It's Incredible- Sequel Finally Announced

At today's shareholders' meeting of the Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger finally announced that Incredibles 2 was in the making! It's been a long time coming for fans of the popular superhero Pixar film. Also announced was Cars 3 (no surprise), but the news of the return of Pixar's favorite empowered family means Brad Bird will return to the helm and bring viewers another great adventure. Now, if that proposed but never built attraction based on the film would come to California Adventure...

(Art copyright Disney/Pixar.)

Snow Job

A fairly empty Fantasyland is a great way to start a visit to Disneyland! Here, the building for Snow White's Scary Adventures creates a stunning centerpiece once guests pass into the courtyard. Visitors new to California who are used to the medieval atmosphere of Florida's Magic Kingdom, must react with glee as they're charmed by what they see in Anaheim. But, turnabout is fair play! Now, Walt Disney World's beautiful New Fantasyland sets the standard going forward- once you leave the castle courtyard, that is! 

(Photograph by Mark Taft.) 

Edgy Book!

Let me say this upfront: This is not the kind of book I normally read. On the Edge is full of sex, greed, destruction, lies, and more sex. Yet... author F. Parker Hudson's tale is woven so well that I was able to mostly keep the squirming to a minimum. The power of the book is its revealed spiritual truths. Angels and demons go after a family in deep trouble. It will offend many, surprise others, and cause many to debate its theology (me included). But I couldn't put the book down- and it placed my prayer life on fire in a whole new way. Check it out- if you can stand it.

New Season of the Walking Dead

Poor Sheriff Rick Grimes! The long-standing hero of AMC's The Walking Dead, loses one beloved person after another to the zombie invasion. With almost four seasons under his belt, you think he'd be a bit tired from this zombie invasion...and become a walker much sooner than later.

Truth is, we're all prisoners or walkers. In the Bible's book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells the readers we are all dead in our sins, doomed for eternal damnation without God. In a sense, we are prisoners of our own making. Think of what you have done in your past that brings you shame, that has hurt others, that has been dishonest or lacked love. If you're like me, that is quite a bit of things to regret and can be a heavy weight to live under. We're prisoners of our own doing!

And yet, Jesus! Thankfully, Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price Himself for our sin- my sin, your sin. And those that would put their faith in Him and live for Him, believing Jesus was raised from the dead for our benefit, would be given a new life. A life that begins anew here and one that will last for all eternity. Can I hear an "Amen!"?

But- and this is a big one- even those of us that know and love and trust Jesus- can act as if we are the Living Dead. How does this happen? It happens in a few ways: 

1- We can choose to live like we used to. Living a life that only pleases us, therefore we look and act no different than when we encountered Jesus. And the darkness in us grows stronger than the true light over time. 

2- We can insulate ourselves from the dying world around us. In the church, this is sometimes referred to as "the Christian Bubble". What happens is we hang out only with those who think as we do. The problem is, this kind of living creates a dullness in our souls. Why? Because we are made for more! We are made to love others and share the news of Jesus with them. 

3- We can live our lives as victims instead of as those victorious in Christ. I see this happen all the time. Let's face it- crap happens to all of us. Betrayal, deceit, disappointment, illness, misfortune, death. Jesus never did promise us an easy life- and He sure didn't have one. If believers in Jesus begin to own that as their identity, instead of realizing they love and serve the Living God, bitterness and sadness rule their lives instead of joy and peace. 

There's a Zombie Invasion in our world. People of all types are lonely, discouraged, and disappointed. The church itself has even taken on a victim mentality. (And I'm not saying it should be all wealth and health and prosperity- that's not a godly viewpoint nor one that is supported by reading the Bible as a whole.) What I am saying is that too many people who say they believe do not live as if Jesus has really overcome. 

Let's not be satisfied to live as a walker or a prisoner. Let's embrace new life in Jesus Christ- the only one who can give it- and live in freedom, joy, and peace- with a great eternity ahead as we persevere!

Hanna-Barbera Mystery

Would you help me out today? Friends of ours own this mystery book from Hanna-Barbera. Her father was in accounting with HB in the 60s, and this book was given to her as a gift a few years before he passed away. The cover is shown above, the introduction page is inside. No table of contents. It has no year or publishing information.

The text and gazillions of character images cover television productions into the early 1970's. Our guess is it was an employee only issue, a thank you celebrating a major anniversary of the studio. Anyone have any ideas? You can be a hero... Thanks!

Imagineering's Joe Warren

 Ever have one of those days when you browse the web just looking for something new? Imagine my surprise to find this website by Walt Disney Imagineering's Joe Warren. It's full of great concepts and surprises including his own fine art.

These two pieces illustrate proposed ideas for Epcot to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland- the one which started it all. At top, Japan; and the bottom image, China. Quite the festive touch for World Showcase, which rarely changes unless its a character overlay or a new restaurant.

Anyway, go check out Joe's site- and enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Magic Kingdom Debuts Silver Castle

At first, I wasn't so sure I would like the plan to paint Cinderella Castle's turrets the color silver. I mean, after all, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has had its blue turrets since 1971. But when I see the end result, it is magical. The perfect final touch to the New Fantasyland.

When the Imagineers repainted Disneyland's for the 50th, and it looked great. When the brown tones were added to the bottom of the castle at Tokyo Disneyland, the dramatic look was a plus. So, we should gracefully accept the changes in Florida to make each castle park unique.

The change looks great, and it is also, unfortunately, temporary. Seems the silver is an undercoat before adding the blue. Poster Mark Twain on the WDWMagic Boards created the illusion, taking one silver turret and changing the rest just for fun. 

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.)

A Father's Prayer

There's few things as heartfelt to God as honest prayer. In reading through the Psalms today, particularly in the 20s chapters, I am struck by many things.

The older I get, the more aware I am of my need for Jesus! And I am also aware of how much He covers over my sin and remembers it no more. Why? Because I belong to Him, the gift of His blood sacrifice on the cross pays the penalty of death for me. I should see Hell for the wrong I've done, but instead I have an eternity with Him in heaven. Thank you, Lord.

The burdens on my heart are simple: I want all my children and grandchildren to know Jesus and follow Him. Not all of them do. They know about Him and what he has accomplished through his death and resurrection, but some as chosen to follow the ways of the world with a strange mix of largely secular thinking, humanism that relies on earthly "wisdom", and a small dose of Christian jargon tossed in when its needed. Little prayer except in crisis, random Bible if any, and little involvement in a fellowship of believers to strengthen what they say they believe. Between the time I write this and my death, that could all change. and I'm praying it does, for I have seen my Lord do miracles first hand. Miracles of all kinds.

On the other end of the age spectrum, I pray that my parents (including those of my wife) would finish their lives well, honoring God and continuing to chase after Him. I am beginning to see that it is easy to lose heart when you experience pain, loss, and suffering through many decades of living in this broken world.

I include myself in this kind of prayer. I can easily become embittered or hopeless as I look at the world around me. Yet, thankfully, I can see God at work if I look for Him.

Lastly, my prayer includes thankfulness. I do not deserve the gifts He has given me- including an eternal life with Him. For that and for so many other things, I pray He would always find me worthy to be used by Him for his purposes.

Re-Imagined Journey into Imagination on the Way to Epcot

If seeing is believing, then Marvel comics new series with a young Dreamfinder and Figment means a totally updated re-do to Journey into Imagination at Epcot cannot be too far behind. First broken by Geek & Sundry, sounds like a June 2014 comic is a definite. But a re-do of a beloved Epcot addition? We can dream(finder) can't we?

(Art copyright Disney / Marvel.)

Welcome to Our World!

Welcome to our world, little brand new granddaughter! We've been praying for you for ten years- and we already love you so much.

(No, this isn't her- obviously.)

Somewhere That I Used to Live

Sitting here in the cold end of winter (I hope!), I think back to my younger days of living in Huntington Beach, California. So, what do I see when I open USA Today? A nice little article and this photo. The description reads: " 70 degrees year round... rarely over 90 degrees in the summer..." Nice. Sometimes, there is no place like home.

Grand Floridian Adventure

The Grand Floridian Resort has remained the flagship Walt Disney World Resort since its debut in the late 1980s. And for good reason! It is lovely and elegant, but with a price tag to match! Therefore, it has always been one of our must stops with each vacation to the World but never our place of lodging. Fair enough as that probably applies to most visitors.

As a younger but large family with a common sized wallet, during our 1989 visit, we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Even to get to go to Florida took a bit of an unexpected blessing from God. Due to a series on business trips on a highly overbooked route, I was able to amass five free airline tickets. Just the thing we needed to be able to take a trip. Saving for the rest of the expenses would take awhile, but we did it.

Back then, the Caribbean Beach was brand new, but it was modestly priced and therefore affordable. Unknown to us until a week or so before departing for our trip, we discovered some family from the East Coast would be staying at the Grand Floridian at the same time as we would be there. They were very gracious and invited us to a wonderful breakfast at 1900 Park Faire. 

Back in the days before Disney's Magical Express, you had to rent a car or hire a taxi to get to your Disney destination. It was kind of nice because the trip from the airport to on site was filled with anticipation versus non-stop commercials for the place. It allowed the anticipation to build slowly without all the hype.

We chose the car as it allowed us more freedom to move around the property and beyond. Arriving on site for our breakfast, we instantly loved the Floridian's entry filled with palms. As a Californian, we knew Disney had taken more than a passing inspiration from the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California when they designed this place. But we were not at all complaining!

This fine old roadster established the flavor for what we would see inside- and of course, a greeter was there to welcome us onto the Walt Disney World property!  

The interior lobby was gorgeous, and the view straight up to the roof was nothing short of spectacular! On to breakfast. We found where we were headed, and once inside, it was as if we had walked into Mary Poppins' Victorian world.

The caliope at 1900 Park Faire filled the air with a touch of whimsy and victorian charm. The decor and the terrific breakfast were not the only attractions in the place.

Carousel horses were around us and vintage prints filled the space on the walls. An unexpected surprise awaited us- the Disney characters made an appearance for free! That would change in later years as Disney decided to begin fleecing versus delighting their guests. Now, there's a charge for everything, but back then, it was touches like this that helped created a real sense of magic instead of the feeling that you were always being asked to open your wallet!

Our happy little family certainly enjoyed the morning, and there's nothing like Chip or Dale to make smiles appear! We were all so young and innocent then. 

Naturally, we eventually sad to say goodbye to our family. They went their way, and we decided to stay a bit and explore further. It's one thing we have always loved doing- taking the time to explore the hotels and public spaces. We always schedule in a few non-park days to do this sort of thing. It is a luxury that is not available in California.

Moving toward the water, we discovered the marina was a very quiet,  a great place to stop.  With the Magic Kingdom in sight, it was tempting to hop on the monorail right then and take the kids, but that was scheduled for another day.

Later in the week, we would end of taking a water sprite for a cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon, but it would be from the Disney's Polynesian Resort instead. We wrapped up our morning by hopping back in the car and taking a swim at our hotel. It was a relaxing- and cheap- way to have some fun. Even though Walt Disney World can be very expensive, you can still get creative and enjoy the place. You just have to move away from the "got to do it all now" attitude and realize you can't!

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

They'll Be Dead By Morning

OK, I stole the title of a piece I want you to read. Really, I want you to take the time to read it. It's a pathetic state of affairs this blogger comments on. Heartbreaking. Brave enough? Go here.

Adorable One

There are few things sweeter in life than an adorable little baby granddaughter. Don't you agree?