Not Our Dinosaur!

Forgive me for doing so. But to quote the infamous Dr. Grant Seeker from Countdown to Extinction aka the very generic but soon to be disappearing Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom,  "That's not our dinosaur"! Jurassic World Rebirth is a mediocre film. The big bad beast is out of place. The pacing lacks, there's too much backstory in an attempt to make viewers really care about the characters.

The talents of the cast are wasted. Under Gareth Edward's leading, the talented Scarlett Johansson just doesn't have much to do. But it is not her fault. The story just isn't there. The best of the cast performances come from Jonathan Bailey in one single moment: his sincere and slightly frightened Dr. Henry Loomis gets appropriately choked up when he touches his first prehistoric beast. 

Yes, plenty of dinosaurs eating both good and bad guys, but that's about all this movie has to offer besides the air conditioned theater it is shown in.
 

Dancing with Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John. There's no one like her! Xanadu may have been a bomb of a movie, but the music was certainly fun. Magic was the definitive standout. I knew it was a smash the first time I heard it! Another hit was Suddenly with Cliff Richard, but my personal favorite was Dancin', a duet with the Tubes. It was a nifty blend of Rock and 40's Swing. But I always longed for a solo version that was all Olivia all the time. Thanks to a friend on the A&M Corner discussion boards, he created it on my behalf. That took some real magic- and I love it!

Sprinkling a Bit of Coco at Disneyland

Adding to the slew of characters that have invaded It's A Small World, Disney has announced that Miguel and Dante from Coco will come to the Disneyland attraction as part of the park's 70th birthday offerings. Seems like a no-brainer to me! Coco is a delightful film. It just makes me a bit hopeful that Imagineering has some great ideas in mind for the coming attraction at Disney California Adventure. Perhaps shades of Epcot's classic El Rio del Tiempo? A guy can dream. 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
 

Olivia Newton John's Prayer

I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have."

I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have."

On one podcast, The Life of Greatness, Olivia Newton-John says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have." 

Oh, Olivia, I pray that the God of the universe heard your prayer and that you were forgiven your sins just as millions of people all over the world have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. He was the perfect sacrifice in place of us. Over the centuries, people have realized they fall very short from the perfection God requires, and they need to place their lives in the hands of Christ and turn the other direction. Eternity in Heaven or Hell rests in the balance. (Did you know Jesus himself speaks of Hell in the Bible? See Matthew chapter 5.)

Here's one author's paraphrase of some very famous Bible verses which makes it crystal clear: "“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him."

Release the Superheroes!

Any fans of super hero movies? I know the Marvel Universe stories have been. a mixed bag, but there's hope for a new round of heroes to take on those always present bad guys. Then, there's a real life super man, Christopher Reeves, who turned tragedy into inspiration.

As for me, when it comes to comic book fantasy, I’m a big Captain America fan! He was a hero before he was a superhero! His heart’s desire: do the right thing and serve people by serving a cause bigger than himself! Who is a fan of Star Wars? Star Trek? Indiana Jones? Sherlock Holmes? Maybe you have a hero in the sports world or business world?”  Any American Ninja Warrior fans?

Why do we love these heroes?  They are always overcoming an obstacle of some sort! We love the Marvel universe, DC Comics, Star Wars and Star Trek movies, and athletic competitions because they are exciting and fun- and the good guy eventually wins!

We live vicariously through characters/people that make a difference and move in power. Powerful stories capture our attention. We get a rush watching the good guy win! It’s only a temporary fix, because life goes back to normal. But we can get addicted to this! There lies the danger!

"On the tombstone of America, the inscription will read: they entertained themselves to death." - Leonard Ravenhill    

Let that sink in. This quote above, by the renowned English pastor, applies not only to America as a nation but us as individuals. Christians are susceptible, but according to the Bible, those who don’t know Jesus are imprisoned!

The risk is we can get our adrenalin fix this way- and ignore the truth: 

In real life, we are in a battle for our souls! One with eternal consequences. And Jesus is returning soon! (War in the Middle East, Microchipping humans? Natural disaster after natural disaster? The earth growns. Not a good thing- and right out of Revelation 13 and 14 and 20.)

With its marvelous fantasies, the world tries to copy what God has already designed. But why accept the counterfeit? The best imitations of God’s reality fall short when compared to the real thing! You’d be right if you expect me to say this:      

Jesus is the ultimate superhero! Only he could accomplish what he did! Conquering death (the last enemy) and paying the price for our sin.

But did you know we are also called to be superheroes???? We have an enemy to fight and captives to free!

Ephesians 2:1-10:    "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 but because of his great love for us, god, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 and god raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8 for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of god— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

God has designed us to be drawn to something greater than ourselves (eternity in mind). God has designed us for adventure because he has designed us for his work. We live in a world that promises freedom but delivers bondage- Isn’t that the great lie?

Setting the captives free is true superhero work!

People are held captives of the enemy. They are not the enemy! See 2 Timothy 2:25-26. Here, Paul is writing this towards the end of his life to Pastor Timothy in Ephesus (Modern Turkey).  About 67AD – just before he was beheaded for his faith in Jesus. Important words here from someone at the end of their life!

"25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that god will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

What’s our lesson here? Whether they are false teachers or non-believers, we must learn to see people as God does! 

Mistakenly, we can view them as the enemy instead of captives of the enemy!A very big difference! We shouldn’t treat captives like enemies! When we do this- the enemy wins- and people Jesus loved and died for are on the road to an eternity without him! 

Are we ready to risk reaching out, building relationships and loving them so we earn the right to speak the truth into their lives? We need love, discernment and wisdom.

Where would you be if someone in the church treated you as the enemy?

Even as believers- we can be in bondage to the ways of the world! Isn't it funny how we can play around with sin, justify it, get as close as we can to it- and before we know it, it has power over us. But we can also be caught thinking like the world. It's very subtle.
  
Colossians 2:8:    
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

Note: Christians are at risk too- Paul is speaking to the church here!

Fear- that’s not of God!  Racism- that’s not of God either!  Hatred- do I even need to go there? The devil and his demons are at work here too. Not just in 3rd world countries! Anywhere sin is prevalent, the enemy is given an opportunity and moves in power. 

Humanism?  Materialism?  Nationalism? Idolatry? Are these of the kingdom of God? These are demonic strongholds in our world and in the church! Let me ask you- Isn’t the enemy just as successful when he is subtle as when he is obvious?!!!!

The main obstacle for us who are Jesus followers is accepting our mission! 

What is our mission?
I think we can all agree: According to the Apostle Paul, we've been given The ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-19)   

"14 for Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 and he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 so from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! 18 all this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

We are compelled by Christ’s love to share the message everywhere we go.

The biggest obstacle is from within us:   Choosing who we will serve
• What do I want? What I’ve been told / trained / wanted to do?
• What will my family think? What will my friends think?

In our culture, we’ve made a big mistake:
We’ve made our hobbies extreme and our faith sedate!

The believer’s mission issue has always stayed the same: Love your neighbor, proclaim the gospel and go out into the world! Go where he leads you!  Now as then, submission and obedience to the Lord is the issue. Will I fail?  Is it safe?  Since when are these issues that stop us?  

Dietrich Bonheoffer, the famous- German pastor: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” He lived his words. He was tried and hung during World War 2 by the Nazis! 

Romans 12:1-2       
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of god’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to god—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  

In context of the previous chapters, Romans 12 is not about sexual purity- although that is crucial- it’s about sacrificial living for the sake of the kingdom. It’s followed by discussion on spiritual gifts and then persecution and overcoming evil with good.   Do we think like the world by living by our cultural traditions and common sense? Instead let’s live by the commandments given in the word and the leading of his Holy Spirit! Let’s not just read about our Christian heroes, let’s imitate them!

Sure, we can all fall flat on our faces! Every superhero has a weakness or area where they are susceptible:

SUPERMAN –  KRYPTONITE
IRONMAN-    HIS EGO AND HUMAN AMBITION
HULK-   HIS UNCONTROLLABLE ANGER
CAPTAIN AMERICA- HIS PATRIOTISM? (ETHNOCENTRICITY?)
BATMAN –   DEFINED BY HIS PAST
DAREDEVIL –   BLIND
GREEN LANTERN – THE COLOR YELLOW (OR IS IT JUST A BAD MOVIE?)  ;)

What’s your Kryptonite? Focus on God and not your weakness! 

"The first thing a pastor or any leader needs to do is to start living a life that terrifies him."
              Erwin McManus, pastor and author

But I would change it to: "The first ANY BELIEVER needs to do is to start living a life that terrifies him."

Be encouraged- Jesus promises abundant life in the midst of this!
Like any superhero, once you choose to accept the mission, the challenges come! Afraid of the challenge? That’s ok- you should be! - but don’t let it stop you- you go out equipped!

Here’s some encouragement- We go out in his power!
Jesus is the only superhero who gives his power to those who follow him.

God gives us his great power for his purposes. It is written in Ephesians 1:15- 22 15:  

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the lord Jesus and your love for all god’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the god of our lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." 

What is power given for if it’s not to be used? Paul says as we wait for Jesus to return, we are not lacking in any gift. Without God’s power and his gifts, we will be limited in our effectiveness because we will be dependent on our own human strength and strategy.

The Creator of the Universe has given us his power and his gifts to do his work. An eternally focused and real work that should overshadow the marvelous and creative but imaginary worlds designed by Hollywood. Love is faith in action - We go out in power and in love!

We serve a good God and a loving Father who sends us out ready for the battle!

We’ve got the armor of God as our defense against the work of the enemy- And we’ve got the gifts of the Holy Spirit to advance the kingdom of God, to draw others to Jesus and a life that makes an eternal difference!  

How do we activate God’s power?  It’s not a special magic formula! Look at the Book of Acts 4:8-13:   
(Here, Peter and John stand before the authorities.)

"8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “rulers and elders of the people! 9 if we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom god raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 when they saw the courage of peter and john and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Jesus is the source of our power!!
• It’s impossible to remain the same person when you draw near to Jesus!
• The Holy Spirit doesn’t bypass our brains- but we must discipline ourselves to apply what we read. 
• The religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew the scripture but had no relationship with the author!
As we read and study the Word, do we interact with Jesus, asking him what he wants us to learn and how it applies to our life? 
We have a living relationship with the Eternal God!
• His “ministry of presence”, being with us, changes us- your ministry of presence with others changes them. 
Do you ever wonder why Jesus called the twelve first- and then later, the schooled intellectual Paul?    Maybe he wanted to make a statement that god uses all people- beginning with us ordinary folks….  
God chose the foolish things of the world...  (I Corinthians 1:27)

It’s our love for him and our thankfulness for all He’s done that motivates us! We acknowledge the truth we’ve found by joining Him in his work!

Lastly- God goes out before us! This is the best news of all!
Not only does God give us work to do and empowers us to do it,
He also goes before us preparing the way. 

Here are Jesus’ words before He ascends to Heaven days later, in John 16:7-11:

"7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 when he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."

1-  He will convict the world of sin  2-  He will convict it of righteousness  3-  Judgment is coming
   
All this is setting the stage in people’s hearts to prepare them to receive the message of the Gospel! The Good News that Jesus died for the sins of the World, offering freedom and eternal life in Heaven for all who would choose to believe in Him.

You are called to be a superhero! The mission is real. 
As Christians, we’re called to set the captives free. We’re sent out in the power of the word and the power of the Holy Spirit!
If you’re led by God, you will never regret stepping out and taking risks as he leads. 

Who will you serve?

His Holy Spirit lives in you (empowering you) and should be controlling how you live.
We must:  
1- Accept our place in life
2- Adjust to our unique design 
3- Understand our mission

Can you hear him speaking and drawing you to his purposes? Are you listening for his voice?  Is it time to release your inner superhero? There’s no age limit! Don’t get your adrenaline fix on the imaginary! 

Be led by the spirit. Don't be a slave to fear. Be willing to share in his sufferings (his will for your life instead of yours). (Romans 8:12-18)

Are you tired? If you have been serving God, if you have been reaching out, if you consider yourself “on mission”, know this: God is pleased. Keep going! The race isn’t over yet!

Or want to step out? Feeling God’s call to you?
Wanting more than what you’ve known?  Know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Maybe you’ve never come to the place of allowing Jesus to take control of your life and wash away your sin? He’s been calling you and it’s time to respond.

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12) He not only shares his power with us, he shares his victory over death with us- it’s a gift!

Are you ready to release your inner Superhero?
(Art copyright Marvel, Star Wars, etc.)

Jurassic World: Dinosaurs are Never Extinct

If you've ever really wondered why the suits at Disney have given up on the Dinoland U.S. A. portion of Disney's Animal Kingdom and have plans to turn it into Tropical Americas, Jurassic Work Rebirth might be the answer you're looking for.

 

It's not beyond Disney to create compelling stories that demand sequels and raise subsequent generations knowing the characters and music. But they just can't do it when it comes to prehistoric creatures of any kind. The market is just cornered by Universal's Jurassic Park  / World. They own dinosaurs just like Disney owns mermaids and now snowmen. 

I'd venture to say their dinosaur franchise is every bit as powerful as anything in Marvel, maybe moreso. It's definitely a countdown to extinction for Dinoland U.S.A. another's nothing anyone can do about it. Dinosaurs rule- and they belong to Universal. 

New Disneyland Paris Le Pays des Contes de Fées Attraction Poster

Say what you want about Disneyland Paris, but you can't deny that place has style! The new attraction poster for Le Pays des Contes de Fées (a French version of Disneyland's Story Book land Canal Boats) is a beautiful piece of Imagineering art. The attraction now features scenes from Frozen, Up, and Winnie the Pooh. Those of you who have not been to the most beautiful of Disney castle parks may not know this attraction comes with an added bonus: Casey Jr. Circus Train is a real live roller coaster. Family friendly? Absolutely- and much more charming than the Florida kingdom's Goofy kids' coaster.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Late in the Evening

John Williams is known for some truly iconic soundtrack music. But none compares to the beautiful music created for Sabrina. While the film is more interesting than you'd imagine- how could it not be with Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear- and the photography equally great, it is the music that is the standout. Perfect late night on the patio fare. One of our enduring favorites.

 

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.)

Could Disney's Wish Movie Finally Bring Spain to Epcot?

Could Epcot's World Showcase finally be getting a new pavilion? I'm placing my bets that Disney's new Fall 2023 film Wish finally gets the gorgeous and never yet built Spain to finally come to Walt Disney World. Will Imagineering be given the go ahead by Josh D'Amoro? I thin so- and here's why.

I'd like to say that the original plan for Epcot included plans for many more countries for World Showcase is the reason. But it is not true. Most all those masters of Imagineering 1.0 have passed on. Many of the recent greats with ties to the old masters and their ways of doing things have moved on. So, we know this is not the reason. It boils down to three main issues:

1- The EPCOT transformation has not been seen as "that" successful by die hard fans or the public. After many years and too much wasted money, folks are seeing that Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and the minor add Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is just not enough and definitely not compelling enough to build a trip or. Nor will it be enough to compete with Universal's upcoming Epic Universe. Other plans announced or hinted at- Mary Poppins, the Spaceship Earth redo, PLAY! and the Brazil showcase- have fallen by the wayside or deemed vastly unpopular and taken out. What, again, was the name of that monstrous failure of a nighttime water show? 

A new country to explore with an attraction that could hold promise based on the movie's storyline would give more for the little ones to do while providing additional dining and shopping opportunities. Spain has already proven to be a beloved and successful stall at the Food & Wine Festival. Why stop there?

Once planned, never built.

2- The Intellectual Property mandate. Like it or not, and I'm not fond of it for Epcot, this is the course all four parks are headed. Enough said on that, right? I'd rather have the Future World and World Showcase of old but it seems the suits are pandering to the old Universal model of being parks about their movies instead of individual, highly themed parks that include some movie related attractions to strengthen the focus. An individual Intellectual Property themed land would not fit in this park, but one that highlights a culture (fictitious or "close enough to a real one) certainly would.

3- The Money. Perhaps the ultimate bottom line. The leaders of the Walt Disney Company finally realize that making significant investment to the parks brings in the most revenue for a consistent amount of time is a major driver for investors. Something is needed to fill all those Disney Vacation Club additions. Disney+ is a bust, and something must change to bring in the bucks. It's time to go back to the business model that worked- and one that made theme park fans happy.

Now about the movie itself.

The upcoming Wish film takes place on the Iberian peninsula. Spain as a new pavilion location is a perfect fit. As you can see from this concept art above, the flavor of what was once proposed fits in perfectly with art from the movie as seen at the top of this post.

Main heroine Asha fits the mold of a likable lead, and my hunch is she is rightful heir to the throne of villain King Magnifico. So you can add in another princess promotion. Toss in a lovable sidekick, a beautiful landscape, a handful of magic, and perhaps most importantly, plans for a pavilion that already exist, and you have all the makings of a fresh take on an old once planned addition to a park that needs something new on the lagoon skyline.

Is it the best plan? Absolutely not. Is it one that would fit the original Imagineering model for this park? Not even close. But these days, a Wish inspired Spain may be the best we get. 

Ready for some paella? I just think I might be ok with this. Maybe.

(Art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Following Bing Crosby's Advice

Following Bing Crosby's advice from the classic film, White Christmas, I can look at each one here and give thanks to God for his ongoing goodness and faithfulness! Count your blessings instead of sheep. I'm counting my blessings today, are you?

Frightfully Funny Haunted Mansion Movie Promotion

Would you like to purchase Disney's Haunted Mansion? Of course, like any home buyer, you'd want to take a tour of the place before making the decision. What if you were relocating (as we all will be one day)? Then perhaps a Zillow on line tour is right for you. 

The 13,000 square foot home is far from a starter, but it is a Fixer Upper! Just take a look at the listing right here. In the soon to be released movie, Rosario Dawson purchases the New Orleans home with an electrifying and terrifying past, but soon enough, it's LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, and Danny Devito to the rescue. 

Sure, the exterior is decrepit- fully at home in New Orleans Square and even in the Big Easy's Garden District. But it is equally fit in Liberty Square in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. 

One thing is for sure. After watching the Zillow listing, I'd say it is time to call in Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Imagineering Theme Park Wars: Michael Eisner vs. Robert Iger vs. Bob Chapek

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny may not be the biggest smash Disney and Lucas hoped for, but the company that Walt Disney loved just released a great looking new video of the classic Indiana Jones Adventure. If you're an Imagineering fan or a fan of Tony Baxter specifically, you know that this single attraction is one of the finest created under the incredible first-half leadership of Michael Eisner. 

When it comes to Imagineering success and the U.S. parks, Eisner was king for his first season. Robert Iger left them mostly to rot as he was busy buying up other intellectual properties like Pixar and Marvel. Chapek barely made a dent- thankfully.

The real Imagineering wars are taking place right now between Universal Creative and the Walt Disney Company. The upcoming Epic Universe will has the potential to take one more day from tourists visiting Disney with its stellar lineup of Super Mario Brothers land, How to Train Your Dragon, Classic Monsters, and of course, the next installment of the king of them all- Harry Potter and his incredible adventures.

 

Back to the last three Disney leaders-Aside from the groundbreaking Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, I'd put up any E Ticket attraction built under Michael Eisner's first half next to anything for the U.S. parks created under the Robert Iger or Bob Chapek regimes. Splash Mountain alone beats out much of the newer rides. So does Expedition: Everest or Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. 

What would you say?

---

I have SO many posts on this blog regarding the excellent Indiana Jones Adventure- and I was there at Disneyland on opening weekend! You can find rare concept art and more. Happy exploring!

Wait A Minute! The Magic Kingdom's Frontierland is Now Set in 1927?

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will be the BIG push for anyone heading to Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom in 2024. But with the installation of the new "Tiana Foods watertower", does this really mean that Frontierland is now centered on the year 1924? This is really a mistake for the current Imagineering team that wants to erase the Tony Baxter and team masterpiece. 

What happened to the 1800's? It's fine if Splash Mountain is no more- or is it- but please do not destroy what is the themed land dedicated to the pioneering spirit of the Old West back in the days of the brave men and women who made their way across the land. Is this a precursor to the filling in of the Rivers of America and the closing of the Riverboat? Lord, help us if it is.  Princess and the Frog has some pretty great elements, but it does not take place of one of the Magic Kingdom's opening day lands.

Will I enjoy the ride? Of course- it's built on the carcass of one of Imagineering's best achievements. I'll love the visuals, the music, and the thrills. Does that mean this transgression of design detail doesn't bother me? Absolutely not. 

Come on, Charita Carter and Carmen Smith- You can do better than this.

Rare Indiana Jones Adventure Concept Art

I can almost bet you have not seen this piece of concept art before! I most certainly had not, but what a find! The Indiana Jones Adventure must be considered as one of the crowning achievements of Disney Imagineering. Adding this major "E Ticket" to Walt Disney's first theme park, shouted loud and clear that Disneyland would not play second fiddle to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team worked tirelessly to bring the famed explorer and his travels to life. And, boy, did they succeed!

This Imagineering concept art is pretty rare I'd guess- and I have many pieces in my collection, including a limited edition opening day piece that I purchased the Saturday of the Adventureland attraction's grand opening. Back when the wait was close to four hours, I rode it once- and immediately got back in line for another go round. My reward? A whole different excursion though the temple. Wow!

This piece is by one-time Imagineer Christopher Bradley. It's got an almost photo real quality to it, and it captures all the mystery and intrigue of an unforgettable attraction.

Can't wait for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny? Me, neither! 

If you love the movies as I do, and equally love those incredible theme park attractions that bear Indy's name, check out this article for more concept art and stories from Indy based attractions. There's also many, many pieces I've shown on the blog that you'll have to search for. Treasure awaits!

Hopefully, the 5th Indiana Jones film will be a hit and spawn more attractions- including that Indy themed mini-land at Disneyland Paris!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Late Great Walt Disney Company 1923 - 2023

Greed, power plays, and a loss of great original content have killed The Walt Disney Company. But what a company it once was! From the creation of Mickey Mouse to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to modern classics like Tangled and Frozen, movie goers could count on consistently excellent films. The exceptions were few and far between, and even those such as Alice in Wonderland gained respect in the years following its initial release. 

Even the once wonderful Pixar has lost its way. What are we up to now, Toy Story 13? The acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel may be wise business decisions, but the original imaginative and very compelling content from these companies has been traded in for movies designed to drive streaming subscriptions and merchandise sales - to the detriment of what made these franchises so beloved in the first place. Pixar used to be the modern pinnacle of creativity. Now, it's just another animated film company. Having "Marvel Fatigue" was something I never expected.

The theme parks are as crowded as ever, and the Company is right there to fleece the guests by demanding more money in order to have a full and satisfying park experience. Lightning Lane, Genie+, and its ilk exist to create a caste system of guests. Disney corporate can talk all they want about equity, but when it comes down to it, it's all about the bucks, and they are talking out of both sides of their mouth. 

It was once leaked that Disneyland research revealed guests felt they had a full day, a worth the money experience, if they got on nine or ten attractions. All you have to do is look at the vastly underdeveloped third (Disney's Hollywood Studios) and fourth (Disney's Animal Kingdom) parks at Walt Disney World to see the suits running the show are standing still behind this calculation. 

It's a very sad day when Tokyo Disney Resort- a company run by the Japanese- maintains higher quality show and more stellar attractions than the parks in the U.S.A.  (Today May 1 is the anniversary of the 1989 grand opening of Disney-MGM Studios. The largest post ever written on this blog looks at the park's history. Read it here.) It's an even sadder day when we see the Walt Disney Company kneeling before Mother China, a country known for vast human rights abuses, just to get a piece of the money pot via Shanghai Disneyland.

Disney Imagineering is hamstrung instead of released to create. The bungled Epcot revisioning tells the story clearly. Universal Creative is turning out better attractions more quickly. The coming Epic Universe will again show they can hold their own with the house Walt built... and guests can have a great theme park vacation without all the unnecessary pre-planning and add-ons that are required when visiting Walt Disney World. I'm not even mentioning the great resort hotels of all types for more than a third less than what you'll pay on Disney property.

Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there are no winners when it comes to Disney getting involved. Robert Iger, Bob Chapek, and others like them think Disney fandom will get stronger when their choices divide their audience?! Foolish thinking at best. In house fighting is just as bad! Quit the showboating and get back to your original business. Give me the first ten Michael Eisner years any day.

So, Rest in Peace, Walt Disney Company. The one Walt Disney built is dead even if the name remains. I'll pick and choose where my dollars go instead of purchasing animated movie tickets for opening day, park memorabilia, and other experiences like the old days. And I'm not the only one.

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.)

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.)

 

40 Years Without Karen Carpenter

 

Forty years ago, Karen Carpenter died- and I remember exactly where I was at the time I heard of her death. It's hard to believe four decades have passed. With her brother Richard, the Carpenters had not only an amazing career filled with huge record sales and Grammy awards, they amassed generations of fans. 

 

The news was a shock, and part of our innocence also died when Karen passed. I just couldn't believe it.

Jazz artist Michael Franks (the Carpenters created a fresh take on his song B'wana She No Home" back in 1977) wrote poignant lyrics about a friend and fellow artist who passed away. These very words are worth mentioning today to honor Karen and her legacy.

 

On his Rendevous in Rio album, the recording "Songbirds" leaves listeners with these heartfelt lines: 

 

"When I consider your absence then my smile erases. 

Sure, the Creator creates, but rarely He replaces."

Rest in peace, Karen, and thank you for your part in the musical legacy left behind.

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A few of the other many, many, posts here about Karen, Richard, and the Carpenters music and impact on my life:

The Night I Met Karen Carpenter

Great American Voices: Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Revisited: A Fresh Look at Horizon 

The Legacy of Karen Carpenter

Carpenters Band Offers Their Tribute 

The Last Hours of Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter: The Drummer Who Sang