Does Monstropolis Scream "Must Visit"?

Let's start with the obvious- that is a pretty nice Monstropolis logo! When the Imagineering team gets it right, it is fantastic. Let's hope the skyline in the logo, both of them, is something that really shows up when the land opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Certainly the door coaster will be a hit and satisfy thrill seekers and Harryhausen’s eatery may become the foodie stop of the season. Will shopping, that show at the Glob Theater (RIP Muppet*Vision 3D) other experiences keep guests coming back? Without a family friendly dark ride, perhaps Mike & Sully to the Rescue from Disney California Adventure, all that's left is a playground. I'm not so sure the area will be the sure fire hit that suits think. 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Let It Go

The Disney fan community is in a flutter because Frozen seems to be a sure fire thing to replace Maelstrom at Epcot's beautiful Norway pavilion. Nothing we can do to stop it or get the great attraction it deserves built in the Magic Kingdom. Let It Go.

Animal Kingdom gets Avatar and Pandora. Beautiful landscapes, stunning views at night but a B-grade flight simulator ride instead of something cutting edge. Begging the question, "Has Disney lost it's edge?" Fair question worth pondering. But we can't change it. Let It Go.

A wonderful movie and fun potential with a Monstropolis buildout coming to the mostly now beautiful California Adventure. Do the suits at Disney even care anymore about additions to the parks being in theme? Doesn't seem like it. Just another addition that will be enjoyable no doubt but will be another nail in the coffin to what Imagineering used to do best. What can we do? Nothing. Let It Go.

The world is falling apart, one nation at a time. The Middle East is a mess. War looms, people die, children starve. God looks down with a broken heart at the mess man created by choosing what was forbidden in the Garden. Does it create worry, stress, and pain? Give it all to God. There's only peace now and eternally found in Jesus. Trust in Him regardless of what the "now" looks like in your life or the pain of the past. In Him, you can Let It Go.

This world is passing away. It's all temporary. Eternity comes soon enough.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

California Adventure Phase Two

What ever did happen to the planned California Adventure expansion Phase Two? Everyone was talking about it at one point in time: The Disney Suits, the Imagineers, the fans. Or was it really just the fans? Perhaps so, but it seems to me that the plans are still around even if they never get around to becoming real.

Remember how Condor Flats was going to be integrated into the more forested look and feel of Grizzly Peak? The building for Soarin' Over California would be painted dark shades of green to match the pines and other evergreens that would be replacing the desert landscape. (Especially now that the desert is so terrifically represented in the park with Cars Land.) Do you recall the proposed train ride to be integrated into the mountain? Overall, there was a deepening of theme to make the entire land larger and more compelling? Yes, I remember all the talk. Perhaps that's all it was.


Then, there was Paradise Pier. A proposed new themed queue for California Screamin' and a more beautiful pavilion in which to cover King Triton's carousel. Let's not forget the enhancements to Mickey's Fun Wheel in presentation. And that "lush park" where the Maliboomer once (dis)graced the land.

Need I even begin to talk about Hollywood Backlot?

Well, talk is now that the Monstropolis invasion of the area may be back on again. Complete with that Monsters Inc Door Coaster. I'm a huge fan of those movies and love the characters. Would the concept work? Would it be a crowd pleaser? Would it fit? Probably even less than some other additions to the park. (Think Bugs Land.)

What happened to the grandest plans of the men of mice? Success. You see, if Buena Vista Street and Cars Land had not brought in the crowds, the suits would have been forced to keep going. But nothing ruins plans to keep growing like success. It happens in our personal growth too. We like our taste of it and then rest on what has been accomplished.

The same principal is happening at California Adventure's older sister. Sure, the crowds are still pretty large at Disneyland, but it won't stay that way without some enhancements and new attractions. The 60th Anniversary of the park is right around the corner, and there will be nothing particularly noteworthy added. A parade perhaps, refreshing of the dark rides, and lots of nostalgia. Embarrassing, isn't it?

In all, it really is just a different version of what is happening at Walt Disney World. Keep the people just happy enough with the status quo to keep them coming back. Time for the rose colored glasses to come off.

We're forgoing a trip to the resorts and choosing to take in Europe instead. We'll go back when they earn the right to reach into my wallet.

Remember, Disney is just a business- even in California.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)