated Tomorrowland (sorry, Disneyland in California); there's no misplaced attractions (sorry, Tokyo Disneyland, but the Haunted Mansion from Florida's Liberty Square shouldn't sit next to Dumbo nor does not belong in Fantasyland); and there's definitely no spinner in Adventureland (looking at you Magic Kingdom). To borrow a phrase from a famous umbrella wielding nanny- Disneyland Paris the Parc is practically perfect in every way. 

Mary and Bert's Jolly Holiday at Disneyland

When I begin to give "New Imagineering" credit, it goes pretty well in some cases- and then I remember they are continuing to leave Mary Poppins on the table. That said, a strange little carousel in Epcot's World Showcase is not the best or most fitting way to honor the film that turned around the fortunes of the Walt Disney Studios in 1964. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Walt Disney made movie magic and cinema history.

When I look at "Classic Imagineering" of the Golden Age, it goes very well in most cases- and then I remember they had the exact same opportunity to place a wonderful "E Ticket" type adventure in Walt's park. Disneyland, of course, is the perfect place for a Mary Poppins attraction. Perhaps the only place it belongs.

Where would the attraction's home be? It just has to be Fantasyland. Imagineering's Tony Baxter had a wonderful concept. (See here.) Now, it's time to brush it off, upgrade it to something grander without losing the original charm, and use up that old Motor Boat Cruise area. 

Imagine that all those new tricks from Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway were used in a fresh way to bring Jolly Holiday to life. All guests exiting the ride would say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Mary Poppins Returns?

Bob Chapek never ceases to surprise me. The current head of The Walt Disney Company has made some bold-faced cash grabs, but today at an investor call, he did something that left me hopeful. At least for one project.

 

Responding to a question, the current CEO told folks that the once planned Mary Poppins attraction for Epcot is one he will look forward to green lighting one day. Of course, the skeptical side of me says its about as much to get a go ahead as is a stellar, sparkling new version of the classic Journey into Imagination. Time will tell!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Which Version of the Mary Poppins Attraction Would You Rather See Built?

Which Mary Poppins attraction would you rather have? The one shown above in this concept art by master Imagineer Tony Baxter for the original Disneyland or the one below designed for World Showcase at Epcot? Let's look at each as the decision may not be as clear cut as it seems. Or could there be yet another answer? 

The one for Disneyland looks to be a "D Ticket" or even an "E Ticket" based on its innovative ride technology and substantial sets. 

A charming attraction poster for the Epcot attraction.

The Epcot version, as indicated by Walt Disney World insiders, is said to be a "C Ticket" carousel or spinner of sorts with projection mapping put to new use. Each would have numerous pieces of music to bring it all to life, be it from the original film or Mary Poppins Returns.

In the video above, Tony explains how this Disneyland attraction would come to life. Quite fascinating. There are even parts of it that remind me of Tony's other classic attraction, Journey into Imagination.

In a perfect World, we'd have both! What do you think? I say that would be practically perfect in every way.

(Art and video copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Remembering Mary Poppins

Let's not forget Mary Poppins- in the UK Showcase at Epcot! Doesn't Walt Disney's epic, awesome, totally supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film deserve an attraction? Of course! Whether you're a bigger fan of Julie Andrews, Emily Blunt, or both, wouldn't you love to go on an adventure down Cherry Tree Lane? Oh, the music! Oh the magic! Oh, for the love of Dick Van Dyke- get something built that's worthy of the name- and do it now. Imagineer Zach Riddley, do you hear us?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Notable and Quotable: Dick Van Dyke

"Anyone who does try to live by the Bible sooner or later comes across a text that seems designed especially for him. For me it’s that tremendous question in Matthew 16:26: What does it profit a man if be gain the whole world but lose his own soul?"

                            Legendary actor and Disney fan Dick Van Dyke

Two Beauties, No Beast

Character meet and greets are not high on my list, but for families with little ones, they can bring some of the most memorable vacation experiences. Enchanted Tales with Belle is one sweet little opportunity! Would I rather have a Mary Poppins meet and greet akin to this or a spinner? Absolutely! If it's half as charming as what you find in this Fantasyland attraction. Yes, please. (Should be an "E Ticket", but that's another story!)

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Time to Trip A Little Light Fantastic

Reading the news just brings me down, down, down. This world and all its troubles, oh my. Things are going from bad to worse, and no politician or political party will get us out of it. Each group's makes statements that irritate the other, driving the division deeper between us. Lord Jesus, have mercy on us! 

So, until then, it's time to Trip A Little Light Fantastic. This sweet upbeat tune from Mary Poppins Returns brightens a dark day.

I'm growing to like this sequel and its soundtrack more and more.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mary Poppins Returns is a Worthy Film On Its Own

Straight to the point: I'm definitely a Mary Poppins purist, but there's absolutely nothing that should stop you from seeing the new film and even less to stop you from fully enjoying it. Yes, it's that good.

How does Emily Blunt compare to Julie Andrews? That is the question on everyone's mind when it comes to discussing Mary Poppins Returns. Quite well, actually. When she acts, it's a solid and charming performance that keeps the movie buzzing along. Ah, but when she sings, Emily Blunt proves why no one else could have pulled off the feat of reinventing the role all the while honoring it. A delicate balance to be sure.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's sidekick Jack is perfectly cast. Jack gets as little backstory as Bert did in the original. No matter. He's there to add to the goodwill and fun, and he succeeds by complementing and not upstaging his co-star. He's a bright presence in a film that has many more darker moments than the original. When Miranda sings and dances, the magic is there. Trip A Little Light Fantastic is an instant classic, and I'm sure Disney Parks fans will be hearing it for decades to come. But it's not the most impactful dance number.

In an expected moment of sentimental brilliance wisely placed toward the end of the film, Dick Van Dyke temporarily steals the movie. Seeing him on the screen brought tears to my eyes. When I told my young grandson that same actor played Bert in the original and asked if he had recognized him, the response was priceless: "I didn't know it was him until I looked into his eyes." Not bad insight for a six year old.

Angela Lansbury's beautifully sung No Where to Go But Up was another lovely moment on screen, but it made me realize so there are so few people in the profession that can hold a candle to the artistry that came in a different time and place, a time when professionalism and class were more important than making a quick buck or a social statement. (On that note, there's none of the gay character silliness in a family film to worry about here. This is a film suitable for all ages without having to explain sexual preferences.)

The much talked about segments with Meryl Streep and Colin Firth   amounted to little. Streep should have been cut entirely from the film- she's obnoxious on screen (as well as off) here, adding nothing important to the story. On the other hand, Firth is unexpected in his role, adding villain to his impressive list of credits. 

The music from Mary Poppins Returns generally cannot compete with the original, maybe in 50 years, but it does many have bright spots. Composer Marc Shaiman does a fine job with the music, but some of the song lyrics written by Scott Wittman are not as easily sung or remembered as those in the 1964 film. Can You Imagine That? stands out as among the best of all the upbeat numbers and pop ballads with its slight snap, but The Place Where Lost Things Go is very sweet and reminds us that Mary Poppins can also be gentle when its needed. 

The Sherman Brothers - songwriters on the first film- were experts at making simple memorable and appealing. Maybe I'm just being tough on the soundtrack, but there's not as many here as memorable as the ones you remember from your youth. Yet, the songs grow on you the more you hear them- much as this film will!

The huge task before the filmmakers was to create a new classic without comparisons to the old. The film is a huge success on many levels, and it is worth seeing once even twice in the theaters. A film such as this doesn't come along all that often, and it deserves a large screen appreciate all the pleasures it offers. It will be a welcome addition to your DVD collection.

Mary Poppins Returns- in Time for an Epcot Attraction

Just this morning, Walt Disney Pictures released the full official trailer for their much anticipated film, Mary Poppins Returns. While no one will ever fill the shoes of Julie Andrews, I must say that the performance of Emily Blunt looks to be quite faithful to the original tone, and therefore quite charming. 

Seeing Mr. Dick Van Dyke dance is an emotional thrill, sure to be one of the highlights of the film! Can't wait to see it!

Could it be that the trailer gives some insight to a potential dark ride at the Epcot's U.K. pavilion? I'd like to think so, but it seems the suits may have decided on a simple flat ride, a carousel, to represent one of their best loved movies. 

Check out the above video! Should they change their minds and let the Imagineers run free with an attraction version that would look somewhat like that of Tony Baxter's, I'd be the first to say "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"

(Look here for an article.)

Tony Baxter's Mary Poppins Attraction

The great Disney and More website by Alain Littaye is one of my all time favorites for a reason, and he has done it again. Go to this link to see video and concept art for Imagineer Tony Baxter's never built Mary Poppins attraction for Disneyland.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Happy 90th Dick Van Dyke!

Happy 90th Birthday Dick Van Dyke! YOU should have been the Disney star ambassador for the 60th celebration of Disneyland. As a beloved performer, your star has never shone brighter! 

Mary Poppins would not have been the smash without you. I'm sure Julie Andrew herself agrees- along with your millions of fans.

Walt's Kick in the Teeth

All over the world, much has obviously been written about Walt Disney and his creative genius. From Mickey Mouse to Snow White to Disneyland to Mary Poppins and beyond, there has never been a man like him. Look at this quote from old Walt himself. Not only creative but wisely reflective, I'd say.

Today is a good day to run across this. I've been kicked down once again. So many sucker punches, kicks in the teeth- or way lower. I'm strong, but I am also weak. And I'll be the first to admit I need Jesus to help me make it. I saw this billboard today: "People disappoint. God never does." Well, maybe not eventually. I will say I do not understand everything God allows, but I do trust Him, even if I never understand why. I guess that's what they call faith.

Time to keep going, I guess. There's always a fresh day tomorrow.

(Image from FindYourHero.com)

Favorite Disney Film Musical Moments

With the Oscar awards snubbing "Saving Mr. Banks", probably due to that nasty diatribe by Meryl Streep, but with all the love and a nomination given to Frozen, I thought it would be appropriate to take a quick look at some favorite musical moments in Disney animated films. The winners are (and in no particular order): 

• "Jolly Holiday" Mary Poppins:

Not only is this the standout number in a groundbreaking film, this is the first scene where I understood what Bert saw in Mary. Who didn't want to jump into a chalk drawing and right into a fantasy world as beautiful?

• "A Girl Worth Fighting For" Mulan:

As a husband, I love the take on Mulan's version of what makes a woman worthy of attention. I have to laugh- and do- at what the other soldiers' found desirable. I agree almost 100%, too, on all opinions expressed! In a great piece of filmmaking, the way this scene leads into the next is just powerful. Mulan is a highly underrated film. The story is terrific, the scenery incredible, and the characters very likable.

• "Kiss the Girl" The Little Mermaid:

Sure, it would be a favorite pick from the film if I'd choose Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's enticing Under the Sea. Yet, I find this number has much more charm and leaves a lasting impression. Perhaps as Ursula says, a girl who holds her tongue gets her man. And, as a Dad, you just have to love a movie where the Father sacrifice's it all to save his daughter.

• "Be Our Guest" Beauty and the Beast:

The follow up to the incredible success of Mermaid is my favorite animated film. I so relate to the Beast, as does main animator Glen Keane. (See his views on Beast here.) Although Beast is nowhere to be found in this clip, Be Our Guest always makes me think of our visits to Paris. My love for this city grows each visit, and I have plenty of photos on the blog to prove it.

• "You Can Fly" Peter Pan:

Let me be honest, this song is now so strongly identified with Disneyland, that much like When You Wish Upon A Star, it's difficult for me to think of them in the context of the great classic films from which they come. Peter Pan remains a favorite, with its colors and whimsy.

• "I See the Light" Tangled:

To all of you who adore Frozen, and I am one of you, I submit Tangled as a much better film with a stronger set of songs. Love the story arcs and twists found in the newer film, but the coming of age of Flynn Rider makes this as much a guy film as a princess one. The centerpiece, the "falling in love" song is "I See The Light". In this man's not always so humble opinion, it is the best piece of animation every created by the Company. Note to the Imagineers and the budgeteers: should you ever get the guts and the money to build a dark ride attraction on this film, I will show up immediately to see this scene presented. That alone would make your New Fantasyland worth the visit. You've built the village restrooms, now its time to really get creative and build an attraction!

Tony Baxter's "Jolly Holiday" in EPCOT?

Here's another testimony to the old adage, "A great concept never dies": this rare piece of concept art for EPCOT Center's World Showcase shows an unbuilt attraction for the UK pavilion. It's labeled "A Jolly Holiday", and my guess is this the same Mary Poppins' themed attraction that ex-Imagineer Tony Baxter brought with him for his interview with WED Enterprises all those years ago. 

6:53pm Note: I stand corrected. See Eric's response for a full explanation. Thank you.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Main Street Hub Transformation Debate

Seems as if the Disneyland Resort is getting so much love and care these days. By now, everyone that follows the Disney World knows about California Adventure's amazing transformation. The Disneyland Hotel has almost completed its update, bringing a whole new retro 50s meets 70s design aesthetic. Downtown Disney is a constant kaleidoscope, as stores rotate in and out. (I'll miss Island Charters!)

In Walt's original kingdom, changes abound as well. They're not as splashy but perhaps equally significant from historical perspective. Sure, the grand old gal needs some work, but maybe these changes on Main Street U.S.A. are not the places to be looking at just yet.

From this writer's perspective, the newly opened Jolly Holiday Bakery is a mixed bag. I love Mary Poppins from anyway you slice it, and the sequence referenced in the new restaurant's theme is my absolutely favorite piece of the film. In fact, I'm humming along the song in my head as I write! However, its out of time and place in an American small town of 100 or so years ago. On the plus side, the theming involves subtle, very subtle, references to the film or its time frame- and it is certainly a wonderful return to its original intent than a Passport Processing Center. With its gorgeous stained glass accents and delightful weather vane, it's a stunning building, a creative success, and an overall "neutral" in the larger scheme of things.

The jury is still out regarding the changeover from Walt's beloved Carnation Plaza Gardens and its bandstand into a Fantasyland/Tangled inspired performance area and meet and greet. Again, there are pros and cons, but this might be the time the cons are most weighty.

From the Walt Disney Company's perspective, this piece of land represents an under utilized opportunity for effective guest use. Perhaps it is even in keeping with the theme of the plaza. After all, the elegant- stunning actually- Plaza Inn on one end of the street and the Jolly Holiday Bakery on the other, one half of the hub is even divided between Main Street U.S.A. and access points to the various Disney lands. This makes the lovely Gardens primed for appropriate thematic transformation as it becomes part of the Sleeping Beauty Castle complex.

From those of you perhaps belonging to the Disneyland Historical Preservation Society,

(you can read my piece on The Disneyland Historical Preservation Society here), this loss of the look and feel of the area is a major one.

The history of this place sings and swings. If there is any great musical jazz or big band artist of the time of its debut, mid century into the 60s and 70s, they probably played at the place. Google it yourself and find an exhaustive list. It is quite an impressive lineup. Perhaps most importantly, there is no question Walt loved this area, and for that fact alone, die hard fans find it untouchable.

Certainly, as it stands now, the Gardens' days are numbered. I would think winter would be a great time to begin and complete the project, particularly before the relaunch of California Adventure brings many first time westcoasters to the resort. It's only a matter of time before we see the end result and the lengthy debates begin.

Where do you stand on what's happening over there in Walt's Kingdom?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Epcot's Jolly Old England

With its very charming shops, the very good The Rose and Crown restaurant, its adjoining pub, and the British Invasion, an excellent Beatles tribute band that plays from time to time, the United Kingdom showcase is a must stop on any trip to Epcot. The concept art shown above was created to give the designers and future guests a feeling for the place. There are no black taxi cabs here and even the double decker buses that once cruised by have stopped. There is one single red telephone booth to be found, but the obvious landmarks like The Tower of London or even Big Ben from the Houses of Parliament were overlooked in favor of a quainter reproduction. (How I still wish there was a forced perspective building of the clock tower to be found!) This lends the area a more rural feel than I expected on my very first visit shortly after the park opened.

Over the years, not much has been added to the pavilion (do you see a trend here?) but an excellent fish shoppe from Harry Ramsden and a station for the kid friendly Kim Possible adventure. The gardens in the back make for a nice place to stop and rest, but I cannot forget the same area, shown above towards the back of the piece, was once targeted for a large theater and other diversions in its first incarnation. Another unfortunate loss due to overextended budgets. The Tea Caddy remains a destination for those of us longing for some treats from across the pond, but I certainly wouldn't mind a smaller gift outpost from Harrod's. Or a real adventure. Even a Mary Poppins themed attraction or a smaller version of Madame Tussaud's wax museum. The possibilities are only as limited as the cash Disney is willing to put out- if they ever do decide to invest in this portion of the park.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Practically Perfect in Every Way

Just saw the wonderful Mary Poppins on Saturday night. If you do not want to hear any spoilers, skip the rest of the post, because I'm about to spill some beans!

Let's start backwards: I expected nothing could top Act I as it had most all the popular Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman tunes- Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Feed the Birds, and my favorite Jolly Holiday. I was wrong. Act II was even better!
Here come the spoilers...

When Gavin Lee as Burt begins his Step in Time dancing while hanging upside down from the ceiling of the theater, it stopped the show. The crowd burst into a thunderous roar. A very well deserved roar. The show may be named after our heroine, but Mr. Lee owned the stage every time he was on it. Charming, confident, and warm, his portrayal of our favorite chimney sweep did Dick Van Dyke proud.

As for the rest of the cast, Wales' Caroline Sheen had the night off from the lead, but no worries- Elizabeth Broadhurst's take on Mary Poppins was just right from every angle! Her voice shines and is as close a clone of Julie Andrews' as you could ask. Her mannerisms perfectly captured our beloved nanny, and the chemistry between the two leads was subtly rich and delightful.

As Mr. Banks, Laird Mackintosh had a thankless job but performed terrifically. Blythe Wilson as the Mrs. was every bit his match- and her voice in lovely form. Rounding out the cast, Rachel Izen played the short tempered but loveable Mrs. Brill, providing some great comic relief as needed.

The sets and special effects were stunning, including Mary's final departure high above the audience with umbrella in hand. It signaled the end of the evening, but I hope I get to see more of Gavin Lee and Elizabeth Broadhurst. They are stars in the making!