Tiana's Bayou Adventure Attraction Poster Revealed

While I give the Imagineering team points for matching the style of the new attraction poster to the colors of the salt dame and buildings at its base, I really miss the old style detail of the ones done in the past. The one for Tiana's Bayou Adventure doesn't have the sharp, simple, but highly stylized look of the Disneyland posters. But it also doesn't have the lush detail of the newer Jungle Cruise ones either. This one is too cartoonish and rather forgettable. The first attraction based on Princess and the Frog deserves better. I hope the ride is better than the poster!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tiana and the Salt Mine Adventure

Is this a real photograph inside of the soon to come Tiana's Bayou Adventure? Every time I look at construction updates of the conversion of Splash Mountain into the Princess and the Frog themed attraction, I do not picture a real Louisiana salt dome to look covered in flowers. Instead I see this image from Pinocchio's Daring Journey in my mind.

As a hard working company owner of Tiana's Foods, she's traded in her princess frocks for something totally different- and she's chopped off those once beautiful flowing locks into a more manageable do. I'm sure little girls around the world will be queuing for hours to be able to buy the newest addition to Tiana's wardrobe!

(Sarcastic) Kudos to whoever turned the beloved Disney Princess Tiana into Businesswoman Tiana. So magical!

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.

Disneyland's Atlantis Expedition: The Submarine Voyage Tomorrowland Deserved

Imagine a version of Tokyo Disneysea's Mount Prometheus coming to Disneyland. If you do some research and dig deep into Imagineering history with all those never built attractions, you'll discover an epic Tomorrowland mega- "E Ticket" that almost came to be: The Atlantis Expedition. With a large chunk of land from the Autopia as well as the  old Motor Boat Cruise area, what would be built in its place was worth the change. 

Tomorrowland was certainly overdue for a great and groundbreaking new attraction. It was also due for a major update in both theme and execution. Becoming stale, it no longer represented the idea of what could lie ahead. Discoveryland in Disneyland Paris took the futuristic theme and turned it on its side, choosing to create a land that looked at different aspects of what the future could be. Concepts from Jules Verne and H.G. Wells and others formed its core. With ideas from both the parks in Tokyo and in Paris, a plan began.

Concept art by the Imagineers boldly announced a coming attraction of significance, and rumors went wild.  It was almost announced to the public until an innocent little fish got in the way. Finding Nemo gave the suits a reason to insist on cross-promotion and more character invasion in lands that were never meant to be their home. 

Thanks to an unknown photographer.

 

Since there had to be a tie in to an Intellectual Property, I'm sure Tony and other Imagineers asked the suits to consider the film was Atlantis: The Lost Empire. This 2001 animated movie wasn't a hit, but it was a pretty good film, and it would have made for an epic adventure. The Disney of old didn't stop at how big a success a film was if it made the right addition to the park. I don't blame Tony Baxter for this change in plans. The man always did the best he could to ensure the flavor and legacy of Walt's Disneyland while adjusting to the requirements of the management du jour flavor of the month. In a move all too similar to what happened with Tarzan's Tree House, he had to roll with the suits demands because he just wanted to save Disneyland's iconic, much loved Submarine Voyage.  

 

When this tarp was plastered on the Submarine Voyage tent, the Imagineers used it as a leveraging strategy to get the project a green light. As we now know, it wasn't to be.

Close up shot.

The potential plan for this enhanced attraction meant guests would ride in the subs to a secret dark and dangerous destination. They'd be forced to disembark because something went horribly wrong, boarding an escape vehicle for the rest of an adventure. Proving no good ideas go to waste, this sounds more than a bit like the story arc for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests would walk across two separate bridges into the heart of the caldera- and into a secret side building just hidden from view from the "mainland", making the Atlantis Expedition a one of a kind adventure. Indoors and outdoors and two ride systems with some part of the attraction being a walk through, all contained in a remote feeling piece of land. It could be easily marketed, proving irresistible to guests of all ages.

And a cool poster on top of it all!

Years ago, this insightful bit of information from the WDWMagic Boards came in to me. Much more information on this incredible plan and a copy of the proposed attraction poster:

"The poster was drawn by Josh Shipley and was suppose to be on the construction walls. Park management didn't like the idea and never put it up.

At the time, park management wanted to close the subs in order to send funding to Innoventions. They had no plans to put a new ride in. They just wanted to mothball the thing to save money. Unknown to park management, WDI came in and setup camp with the Atlantis Expedition sign. Park management saw the sign later that day and forced them to remove it. Later that day a flag with a trident on a blue background showed up. WDI left a few weeks later.

There is also the story about how Marty Sklar threaten to lay across Harbor Blvd if the subs were to be shut down without a replacement. He should have done it."

 Later more news appeared. (It pays to read those Boards!) More insights by "phruby": http://www.parkscope.net/2017/02/the-atlantis-expedition-atlantean.html.  

In his first decade, former CEO Michael Eisner would have had the guts to do this. I can't imagine Robert Iger would, and we know Bob Chapek certainly would not.  For that matter, I do not trust the current management to do a great job with any envisioned Tomorrowland for Walt's park. Leave it until someone with some heart and guts takes the reigns- if that ever happens.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Is There a Change in Plans for Tiana's Bayou Adventure?

Could this new piece of concept art for Tiana's Bayou Adventure signal the end of Imagineering's ridiculous food co-op idea as the story line conclusion for this attraction that was once known as the beloved  Splash Mountain? According to Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development - Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies, who shared this piece on the Disney Parks Blog, guests will join old familiatr friends from Disney's Princess and the Frog film as they "prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans".  I say the simpler, the better. I want Magic Kingdom and Disneyland guests to enjoy the music and its characters and love the attraction instead of encountering a story that feels forced, unnatural, and out of character with the rest of the parks' stellar line-ups. What about you?

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Splash Mountain: Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Sure, long time Disneyland and Walt Disney World fans of Splash Mountain had reason to be concerned when Disney Imagineering announced that the beloved attraction would become one focused on Princess and the Frog. And it had absolutely nothing to do with race.

It has everything to do with the quality of these more recent attraction makeovers: the transition of California Screamin' into the less than inspiring Incredicoaster, and the disaster that is Pixar Pier. The enjoyable but much less mysterious Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! in place of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. (Or even a worthy stand alone new attraction the Marvel heroes should have had. See Spider Man's WEBSLINGERS). Truth is, you just can trust the modern Disney braintrust when it comes to plans such as these.

Could we as fans expect more when they take a classic Marc Davis character filled, Tony Baxter and team executed gem of Splash Mountain and turn it into something new? No- and yes, I was encouraged by the recent roundtable discussion regarding a Princess Tiana ride. See it for yourself.

I can see an easier tie into Disneyland's New Orleans Square but into the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland? Just as problematic as before- it's a stretch. 

Will Carmen Smith, Creative Executive, Vice President, Inclusive Strategies for Walt Disney Imagineering and Charita Carter, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering (what awful titles!) and their team be successful? They might just pull this off. Could there even be a new restaurant in the works? Wouldn't that be great!

(Art and video copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland's Splash Mountain Promotional Poster

Fan favorite Splash Mountain made a great big, well, splash when it debuted at Disneyland in 1989! Some would argue it is one of the best attractions spearheaded by Imagineer Tony Baxter. That'd be quite an argument as you could make up a whole theme park of his projects- and it's be filled with much loved attractions like Journey Into Imagination, the Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and even all of Disneyland Paris!

As you'll see below, the final version is enhanced and a bit different.

Here are all the other Critter Country attraction posters.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

 

Selling Splash Mountain to McDonalds

From the Disney pitchbook, or as I call it,  "How to Sell A Corporate Sponsorship of Splash Mountain to McDonalds". The beautiful little piece of concept art for Disneyland's version of the wettest ride in the wilderness was used by the business side of the house to get the hamburger behemoth to open up their wallets and sponsor the sure to be popular log ride. 

The musical Audio-Animatronic Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah classic has it all! A long and at times relaxing thrill ride for most of the family, classic characters, a sweet storyline, and one very memorable piece of Americana- a beloved Disney song from the controversial movie Song of the South. 

Imagineer Tony Baxter and his team created one of the most loved attractions ever and one with the longest lines at any Disney park. Taking figures from the closed America Sings attraction designed by Marc Davis, the end result remains a fan favorite for almost 40 years!

What will the newer Imagineers do to this classic as they transform it into a tribute to Princess and the Frog? The heroine Tiana is a charming and determined young woman in midst of a compelling story. But troubles come to the surface quickly when talking about the changes in detail. The villain will certainly ramp up the freight factor. The animal characters are in an entirely different artistic style than their predecessors. The film's music is classic New Orleans but without one instantly iconic song on the wide scale appeal level of Zip. 

Will this be another Frozen Ever After or a forced entry changeout a la Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout? Let's hope not. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

An Unexpected Zip A Dee Doo Dah Day

I was on a mission. When we went out to California for my father-in-law's funeral, my oldest daughter and I took to the Orange Circle to look for a very specific item: a classic black and yellow license plate. We looked everywhere, and it was no where to be found.

After we returned home, it was only a couple of months before the lockdown began. As with everyone else, we decided since we had the extra time, we would do some long forgotten (or ignored!) projects that needed completion. The biggest one was the cleaning out of our garage.

As we dug into the several day project, my wife came upon my desired treasure- with a bonus! The entire time I was searching for it, the black and yellow plate was in my home and with a now very desirable Disneyland souvenir attached. A Splash Mountain themed license plate frame! How good of God to provide this small blessing! Proving once again that sometimes the sweetest gifts are found within the walls of your own home. Family who are friends being the best of all!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Fresh Look at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion

The COVID-19 pandemic may be changing the way guests view the parks, and Disneyland itself is not open yet, but that doesn't mean park fans are quiet! The net is buzzing with activity due to the recent reopening of Walt Disney World- even if its currently only for the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

Back on the West Coast, work is resuming. Splash Mountain Tiana version is a go. It'd take a good amount of work, but it could be great if done correctly. The Princess and the Frog belongs in New Orleans Square and no where else. Even more, perhaps the whole of Critter Country will become a bayou themed area expanded around the Haunted Mansion. 

Speaking of the beloved spirited attraction,  here's a very interesting piece of concept art for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. A south elevation view. It's clearly a latter incarnation of the attraction as the exterior is what was built. I have so much art for the mansion in my files that I keep running across something I thought I already shared. Nice problem to have!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Question Everything Disney Does

The opening of the Disney theme parks is coming up quickly. Walt Disney World will soon be a hub of activity with the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opening first, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios later in the week. Fans out west at Disneyland (and I guess California Adventure) are not so fortunate. Certainly COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) has changed things! Including the moving forward of those highly debated plans for the character infused transformation of Epcot. 

The murder of George Floyd has revealed once again the racial reconciliation (and major changes) that needs to happen in our country. Disney has responded by announcing the change of Splash Mountain to an attraction based on Princess and the Frog, a noteworthy and very good, but not quite excellent, animated film. Fans on both sides of this decision are in an uproar. Some are celebrating the removal of a story they feel represents racist America at its worst, while others ask "Are animals racist?" When it comes to anything with Song of the South, seems there's no winning. As for me, as long as most of the Audio-Animatronic characters are saved and the revision is still excellent, I'll be happy. Still, there's no replacing Zip A Dee Doo Dah even if the music of the newer movie is really good.

All this points to a general lack of trust in current leadership, be it Bob Chapek, President Trump, to the World Health Organization. Everyone is suspect. And that is a good thing! We are a money and power hungry world- and our leaders often reflect those values. Therefore, we will disagree with each other when motives are suspect.

Unfortunately, it seems in our country and even around the world that it is no longer appropriate to discuss an issue. Instead the order of the day is to yell, scream, and slander, shouting names and labeling people instead of having civil discussion. Once credible news sources have now given way to inflaming disruption versus helping people to think logically. Why? Because it fuels clicks and viewers. Certainly our current and previous  president fall into this trap of creating further division. And we the people are all the worse because of it!

Are you getting tired of people telling you what to think? Wouldn't you prefer to be given the facts and instead taught how to think? Two very different things! The only real trustworthy source is God himself... and He is not Black or White. Nor is He Red or Blue. Check this out. These words inspired by God Himself were written over two thousand years ago, but they are just as fresh and just as needed today:

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5)

---

All these words from the great apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible remind us to keep our focus on a God that never changes. One whose motives towards us are always for our good. A God whose holy standards are for our benefit and for the benefit of others. In Him alone, we can place our trust. 

The world is shifting proving itself to be falling apart. Will we respond in fear or faith? Will we represent Him or our political beliefs? Will we show loyalty to our color or to the God who created each of us in multiple shades of beautiful? The choice is yours to make. Question everything- especially what's in your own heart.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Authorized Minnie and Bootleg Belle

During my recent travels overseas, I ran into a couple of Disney images I thought were worth saving. The one at top shows Disney's Minnie Mouse gracing the cover of a fashion magazine.

These images shown above display an unauthorized Ariel, Tiana, and Belle. All very well done, I might mention. But it was the human face characters at the benefit that were not. No images for that. Just goes to show, it always pays to keep your eyes open when you travel!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Rapunzel's Fine Form: Tangled Shines Brightly

Finally had the chance to see Tangled Saturday night. The quick and dirty answer to the question is "Yes!", this new Disney animated film is clearly worth your time. While Princess and the Frog was a much heralded return to traditional animation, and hopefully the start of the third generation of animation excellence, it was sadly not as well received as it should have been. Tangled shouldn't have this problem.

The Rapunzel fable was ripe for a great story by Disney. Any long time viewer of animated films would wonder how Disney could pull off yet another princess story and not repeat themselves. Surprisingly, there's only the slightest feel of deja vu at the very end of the film. Absolutely everything else feels brand new and original.

The beautiful girl with the golden magical locks is only half the story, as her dashing counterpart Flynn Rider provides the male friendly action, giving the plot its excitement. Disney marketing may have changed the title to appeal to more male viewers, but in reality, it is a more accurate representation of screen time and story told. In fact, to its ultimate benefit, Tangled is filled with more action and better pacing than any Disney princess movie in recent memory. The previews would make you think the film is striving for a Shrek like ambiance, but this is actually a very traditional feeling film with one exception. Just a hint to those of you with small children: make sure you are there for the very beginning of the film. Flynn narrates the story and does it so quickly and covers so much turf, that the littler ones would need much explanation to understand the film. The same can be said for the ending wrap up to the story.

With their namesakes at Disneyland. 

With any great film, where story is king, it takes terrifically engaging characters to pull it off. This time, it only takes three. Secondary characters are wisely few and are unimportant to the story. 

In the princess role, Mandy Moore is the perfect fit for the movie, her Rapunzel is at once youthful and charming. Beneath the obvious differences in storyline, parts of our heroine's personality remind me of a younger Belle of Beauty and the Beast, maybe even a bit of Ariel from The Little Mermaid. There's more depth to her love interest Flynn Rider than you'd first expect. His story unfolds at just the right time and pace. Zachary Levi gives him the perfect balance of brashness and vulnerability. And he has a very good singing voice! I'd say he's a terrific match to Mandy Moore's actually. Their on screen chemistry is great, better than many modern day Rom-Coms.

A rival to Ursula.

The Disney Villainess, a staple of the genre, Mother Gothel is so well written, and she is so well played by Donna Murphy, that you almost expect her to redeem herself by the end of the film. Almost. This is Disney after all, and it would be a truly unexpected twist- and maybe a first- should an evil character repent and change their ways. (We should all repent and change our ways. We do really need Jesus more than we know. May we all see Him as He is- the Light of the World who died for our sins so we could have eternal life. He said this about himself: "“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”- John 8:12. See more of his words in John 14:6 in the Bible: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.")

Due to the smart dialogue between she and Rapunzel, highlighted by the "I love you more/most" exchange - and a less than stellar song for her to sing as her centerpiece- Mother Gothel initially is less apparent the villain when compared to those before her. Even less obvious than Cinderella's stepmother Lady Tramaine or Beast's brute Gaston. When the exchange gets heated between she and Rapunzel, like almost any mother daughter relationship, it seems as if the two actually do love each other. This brings the film a true to life complexity that is rather bold, more akin to a Pixar animated film. There's a good moral to the story that shows people are not always what they first seem to be and may even be evil to their core.

The animation of the film completes the film's package without overpowering it. Sleeping Beauty provided the most gorgeous background to any Disney animated film, but the characters seemed lost in that world. Here, the scenery is no less stunning, perhaps better and certainly more realistic, but the characters belong here and are not overpowered by the grandeur. (Watch the backgrounds in the movie closely. I think this is what Walt Disney World's new Fantasyland Forest should look like!) The landscapes are varied and traditionally rich looking. Such an accomplishment that I almost forgot this film was computer generated!

The character animation is very good, although at times Rapunzel's doe eyed look was a little too doe eyed. Computer generated humans are the shortfall of this tool and generally don't seem as warm to me as those drawn by hand. The work of Glen Keane is to be commended here as I could almost imagine he would press the animators for a more real look than those found in Toy Story, Up, or others. The film is all the better for his work.

Look closely.

It isn't the movie but the highlight of the new attraction

at Tokyo Disneysea.

Superbly executed chase scenes aside, when great characters meet stunning landscape meets great song, the result is Tangled's lantern scene. It is one of the finest moments in any Disney film in any era. Period. For this reason alone, go see the movie. There will be no in home screen large enough to capture its beauty. I won't ramble on here, although I could. It is that stunning.

Lastly, for a musical, I expected Mandy's singing to be wonderful, and it is- but the material she has to work with seems a bit subpar.  Her subtle and beautiful duet with Zachary Levi, "I See the Light", sung during the above mentioned scene, will stick in your head for years. Other than this song, the music itself may be the very reason I cannot give Tangled the A+ I'd like to. Alan Menken is a very gifted man. The songs here are good, but this is far from his best work. I've long thought Menken's strongest work ended with Howard Ashman's death, and sadly, this seems to prove me right.

If it is in fact true this is Disney's last animated fairy tale, which I think to say is a fairy tale itself, Tangled is the way to go out with style. The film is warm, funny, and unique. You won't leave the theater humming the songs, but you will leave thinking "Disney still has it!", and you'd be right.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Princess and the Avatar

Don't be fooled by the marketing: James Cameron's "Avatar" is the true fairy tale here. Princess Tiana may be kissing frogs to help make dreams eventually come true- but she does it knowing hard work, faith, and integrity must match a good strong mind to get the job done. That is the real truth.

Avatar pushes a strong and disturbing political agenda behind those beautiful images on the screen. Its fantasy world is beautiful to see, but it is just that: an extreme fantasy with nary a shred of truth behind it. Additionally, the movie's animist worldview diminishes the uniqueness of man versus God's creation, making the movie a total waste of time and money.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Year 2010 in Review in Advance

The debut of a new year and another chance for fresh beginnings- It's here and right around the corner!

I just love New Years and New Year's Eve! Maybe I'm a bit foolish and sentimental, but the idea that things start with a clean slate and old things are left behind, well, it always excites me. Imagining what lies ahead can be great fun as well.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has made the one as well as the other. The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes has that to say about how we are to view the days. And they go so quickly, especially the older I get! He also says that God has set eternity in the hearts of men, so I shouldn't be surprised when something important seems like it was yesterday when it was really years ago.

So, let's see- what does lie ahead for 2010? Hmm, here is the news as we know it- and some predictions... Let me say in advance, I'm not all that hopeful with projects coming from the House of Mouse.

On that Disney front: At California Adventure, the nighttime show World of Color will make a big splash come Spring. This means the maze of walls around Paradise Pier will begin to disappear as others, hopefully, go up for the beginning of the planned Buena Vista Street. Let's watch if the crowds appear bringing money to spend and with it an impetus for the Walt Disney Company and its Imagineers to execute Phase Two of the park's expansion. Even if a revised version makes the cut in its place, let's hope it includes saying adios to the Maliboomer as well as a forest friendly revamping of Condor Flats. As much as I like this section of the park as it now stands, it does not make sense to have two desert themed areas. The park is getting prettier, so kudos to the Imagineers who work so hard to do things right when given the money and encouragement.

Unfortunately, things will be quiet on the Disneyland front while Star Tours 2 ramps up and Michael Jackson reappears in Captain Eo. Neither project thrills me. In fact, Disneyland looks great but attractions post the Indiana Jones Adventure have left me cold. Tomorrowland '98 was unfulfilling as was the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The smaller rehabs were fine- great really, but it is time to be wowed once more at the original Disney park. Tomorrowland aside, at least if Tony Baxter does retire in the new year, he will leave the park in a better condition than it was in the Paul Pressler days.

Walt Disney World's Fantasyland remodel will begin, helping the Magic Kingdom eventually compete with Harry Potter over at Universal's Islands of Adventure, but nothing else will come its way next year.

At least Epcot isn't getting ToyStory Playland from Disneyland Paris! You never know these days as theme seems to mean less and less and the Disney suits continue to let the greatest park in Florida dilute in theme and execution. (And by the way, why are the French getting this mess without Toy Story Midway Mania? Lack of Euros no doubt!)

The gorgeous looking Animal Kingdom will stay as it is until numbers drop once more. This pattern will probably continue until the current powers that be retire. Speaking of this park, watch for Part 5 of the "Disney's Animal Kingdom: A True-Life Adventure" series coming January 8.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will prep for Star Tours 2 while they continue to shove High School Musical garbage down own throats. Ugh. Maybe the much talked about Monsters Inc. coaster will be announced at 2010's D23 expo.

Over in Asia, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea will continue pleasing guests, while Hong Kong Disneyland continues to struggle. At least Mystic Manor is coming after Hong Kong's disastrous choice of adding ToyStoryland as well. Will Shanghai Disneyland finally break ground? Or will there be more red tape and delays? Hard to say. One thing seems certain- it looks like we'll all need a trip overseas to be dazzled by the Disney Company. Enough about the parks.

Honestly, those of you who read this blog know I am not the biggest fan of the Company's television or movie offerings. I take each film by any company on an individual case basis- including Pixar releases (gasp!)- and Grey's Anatomy and American Idol aside, find most of television a waste of time and not too interesting at that. After the creative success of Princess and the Frog, I will go see Rapunzel. At least her locks will be visible as I have a feeling Jack Sparrow's won't be on display as scheduled. My hunch is Pirates of the Caribbean 4 will be delayed once more.

The music industry continues its downward slide as the wasteland of rap dominates, most of country music sounds the same, and song lyrics in all genres get dirtier and dirtier. I am sure Lady Gaga will keep turning out catchy numbers with videos that shock, Michael Jackson compilations will keep selling, and old bands from the 70s and 80s will continue to tour one more time. i-tunes will keep adding to the destruction of the concept of album, while favorite old artists will repackage songs from decades past. New "artists" will be built and destroyed by the Disney Channel machine. In other words, same old, same old. Let's hope I'm wrong, and we get some pleasant surprises this year!

On the political front, it will be more of the same as well. Promises from people of both parties, nothing delivered. That is all I will say on the subject.

It will be much of the same in the world of sports, (I do watch on occasion), as overpaid athletes will continue to commit crimes and disappoint with tales discovered of infidelity and the like. (The NFL seems to really be the National Felony League these days.) No matter, as these men will still be seen as heroes by folks desperate for real ones.

Wish I could say I see big changes in the area of religion and spirituality as well, but I don't. It is difficult enough for me to stay on solid Biblical ground without falling prey to television charlatans who peddle God's name for profit promising wealth and fortune instead of personal sacrifice, devotion to holy living, and serving others. Would we even recognize Jesus as the only true savior if He came today?

Lest I sound a bit crusty, hear me out. I am very thankful for my family, my friends, my health- and to you who read this blog. It's been my combination diary, travel journal, and devotional writing.

My upcoming year looks to be an exciting one for many reasons I'll share in the future. All said, I thank God that in a world delivering the best and worst of what man can offer, The Almighty God Eternal does not change. In Him and in Him alone do I place my trust and hope. Consider Him as you ponder what lies ahead. Only He knows your future...

Disney's Princess and Frog: Four Fireflies

The Walt Disney Company's reentry into the traditional animation market is a success! The Princess and The Frog has it all- luscious landscapes, great characters, and a solid story line. Randy Newman's score perfectly captures The Big Easy. Our new heroine is lovable without being saccharine, the prince charming and flawed, and the villian meets his end in a way very fitting to those familiar with New Orleans' lore and mysticism. If you were fearful Disney would be heavy handed with the race card, don't be. The issue is handled gracefully and tactfully. May Tiana and her film take their place next to the classics. Make room Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. The film's success is well deserved. Congratulations to everyone involved. And yes, Walt would be proud.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Princess of New Orleans

A new and fresh shot from Disney's "Princess and the Frog"...
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Even More "Princess"

The promo machine keeps cranking the stuff out! Here's another...

More "Princess" Promotion

The promotion machine rolls on...
A new piece for the New Orleans focused movie, continuing to remind me this film will be a visual beauty!

"Princess and Frog" Ramps Up

Just released- from the upcoming Disney Animation feature, "The Princess and the Frog". Let the promotional fun begin. This is sounding- and looking good, real good!