She's a (Sleeping) Beauty

Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty was an animated film with many plot holes and a less than compelling hero or heroine. Yet, the artwork associated with the film is certainly gorgeous! It inspired the most beautiful Magic Kingdom castle of all, the Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Disneyland Paris. Here's a piece of art by Eyvind Earle, I believe, for the film.  Charming in its color, texture, and restraint, its a nice representation of the intended feel for the film... and the Fantasyland castle it inspired.

Dastardly Game

Some Christmas gifts are fun and others are just plainVillainous. If you're looking for a mesmerizing and challenging evening, this may be just the board game you want to bring to your next gathering if it includes fans of Disney animated films. 

What would Ursula, Maleficent or the Queen of Hearts do to defeat Jafar, Prince John, or Captain Hook? Just about anything and everything! But they first have to defeat the heroes in their own world. It's a strategy game like no other. And it has really sweet graphics to boot. 

Thanks to my youngest son for the gift- and for getting us addicted.

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Disneyland Paris' Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant

Imagineer Nina Rae Vaughn not only did some beautiful artwork for Tokyo DisneySea, she also produced some fine pieces for the equally incredible Disneyland Paris. 

Just take a look at this art in a large view. The delicate charm and beauty of the castle, Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, is highlighted by the graceful arches, geometric shrubbery (reflecting the art of the Sleeping Beauty film), and the fireworks cascading from the sky. Yet, the art doesn't compare to the reality.

My attempt to capture the castle in its Christmas finery.

Click here for the video.

Take a tour of the castle with this detailed look found in the above video. Make sure to turn on your sound. It gives the listener an ever greater sense of being in the Paris park, the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of all.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Steampunk Parade at Magic Kingdom

Disney hasn't impressed me much since Cars Land and Radiator Spring Racers, and I certainly have been underwhelmed by the recent goings on at Walt Disney World. That said, this steampunk version of villain Maleficent for the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is great looking. Not enough to make me book a visit however... parades, stage presentations, and fireworks shows alone will not do it.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)