A Promise of Tales to Come

Just returned a few days ago from my Asia trip. So much to say! I was wowed by what I saw and heard. Being that I came home to a large project, it will be a few days until everything is compiled and in place for a post. But I promise it will be a surprise worth the wait.
(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

Birds and Bears: The Death of Disney Audio-Animatronic Musicals

At one point in the not too distant past, Disney developed several musical variety attractions. The trend began in 1963 with the opening of "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" and continued on with various shows opening in many theme parks around the world. This was a good fit for the time as American television was dominated by comedy, music, and variety shows.

The spectacular success of "Tiki" meant there would be more to come. Eventually, there was a duplicate of the show in Florida dubbed "Tropical Serenade", as well as two others at the opening of the Magic Kingdom park, "The Mickey Mouse Revue" and "Country Bear Jamboree". In turn, the West Coast gained its own bear hoedown as well as another show - a tribute to America and its music, just in time for the country's bicentennial with "America Sings". With all these shows, theme park fans across the country had several chances to sit down and relax while they were entertained in air-conditioned comfort. A big bonus especially in the humid and hot Sunshine State.

The Magic Kingdoms were not the only Disney parks to receive these types of musical revues. The 1982 opening of the groundbreaking EPCOT Center, brought us Kitchen Kabaret, a strange little show about nutrition hosted by fruits and vegetables. For all of Disney's talk about the park heralding the next century, this cabaret was very retro, exactly the type of attraction that earned Disney parks the teen reputation of being "the place old people went." Or even just a place for little kids. (Think about the pizza hall Chuck E. Cheese!) It was an extremely long 12 years before this show was retired, but unfortunately it was replaced by an even worse presentation, Food Rocks.

Tokyo Disneyland's opening saw the first overseas presentations of the Magic Kingdom's shows, aside from "America Sings" which, thankfully had no place in Japan, and the Land pavilion's musical theater- which shouldn't have happened anywhere. Wiser heads prevailed for the planning of Disneyland Paris. None of these shows were featured, and the planned Beauty and the Beast musical theater presentation was axed in favor of other attractions. I must admit, since this is my favorite Disney animated movie, ( Do I really need to qualify this by saying "hand drawn"?), I was very much looking forward to this show.

Although initially quite fun, these musical shows were starting to wear thin with each repeat viewing. Attendance began to drop. Marc Davis' charming American characters found a new home in Splash Mountain, and the Mouse's Revue in Florida took up new digs at Tokyo's opening. 

A poorly planned and executed replacement for Serenade opened in Florida as a desperate attempt to keep an audience. At the Happiest Place on Earth, the Bears vacated their California home and made way for an English cub, with Food Rocks retiring for Epcot's version of the only California Adventure classic, Soarin'. In the middle of this transition time, the Imagineers wisely dropped plans for an alien cabaret to replace the poorly aging Carousel Theater in California. The era of theater shows starring animatronics had passed.

Being a music lover meant these shows had a longer life span for me than maybe necessary. Some shows weathered better than others. Having a soft spot for Hawaii and looking back fondly on our many vacations there, I was thrilled when the original Tiki Room was beautifully restored. I wished Disney had saved one theater for the Bears, but that was more for nostalgia value than anything else. (A rumored remake with famous country singers would have held some interest for another few years, however.)

Just recently, I listened to the full recordings of the Disneyland shows from the 50th Anniversary set. Sad to say, but I found myself thinking these shows needed to be replaced. The Jamboree was charming for its time. America Sings, as much as I appreciate the talent of Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, has aged the worst of the lot. Even my beloved Tiki Room survives as a pleasant distraction due to my love for the islands.

Attractions aging poorly is not solely the domain of animatronic musical theater. Disney faces the same kind of challenges with its reliance on 3D film-based attractions and also with stage productions using live actors. Due to its large base of international versus local visitors, the Florida parks can last longer with aging shows and films, but not so in California, as evidenced by the feeble crowds for "Muppets" and "It's Tough to Be a Bug". Viewing the latest plans for California Adventure, we see the Imagineers themselves understanding the struggle they face. New adventures either involve interactivity or those that physically move us from place to place, all the while telling a great story.

The biggest lesson here for Disney is to understand their audience is constantly looking for something not found elsewhere. Disney cannot continue to rely on yesterday's methods and whatever is easiest (or cheapest) to do. Developing new technologies are a vital part to keeping things fresh and to bringing return visitors. Disney cannot allow their competition the luxury of beating them at their own game by passing on cutting edge ride or show systems offered by outside firms.

While in the parks, guests desire something new and different. Particularly in California where it is so easy to travel between parks, a variety in types of attractions and experiences contribute to keeping visitors around through mealtime and into the evening hours.

Balancing these truths and budgets are all part of the new rules for today's theme park game. As shown by the public's lukewarm reaction to the poorly executed but quickly improving California Adventure, rewriting the rules doesn't always work. The lessons learned at this park prove it is better to do it right the first time or pay the price. This time, they won't get increased attendance for a song.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Keeping Secrets

Common sense tells me they must. Business competition demands it. People love to do it. Keeping secrets is just part of what we do individually and collectively.

Now that the total remake of California Adventure's Paradise Pier is in full swing, what is coming next? Sure, the Imagineers have given us a taste by showing some models and pieces of concept art in the Blue Sky Cellar, but you know as well as I do, they are not revealing all of what is happening behind closed doors. John Lasseter is a very smart man and keeps his secrets, sharing them to only a select few.

Who can blame him? I do this all the time- and so do you! We give only the best parts of ourselves to the people we want to impress, and we hide the things that embarrass us from as many people as possible.

There is much speculation on every Disney project- the movies, the cable channel, and especially what is being built or will be considered for the parks. Do you ever notice how once a project is announced, the Walt Disney Company gives very little commentary on what is going on behind the scenes until it is very close to completion? Why? Some ideas materialize and some never do. Just for a moment, think of what we have missed over the years: Tony Baxter's beautiful Discovery Bay for Disneyland, Marc Davis' amazing Western River Expedition and the whole Thunder Mesa complex for Florida's Magic Kingdom, a host of World Showcase attractions for Epcot. A fully realized Space pavilion. A Beauty and the Beast animatronics theater show for Disneyland Paris. An improved thrill version of Pirates of the Caribbean for Hong Kong Disneyland. The list goes on and on. Some plans are just wild rumors and speculation- anyone remember Disneyland Texas?

The thing is, "It all comes out in the wash", as the old timers used to say. In the new world of the internet, what is done and what is built becomes evident very quickly. Photos posted of the construction of California Adventure 1.0 revealed a park built to maximize profits with a minimal investment. Conversely, those posted showing Tokyo Disney Sea under construction helped convince a theme park loving Japanese public that this was going to be an amazing place.

Looking at Disney's history over the last two decades reveals some life lessons for us common folk as well as for the company we love to talk about. Quality work wins out, going cheap and producing less than our best effort does not. Greed diminishes the end result and reveals the core of our motives and nature. Regardless of what we say, our actions speak louder than our verbal hype or explanation. Someone is always watching us. Ultimately, there really are no secrets.

Design Detail: Frontierland Railroad Station

To many of us "Westcoasters" nothing compares to Disneyland when it concerns the intricate details found in the park. In fact, for many of us, Florida's Magic Kingdom is dismissed with a "bigger isn't always better" attitude. On my recent trip to Florida's Walt Disney World, however, I looked for and found multitudes of detail added in by the Imagineers.

When visiting this Magic Kingdom, "doing the mountains" is as necessary a ritual as it is in California. While grabbing a necessary Fastpass for Splash Mountain (120 minutes wait in February!), I noticed the care taken in fitting the attraction with that of the very nearby Frontierland Railroad Station. This sign caught my eye, but this wasn't the only visual candy to be found. Just beyond the sign to the left is a giant courtyard which functions as the queue for Splash. In the center stands a giant tree with many lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Surrounding this gorgeous landscaped area was a very detailed series of buildings erected aound a planked boardwalk. This type of detailing would be totally necessary for just a queue. But at Disney, even in Florida, great care is taken to provide a great guest experience.

(Photography copyright Mark Taft)

ipod shuffled

Like to shake it up a bit every now and then. And it was way overdue, but it finally took American Idol Season Eight to make me shuffle up my ipod. Not since the year of Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtry has there been such talent!

So adding to the old standbys of Sting and Karen and Richard Carpenter are now Kris Allen and Danny Gokey, in particular. Why now Adam Lambert? Just not a fan of the glam rock thing. Should his disc have a few things as strong as Mad World, I might consider a change of plan.

Certainly, there are some oddities on my ipod shuffle to make the most die-hard of Disney geek blush. One Little Spark from the Imagination pavilion (Epcot), the on board soundtrack from the original version of Space Mountain (Paris), and various odds and ends from Disneyland, Epcot, California Adventure and TokyoDisneySea.

Naturally, it doesn't end there. Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, and Amy Grant give me an inspirational shot, with Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra providing the swing. George Strait still rules and Keith Urban adds a few more songs to my collection.

Can't wait for the traditional onslaught of Fall releases! I am sure A Change is Gonna Come once again.

Gloria!

A successful European tour. The same in Latin America. One busy lady. It is time, Gloria Estefan, for a new album. Your warm voice needs to be heard once more. Tell us it will be soon...

No More Shame...

"I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame...Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Psalm 34:4-5, 8

Incredible Voyage!

Attention parents in the metro Denver area: If you are looking for something fun for your kids this summer, check this out: Adventure Camp Colorado. Sports camps for middle and high schoolers and a great day camp for elementary kids. Fun video on line, too!
(Concept art copyright Adventure Camp Colorado.)

In the Eye of the Beholder: Pretty in Pink

Out in the internet world, travel photos abound. However, you just have to check out this one: Stuck in Customs. The photos are gorgeous and the associated text makes an interesting read. Cinderella's Castle, above, in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a fan favorite, but rarely have I seen it look more beautiful!

Imagineering's Crown Jewel

Much has been written, and rightfully so, about the new and beautiful book, The Art of Walt Disney World. As I have drooled over all the beautiful renderings from the geniuses at Walt Disney Imagineering, visions of stunning but unrealized World Showcase pavilions at Epcot have danced through my head.

In California, Disney Imagineers of olden times were no less adept at creating some of the most gorgeous lands ever conceived. As seen in The Art of Disneyland, it is easy to understand that New Orleans Square remains at the top of the list of anything designed for the Disneyland Resort. (We can only hope that the poorly named Carsland at California Adventure turns out so well!)

It is not just the original attractions found here- the masterworks of Marc Davis, Rolly Crump, Claude Coates and company- Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion- that make New Orleans Square what it is. It is the combination of ground breaking and beloved attractions surrounded by excellent storytelling. There is painstaking attention to detail and beautiful shops and restaurants. Lush landscaping and elegant lighting. The Imagineers had a clear love for the city of New Orleans, its people, its landscapes, and its lore.

Sam McKim's original 1957 concept (above) for the land entices. Yes, there is still a wax museum on the painting, a different street layout, and the alternate exterior of the Haunted Mansion, but the essence of the land is what was finally built. The painting and the end result: sheer artistry. This Disneyland original is both a beacon to park guests and the long enduring standard of comparison for anything built on the East Coast. Or Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, or soon, Shanghai.
(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Today, I depart for the other side of the world. A journey I never truly expected to take, but one I know I will get much out of. Let's just say I'm taking off for a particular resort in Asia...

I'll return soon, but in the meantime, I've planned a great series of posts on the blog for everyone to enjoy. There will be much to say and show upon my return...

The Garden of Hope

Human trafficking. A disgusting, heartbreaking problem all over Southeast Asia- and one that, I'm ashamed to say, folks of my gender contribute to. The "freedom" of pornography only fuels the fire for the real thing. Nor is it just in Asia, as the U.S. State Department estimates 14 to 17 thousand victims are brought to the United States each year.

Take a look at this group. The Garden of Hope folks are making a tangible difference in the lives of abused women. Its a very worthy cause in which YOU can make a difference.

Princess of New Orleans

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

It's Fun to Be Free

The genius of Herb Ryman was not limited to the west coast and Disneyland. At Epcot Center, he was clearly in the middle of it all, turning out masterpieces like the one above. This alterate version of the World of Motion exterior borrows some elements what from what was eventually built but with flourishes all its own.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Journeys to Nowhere in Particular

Just what is Mr. Toad up to? If you'd like to know, you either have to read The Wind in the Willows, the book by Kenneth Grahame, or visit one of two Magic Kingdom style parks.

The most fulfilling journey will come from those taken at Disneyland in California. In fact, it is the only place you can actually hop aboard an old motorcar for a brief but thrilling excursion through Toad Hall and then London itself. (Imagineering's David Naylor created the painting above in 1982.)

Sadly, Walt Disney World's version of Toad's travels closed in the late 1990's to make way for the blustery adventures of a silly ole bear. The Magic Kingdom is the poorer for it, as Florida's version had not one but two separate journeys! I always did like taking two rides through upon each visit. Of course, you get always visit via web! For extensive details and photos, go to Widen Your World . For an on line ride thru, head to Virtual Toad.

The only other place to go and experience a bit of Toad is at Disneyland Paris. In this beautiful French park, although the exteriors of Toad Hall look the same, the residence is actually a British restaurant! The detail is still stunning, and if you look around, you'll find one of many little charming touches: a portrait of Mr. Toad himself sits on a wall above diners. Look carefully- here Mr. Toad is envisioned by great European artists: Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and da Vinci. The painting magically transforms before your eyes every minute or so. Delightful!



Before I sign off, I must mention the images above come from the terrific book, Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality. It is written by Alain Littaye and Didier Ghez. Alain is the blogmaster of the great Disney and More website. I believe the book is still available- and is very well worth your hard earned money. It is the best source for Imagineering concept art for the Paris park. Stunning!

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)