Perhaps the Cutest Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Ever

Let me get one thing straight: "Cute" is not a term I use often. That said, this exact word was the very first thing I thought when I saw this image of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in front of a depiction of Cinderella Castle. I'm not even a big character guy, but there you have it. Where did I see this? Leave it to none other than Tokyo Disneyland to come up with the cutest Mickey and Minnie ever. Not only do they arguably have the two best theme parks in the world - and in top working order- they know how to make guest satisfaction priority number one. 

Where was this image? Inside the main queue area for It's A Small World. And that is just the beginning...

Oh Boy!

Flipping open the Disneyland app on my phone, I was so struck by the innocent sweetness of the artwork used to promote Disneyland's 70th Birthday / Anniversary. I just had to add it to the blog for my own records. They're always better when they leave "hip and edgy" to other companies.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Mickey Mouse Thing

A Mickey Mouse occurrence with Blogger stopped me from posting with photos for a few days. I wanted to share the results of my fairly accurate prediction for D23. If you look back, you'll note I told you that the Magic Kingdom would be the focus of additions announced. Why? Because pure and simple, Disney will not give up the crown of Number One World's Most Visited Theme Park to Universal. They just won't- and nor should they. With Epic Universe on the horizon, the suits are running scared into spending big bucks. That's a great thing for fans! Let Imagineering have some fun, and we all win. Walt Disney World will be changing... as always.

Mickey Mouse Enters Public Domain

Apparently today is the day that Mickey Mouse enters the public domain. Can it be that Walt Disney's friend is now fair game to anyone who can exploit him by plastering his image on everything from tobacco to toilet paper? Seems to be true. Little did he know that the star of Steamboat Willie and Fantasia would one day be promoting all sorts of merchandise incongruent with his carefully crafted image. It's a sad day, folks. Yet, know that I think about it, Disney has already tarnished their image, so why not?

It's A Super Mario World!

 

It is definitely a Super Mario World! The film starring Chris Pratt is making big bucks, and you can be sure once it opens the new theme park Epic Universe will be raking it in as well! I mean, Mario looks a little tired here, but when is the last time you saw someone dress as Mickey Mouse for the movies? Maybe at Walt Disney World, though. On the other hand, Luigi looks like he ate a one up!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Disneyland's Mickey Santa Hybrid

Mickey Mouse masquerades as the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, on the cover of Disneyland's long gone Backstage magazine. Do you think the kids facing him might be a little freaked out or are they giggling with delight? Winnie the Pooh makes a guest appearance by hiding in Santa's bag.

I thought this piece of art was a different way to welcome in the Christmas season now that Thanksgiving has passed. The late great Vintage Disneyland Tickets had the piece hidden in plain sight. Such a wealth of great retro and vintage Disneyland and park related images. 

The Humble Origins of Disneyland

Imagineer Herb Ryman created some incredible pieces of concept art over his Disney career. Certainly, the original Disneyland sketch is his most famous, but I find this rendering of the Disneyland entrance at Main Street's railroad station especially sweet. It's simple, charming, and reveals the very humble origins of "Walt's park" in Anaheim. All Walt wanted to do was create a place for families to enjoy each other, one where he could spoil its guests by giving them the best experience possible- year, after year, after year. It's why I was fascinated with Disneyland. What about you?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Friday at Disneyland 1955

Time for another visit to Disneyland. This time its 1955, and Walt's magical kingdom has recently opened. Let's take a look around the park that became an American institution and a franchise to be exploited by later leadership.

Main Street U.S.A. was charming back then! It was full of life as guests journeyed under the train station to find a fully recreated piece of life at the turn of the century. The Main Street Cinema showed the latest in film, including the lovable Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. Varieties of vehicles were found everywhere from horse drawn street cars to the omnibus to the local fire engine. No need to walk if you didn't want to. But why wouldn't you want to explore all the shops along the way including the old fashioned Market House with its party line telephone.

What was that at the end of the street? A Bavarian castle! The gateway to Fantasyland actually. A place for the young and young at heart. Fly off to Neverland with Peter Pan, ride the carousel, the Mad Tea Party spinning cups, or explore the mysterious Skull Rock. There was no Matterhorn Bobsleds or It's a Small World, but you still couldn't keep families away. There was nothing like this park to be found anywhere in the US.

An opening day crowd pleaser was the Jungle River Cruise. Found in Adventureland, long before the Enchanted Tiki Room, Swiss Family Treehouse, or Indiana Jones Adventure, the area wasn't as lush as it is 60 years later, but it was still beautiful and full of animals. As the premier attraction in the land, guests couldn't wait to board these beautiful little vessels to head off to the remotest parts of Africa and Asia. They still can't.

The American West and its tales of Davy Crockett and other heroes inspired the park's Frontierland. Back in the day, Americans were rightly proud of our heritage. Walt Disney himself loved this parcel of land and its Mark Twain Steamboat and the wonderful Golden Horseshoe Revue. In this man's opinion, the original show in the old saloon is still the best. 

Walt never just looked backward. He was always looking forward as well. Tomorrowland was mostly incomplete at opening, decorated with flags and banners to mask the fact the budget had been busted. Space Mountain and a grand adventure aboard submarines would have to wait for later. I can forgive the suits back then or this misstep as this was a brand new venture, but now there's no excuse now for opening a shoddy half-day park. The money's there as well as the expertise. 

It was a great and memorable year to visit Disneyland- and it was only beginning.

(Map from Blackenedroots.com)

3 Steps Closer to Tokyo Disney

The way that I'm wired, a trip to a Disney park never seems for certain until I book the hotel (or in my case...hotels). Part of it is due to the uncertainty of getting the resorts of my choice, which is funny, since I've always been able to lock down my targets. Once the email confirmation is received, the trip becomes a reality.

As of a few weeks ago, I've booked my reservation dates for three hotels at Tokyo Disney!

The first is at the newest resort...the Celebration Hotel! Designated as the only "value" resort, this newest addition seems squarely focused on families and children. Assorted room sizes are available that will accommodate small to large families. Traveling alone, I reserved the most basic room and it still comes with the default three beds. I suspect the Celebration will be akin to WDW's Art of Animation with its liberal use of animated characters adorning both the hotel and surrounding grounds. 

From there I'll spend three nights at the Hotel Miracosta...hands down my favorite Tokyo Disney resort. It's equivalent to WDW's Wilderness Lodge in that I will always need to spend a few days there. The Miracosta's art deco theming with its nautical flourishes never ceases to amaze me. And being one of the few hotels actually inside a park is the cherry on top of the sundae.

My last stop is the Ambassador Hotel. I first visited this hotel back in 2008, but didn't stay there. I had lunch in the lobby restaurant because there was a cool Halloween glass you could purchase with lunch. I was impressed with the 50's era decor and knew I would stay here on my next visit. I'm a little surprised that TDR moved this from a "value" to a "deluxe" designation. While a beautiful hotel, it doesn't feel on the same level as the Miracosta or Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. I guess with the arrival of Celebration, the top bosses felt they could justify the change and pocket more change...hah!

Although I had thought about booking at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, I decided against it. I have stayed at this resort, and while impressive in its stature and design, the sheer size and grandeur was a bit overwhelming for me. Don't get me wrong, if Celebration hadn't happen, I would have booked a couple of nights here. I'll definitely be visiting the hotel to take pictures and soak in the atmosphere.

November can't come soon enough!

        (Photographs Copyright 2017 Tokyo Disney Resort)

Tokyo Disney Here I Come...Hopefully!

Mark's post about Tom & Sarah Bricker's trip report to Tokyo Disney reminded me that I'm hoping to travel to that very same place this winter! TDL puts up their Christmas decorations in the first week of November, so I'm hoping to Disneysea gussied up with boughs of holly and tinsel.

One thing that really sets Japan apart from their USA counterparts (and there are quite a few) is the strong emphasis on unique merchandise. It's no secret that park products are often found in both Disneyland and WDW, negating any feeling that you're purchasing something unique and exclusive. I think I've seen the same generic labeling/packaging for candy in the last 84 years (okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea).

The strategy is polar opposite in TDL and TDS. Package design and artwork are created exclusively for seasonal periods and the quality and quantity of products made available are astronomical. The photo at the top of the post is the box cover for some type of chocolate biscuit I purchased at Disneysea back in 2008 (the artwork image is of a level normally reserved for limited edition giclee prints). I clearly remember being overwhelmed by the variety of assorted tins and boxes containing these delicate sweet treats. In Japan, giving presents or "omiyage" to family and friends is a time honored tradition. My brain went into overload, and I began grabbing armfuls of cookies and candies only to be reminded by my wife about getting all these goodies back to Hawaii. Reality set in and I sheepishly began putting things back on the shelf.

Another area I wish the western parks would emulate is the prolific abundance of books and magazines dedicated solely to the Disney parks. Like the rest of the merchandising agenda, there seems to be an endless sea of publications that target every aspect of the Tokyo resorts. The quality of photography, printing, and paper are second to none. Can you imagine if we had this same type of selection focused on WDW (imagine specific books covering Epcot, Animal Kingdom, etc)?

With any luck and God's will, I'll be facing a similar dilemma of what to bring back to the states come November!

 (Images copyright 2017 by the respective owners)

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)

Mickey Does St. Tropez

Finding illegal Mickeys in Asia is nothing new. Yet, this is the first time I've found an illegal Mickey Mouse in Europe. St. Tropez, France, to be exact. Even in this ritzy town of yachts bigger than most houses, somebody uses the mouse for their own benefit. This drive-by shot was as good as we could get it as traffic was a mess.

No, I haven't forgotten to post a trip report covering our travels through Switzerland and the south of France. real life has gotten in the way, so this will have to do for now. 

Let me repeat- Ditch Disney and go overseas and see the real countries found in Epcot's World Showcase. The experience is richer, the landscapes full scale, and the people friendly. Most importantly- these places are authentic and even though they are centuries old, unlike Walt Disney World, they're not stagnant. Also, rooms are reasonably priced, and as with most areas, meals range in expense as well. There are always free concerts and street events to entertain. Take a risk and ditch Disney this year. You'll be glad you did.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Four Minnies and No Mickey

During our recent visit to Southern California with a stop at the Disneyland Resort, I ran into four Minnies- without a Mickey in sight! 

It was a great day, even if we didn't go into our old favorite park,  Disneyland or our newer favorite California Adventure. A full day or fun and relaxation Disney style.

How can that be? Well, next week, I'll be sharing about how it can be done without spending a fortune. Stay tuned.

(Photograph by Mark Taft.)

Removing My Disney Rose Colored Glasses

It's time to remove my rose colored lenses. Or so I thought it was the first time I posted this article over 4 years ago. But check it out again in its revised form... Are my conclusions the same?

I am officially removing my Disney colored lenses to see some harsh but liberating truths. Dare to join me? Be forewarned, it may change the way you vacation... and the way you look at the Company we love.

Truth Number 1:
It's time to admit to something the fans refuse to acknowledge and the executives at the Walt Disney Company have known for decades: The company Walt built has very little left of him in it. Very little. His name means family entertainment to many people, but youngsters seem to think he's akin to Mr. Clean, a made up spokesman for a product. And the Company does throw his name about when they need to use it. Smart marketing but sleazy.

If you want insight into the real man, head to San Francisco for the Walt Disney Family Museum. Here's the real man, not the bigot imagined by Meryl Streep. Husband, father, creative genius. It was love- not money- that created Disneyland, lest the current suits like Bob Iger forget.

The Walt Disney Company is now first and foremost a business, no more personal than any other. Especially with Diane Disney Miller now gone. It is one that has demands placed on it by its investors and its leaders. The bottom line is money. Chinese, European, Japanese, or anyone else's. It just doesn't matter. It's the new American way; the guiding principal of the last few generations. Make money fast, make a lot of it, and deal with the horrible consequences later. The consequences others must pay while those charged with tending to the company rip it off for personal profit. Cynical? Yes, but real.

Truth Number 2:
The Disney theme parks are no longer an expression of love for or the commitment to excellence in artistic expression. Just like use of the name, too many of the parks - especially those in Florida- are living on their reputation from two decades ago. I'll linger awhile here as the Disney parks are the primary reason why I am interested in the doings of the company.

This change began with the purpose for the Disney-MGM Studios theme park in Florida. Flatly, Michael Eisner was threatened by the arrival of Universal Studios. Being determined to beat them at his game, the chief okayed the construction of the third theme park on the Disney property. Upon its opening in 1989, it was a beautiful but very little gem. And it has turned into a dingy patchwork quilt of creative unity and nominal financial success. Star Wars may one day be its saving grace, but for now, it will not be for awhile. By the time Darth Vader shows up, it could be too late.

The amazing Twilight Zone Tower of Terror truly is worth this adjective, but there is an equally off-putting series of B grade shows to balance it out, making the park fairly forgettable. The (now closed) Sounds Dangerous was pretty bad. Not even the very funny Drew Carey could save this attraction from being a placeholder at the near center of the park. Is American Idol really better and more of a tribute to the genre than Superstar Television? No. At it is past its prime, just like the show that inspired it. Think about the state of The Great Movie Ride. It should be the park's centerpiece, its heart,  and pride and joy, but it is woefully behind the times in both subject matter represented and the "state of the art" in presentation.  Perhaps its that Disney's live action film division has yet to find much ongoing success beyond Pirates of the Caribbean.  The relative hit of Toy Story Mania does not make up for 15 years of unimpressive additions and half-hearted maintenance.

Money and making it also motivates what is and isn't happening at the rest of the Walt Disney World property. Before you scream "Fantasyland Forest", think about its last major addition. Or even the minor ones. Monsters Inc and Stitch? Ugh. It's the Harry Potter threat that is pushing the company to finally take action. Even this beautiful looking addition comes with a mixed bag of new attractions. I'm thrilled the Little Mermaid is making its way to Florida. Love the movie, love the music. It's about time! But the end result is less than stellar and certainly not satisfactory for an hour long wait. Budgeteering is responsible for taking a prime property and turning it into a less than E Ticket experience for all ages and for all time.  Do not get me going on Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom! Both are being left to rot in the bigger picture, and Avatarland / Pandora may be beautiful, but it will not be enough.

Truth Number 3:
The suits will often do what it takes to make a dead park a success.  Due to the first point made, the executives are determined to make this happen. Thanks to the beautiful Buena Vista Street and the incredible Radiator Springs Racers at the heart of Cars Land, California Adventure 2.0 is a big success. Who can resist a park with retro Walt Disney references or Radiator Springs Racers? Not me- or anyone else with small children in tow. It happens overseas, too. Throw in one excellent Mystic Manor (Not based on any film! How can they do that?!?) and a re-imagined Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Grizzly Mountain), and the crowds show up. 

Truth Number 4:
The Walt Disney Company can no longer make great films without animated characters. My point is made by presenting the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Film number one is excellent, and Johnny Depp couldn't be better. Live action, you say? Yes, but is there a character any more animated than Captain Jack Sparrow? Pirates aside, Disney films seem to have fallen flat- and the removal of Dick Cook seems to validate that Robert Iger and much of the executive branch of the company agrees with my Truth Number 4. Thank God they bought Marvel to pull in some real superheroes who can bring in some super huge Box Office results.

Truth Number 5:
The company Walt built can no longer build great attractions without using characters and stories from their films. Regardless of their greatness, Expedition: Everest really is the Matterhorn Bobsleds revisited, with Mission: Space and Soarin Over California also being new takes on old favorites from Walt's time. Originality at the Stateside parks is dead, particularly at Walt Disney World. Whether the wonderful Imagineers aren't given the freedom to do so or cannot come up with great ideas for something original, sometimes they cannot even build great attractions using the characters they do have (see Ariel's Undersea Adventure).

Truth Number 6:
The company's focus is now "International first, United States second". It's a smart and savvy business move. The company we love is playing whore whenever it can. (Remember Truth Number 1?) Setting aside human right violations and whatever else it needs to, the company wants the big bucks from China. Disney is an established name in the Western Hemisphere, land and people conquered. All the Disney characters own the younger student world here, so its time to move on to untouched territory.

Truth Number 6 explains one of the reasons why Shanghai Disneyland and a park in South America are on the horizon. It also explains why Walt Disney World has remained relatively untouched, why Disneyland was left to rot once upon a time, and why the company thought they could fool us with the original California Adventure, and the Walt Disney Studios theme park in Paris. Thankfully, international moneymen are holding the company's feet to the fire of quality. Disney parks fans with frequent flyer miles to burn have many new and great options if they want true Disney quality- starting with the incredible Tokyo DisneySea.

Truth Number 7:
I couldn't do it any better- and neither could you. There's a real reality check. Though we may view ourselves as budding Tony Baxters and Joe Rohdes, the truth is we are not. These men and women at Imagineering are the last of a great bunch- at least until someone else comes to the helm of the company. For now, they are stuck navigating the turbulent waters of politics and finance just to survive the for the ability to potentially be creative. We are a different America and a different people than we were in Walt's time. Innocence lost and dollars gained. There's the tradeoff.

(Art and photos copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Celebrating Walt Disney

A Happy Birthday shout out to the man who made the world a happier place! Mr. Walt Disney himself. There is so much to admire about the man: creativity, ingenuity, and placing a high value on others. And now, my favorite quote from the man himself-

"Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile." 

Hat Tip to Hat Removal?

Could it be? Is D23 tipping its hand in its commemorative pin collection for the 2013 event? Here's a nice little souvenir pin showing Mickey Mouse lifting off the hat he "borrowed" in the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Is this foreshadowing Imagineers finally removing the monstrosity from Disney's Hollywood Studios? Let's hope so!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Shanghai's Fantastic Fairytale Castle

Editor's Note: Come back tomorrow for a unique trip report. A Walt Disney World visit almost 20 years after the last one! Incredible!
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Really?! This is the name of the castle for Shanghai Disneyland?... "Fantastic Fairytale Castle". So generic. So unimaginative. So marketing driven. According to this article by the People's Daily, that is the name of the beautiful edifice soon to debut on Mainland China. It's about as charming as using "Mischievous Rodent" for the name of The Walt Disney Company icon.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Cynical Disney World View

What in the World is going on with Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom? There are construction scrims all over Main Street, new interactive queues being built at the Haunted Mansion and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a total rebuilding of the Adventureland entrance bridge, and walls o'plenty in Fantasyland for the development of the Fantasyland Forest and Storybookland Circus.

I'll tell you what it is: the Walt Disney Company suits have finally realized they need to invest in their old dependable cash cow! With Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey now leading the way and the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World coming up fast, the Magic Kingdom must look and feel like everyone's collective memories and better.

If management has its way, the Magic Kingdom will see numbers of guests substantially rise for the celebration and create a wave of nostalgia oriented purchases and renewed passion for the place. Its the type of goodwill advertising a company thrives on, one that can positively affect the bottom line for years. Florida's management is wisely putting its spin on Matt Ouimet's playbook for making Disneyland's 50th memorable to wild success. Smart move.

All this means, the guest experience has to match expectations. The overflowing crowd of guests waiting for the Haunted Mansion have to fall neatly into line and not create the bottleneck in Liberty Square. You know, the mass that has frustrated guests for years. The long neglected El Pirata y El Perico restaurant in Caribbean Plaza within Adventureland now becomes Tortuga Tavern to play off the strong attachment to Disney's hit film franchise Pirates of the Caribbean. Waiting in line for Pooh becomes more enjoyable. 

Space Mountain is finally given a dusting over and the PeopleMover name reinstated. Small World's recent remodel and new paint job is not a mistake and neither is the new facade for the perennially popular Peter Pan's Flight. Mickey Mouse even moves to the front of the park, solving the problem of the demolition of his home while Fantasyland finally becomes more than a shadow of what is found in other Magic Kingdoms all over the world.

A cynical World view? Absolutely! For far too long the company has left Florida's first Disney park happily deteriorating and under performing when it should have been polished and cared for, treated like the crown jewel the company stated it was.

There are also signs of this mentality hitting all over the World. The majestically beautiful Twilight Zone Tower of Terror over at Disney's Hollywood Studios finally gets a face lift to return it to its horrifying glory. Star Tours 2.0 on the horizon. Shrubs and small trees are planted around the Hat that dares to exist. One Man's Dream gets an update. New restaurants at Epcot's World Showcase will also help ease the crowds maddened by the overbooking results of the Disney Dining Plan. Meanwhile, Disney's gorgeous Animal Kingdom gets... nothing.

The movement for a gussied up Magic Kingdom moves beyond the gates of the parks. Long abandoned expansion for the Pop Century changes to a sure fire hit Animation Resort. Refurbished rooms at the Polynesian Resort. Hyperion Wharf replaces the failing but once incredible Pleasure Island. And I'm sure I'm missing a few things.

Will Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey partnering with Walt Disney World's 40th make or break Disney's reputation as theme park king in Central Florida? Probably not, but the crown has temporarily been given to the new contender. Will Disney nostalgia win over Universal Orlando's innovation and shear effort to create the spectacular? Ultimately, it is all a grab for tourist dollars, and the visitor stands to win in a competition like this.

 
Regardless of the cash driven motives, maybe this will signal the return of a Walt Disney World when quality was the goal and not overlooked in pursuit of the dollars the company could extract. A time and place when long term investment yielded high guest satisfaction, when integrity matched advertising, when the promise of the experience was only superceeded by the actual visit. Maybe it is the beginning of a Golden Age instead of the Age of the Golden Parachute for departing executives.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Big Risks at the Mouse House

What's going on in Central Florida with all the changes to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World? What impact has Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey had on the plans at the Mouse House? Why is Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary so important at this time? Come back tomorrow for an in depth look.

Comfort Food for the Entertainment Soul

Vintage is on a comeback at the Walt Disney Company these days. It is most seen at the theme parks as classic Disney characters from the early days of the studios invade California Adventure as well as attraction posters that remind us of the old days at the oldest Disney park. Goofy and Snow White make a major appearance at Florida's new Fantasyland at the Walt Disney World complex. There's a return to classic Winnie the Pooh coming the theaters, remakes of old animated films are de rigour, and retro designed souvenirs with EPCOT Center are front and center in that Florida park.

What's it all about? My hunch is it reminds those with the most income and those longing for simpler days that Disney, not Universal or any other group, is part of our American history and our quickly lost way of life. It's comfort food for the entertainment soul. Whenever times are hard, and they are Stateside, we long for what used to be. For an entertainment company, it is not a bad strategy for the short term, but the Mouse House had better have some great new fresh and creative ideas up their sleeves soon. Nostalgia only goes so far, and then there is nothing new to be considered old and valued again.