Island Paradise and Other Adventures

It was just one of those lazy afternoons while still on vacation after our daughter's wedding. We were enjoying a late lunch date together at one of our favorite spots, Rumbi Island Grill. Looking up, I saw this terrific poster. I immediately flashed back to our two trips to Hawaii.

The next flashback was to my many visits long ago to Disneyland. At least once a summer, we stopped to eat at the wonderful Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland.

I am sure this was where my love for the islands originated. As a teen, I read books like The Dove, and fantasied about sailing away to some tropical paradise.

Now landlocked in Denver, I treasure my rare days at the beach, be it in California, Florida or Hawaii. And I'm so glad the Disney suits plan to bring a bit of Tahiti and the Terrace back to the Disneyland Hotel. When they do, you can be sure I will be there...

Japan Pavilion Expanded

The always great Vintage Disneyland Tickets blog has a wonderful post on the Japanese Village and Deer Park that once occupied land in Buena Park, California. This smaller park was not too far from Disneyland, but it was world's away from Walt's lands! Think of your favorite pavilion from World Showcase at Epcot. Now expand that into a full blown theme park!

It was almost an entire days worth of shows, exhibits, shopping and food. The folks that worked there were terrific. Just like at Epcot, they spent the time to really interact with guests, making a visit a delightful experience. I loved this place so much, it was instrumental in me choosing Japan as the destination of my first international trip.

Thanks, Tim, for rocking my world with a trip down memory lane!

Risky Love

In our day, Marriage is a risky choice- a courageously brave and difficult choice!

We live in a culture of short term commitments:
• Throwaway relationships and Disposable Marriages
• Employment that ends with the benefits don’t suit someone
• Facebook Friends we never see Face to Face

We can live our lives with the attitude of “What’s in it for me?”
We desire to live our lives without making promises.
The problem is- then no one makes promises to us!
All of which makes marriage the biggest gamble we take!

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul tells us husbands should love their wives as Jesus loved the church. But what exactly does that mean?

It means marriage is a choice of dying to our own preferences for the sake of our mate- doing this on a daily basis and holding to the promises we make on our wedding day.

When Jesus, by choice, chose to die on the cross to pay for the sins of Man, he was taking a huge risk. He knew some would not accept His Love and His Sacrifice. And the Enemy was against Him. But the pending reward of eternity with those who believed outweighed the risk. So, Jesus gave up his life because He loved His Father and he loved the people He created.

There will be times when keeping the promises will be impossible. The pain will be so deep, when the anger and fear seems impossible to bridge, when you totally forget why you even chose to marry and may regret your choice. Your friends and family may even encourage you to opt out of your promises, but this is when Love can win.

As you persevere in marriage and do so with a heart to sacrifice, your rewards will be great. God will use you to heal and bless each other- and to be a witness of His Love to a world that is dying. As you persevere, you will be transformed into the image of Christ- and you will bless your Heavenly Father by choosing obedience and sacrifice versus self indulgence!

Taking a Bite Out of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom had better get going on something new! Crank up those Imagineers and loosen that budget! Zoos all over the country are taking giant leaps forward in making the experience for visitors much more like what it is at Walt Disney World. And to a large degree, they are successful. Disney's Animal Kingdom is the park most likely to suffer loss from the competition.

Case in point: The Denver Zoo. (But check out your own local zoos as well and see what they are planning! Or just search "zoo expansion" and watch the results.)

In the last couple of years, the powers that be have transformed this zoo into an amazing experience. First, a brand new entry plaza- totally first class in design and execution. Next, the newly revitalized Africa exhibit, which has been wildly successful and for good reason. The animal habitats really capture the landscape it duplicates. (My sister-in-law and her family went on an extensive three week safari, and I have seen their professional quality video and still photos.)

I couldn't believe what I was seeing when we toured last year. Very high quality exhibits and landscapes beautifully put together. The animal information was relayed in very unique ways, very reminiscent of what you would find at an Epcot pavilion.

Coming soon- the Asian Tropics area (Above. All the images can be enlarged). Now, with limited space compared to what is available for Disney in Florida, this won't be nearly as large as Animal Kingdom's Asia, but the animal exhibit space will compare well.

Take notice of the prayer flags in the rendering above. As with many zoos in the nation, theming is now an important part of the experience. Operators are going paw, hoof, and claw to toe with Disney, fighting for the tourist dollar.

Just as with Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey, Disney may discover that guests find many other ways to spend hard earned money, and as with California Adventure that the name Disney alone does not guarantee business. Tough lessons to be learned in a new and tougher economy.

Driving by the Denver Zoo this past weekend, the parking lot was almost full, and the lines to get in were quite lengthy. I am truly looking forward to going back this summer and definitely as soon as the Asia exhibit is complete. Chances are, I am not alone.

Why should Disney care and compete?

Let's look again at the zoo example. If Animal Kingdom is not a zoo, then it needs to add attractions to differentiate it from those zoos that are truly reinventing themselves into something Disneyesque. In a new market where local attractions are infusing cash and creativity with local bonds assisting (as in Denver), the ante has been raised significantly. The stakes as well! In addition, "Staycations", holidays where families remain at home exploring their own cities and those nearby, are increasing in popularity.

Unlike Disney's Hollywood Studios or even the Magic Kingdom, the suits do not have the luxury of a never ending supply of movies in which to form favorite characters and stories and translate these into experiences that will attract guests. I'd venture to say that Florida's Animal Kingdom is the most vulnerable to guest fluctuation and therefore decreased spending. If this park were a standalone Florida attraction, it would be in dire straits.

Finally, the Walt Disney World parks have grown a bit stagnant. Remaking El Rio del Tiempo into Gran Fiesta and the new (but honestly excellent) Nemo puppet show do not cause guests to book their return flight to Florida. Nor do new animal habitats. Nor do broken effects that are centerpieces of advertising!

How does Disney compete and differentiate Animal Kingdom from the local zoos? It takes stunning attractions that physically move you into the environments- like Expedition:Everest and Soarin'. These will keep visitors from spending their days elsewhere. This is where Disney shines! Showcasing Imagineering's best and brightest concepts brings in the crowds and keep them ahead of the competition.

If the teen wizard at Islands of Adventure teaches The Walt Disney Company anything, it may be that "good enough" no longer isn't. Thank you, Universal and Harry!
(Art copyright The Denver Zoo.)

Progress City, U.S.A.: Tim Delaney

Take a look at this great piece of art for Hong Kong Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean with a Splash Mountain ending. Ex-Imagineer Tim Delaney has just launched a website, and the always impressive Progress City, U.S.A. blog highlights his work with a terrific post.

Look closely at the site, and you'll find beautiful pieces on the stunning Discoveryland from Disneyland Paris as well. After viewing his work, it is all the more obvious that the suits killed the funds for California Adventure. Tim's pieces for the underfunded project are on his site as well. All said, you just have to go look for yourself. Thanks, Tangaroa and Beacon Joe for bringing this to our attention!
(Art copyright Tim Delaney and the Walt Disney Company.)

Big Troubles Ahead for Disney's Animal Kingdom?

Just finishing up a piece for tomorrow. It's a look at why Disney's Animal Kingdom is facing some fierce competition, why it is THE Disney park most susceptible to failure and what Disney must do to hold off the competition. Stay tuned!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Original image from the wonderful Disney and More blog!)

Directives from God Changed Our Lives

It's now 2016, and I buried this post deep in the blog as most people will never read it, but I hope that you, my children, will find it. Perhaps even long after I'm gone.

Some of you are still following Jesus, and I'm so thankful for that! Sometimes you may have doubted how personal the Creator of the universe is, whether or not He really interacts with the people He created. I write this for you. Just one example for you, although you could read my Bible, and look for dates marked next to verses that reveal God was making His word very personal. Or you could look in my personal files, and see I've kept written words people have given me. But here's a powerful memory not written down until now.

It was 1998, and your mother and I were overseeing the Week of Prayer at the church we were very involved with at the time. We were working with the children and happy to do so, but I did long to go into the last service for the remaining minutes of worship music. I snuck away.

Going into the sanctuary, I stood off to the side, letting the worship music have its impact. Minutes later, I found the worship leader- a man I had never met- had walked over to me. He put his hand on my shoulder saying these words: "God will make you a bridge between cultures". Your mother and I had no idea what this meant.

It wasn't until 2009 when I started to see this come to pass. If you remember, that year I went off on a foreign mission trip I did not want to go on. But I went out of obedience. The impact was so huge. My life changed forever. Two of you in the family experienced this trip with me and know its impact first hand. 

As of this writing- 10 trips later and 4 more in the planning stages- we've made many changes to our lives in order to be obedient to the Lord because of what He has done- starting with words spoken over me almost two decades ago. Even though its been hard, we have no regrets. Obedience to the Lord is its own reward. If your mother and I have pleased Him, that's all that matters. 

Live your lives the same way. In obedience to a very personal God who loves you. Jesus said He was the only way to the Father and an eternity in Heaven. He meant it. Don't settle for the things of this world when you can have the things of God. Now is so temporary compared to eternity.

Rainy Night

Another rainy night in Denver. But this one is different- it's my last Saturday night before I return to work after vacation. Yes, a bit blue I'd say, but thank God I am employed and doing what I love. Make sure you come back all this week for some new posts, ok? Thanks for reading!

The Million Dollar Disney Experience

Ever dream of living on the Walt Disney World property? Now you can in a whole new way. (Before you say "Celebration", remember the company sold it off long ago.) The new Golden Oak community begins its presale phase, offering homes close to the new Four Seasons Resort for a cool one million plus dollars.

Ah, to live the Disney life with special benefits! Close to the parks, VIP transportation and more. It's almost as if you never have to touch base with reality. Lest I sound like I am pointing fingers, let me tell you it sounds very appealing to me! Let's all just check out from reality permanently.

Sometimes it is a struggle not to run and hide from the real world into all things Disney. To keep that balance, to maintain the sense of purpose that each of us are called to, to stay healthy, we certainly need to remember we live in a real world, not Fantasyland.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Picture Perfect

What a beautiful wedding! And what a wonderful couple!

It could not have been a more perfect evening wedding as the skies were clear, the moon bright, and the garden was lit up with everything from candles to lanterns. Romantic and perfect.

The bride looked stunning! (Of course, dads are allowed to say so!)

The flower girl was charming as always...

Siblings gathered together to celebrate!

The bride's side of the wedding party...Pretty cute!

Mom and daughter share a special moment...

...Dad and daughter, too!
What a special day for a special couple. Family and friends made it even better- and I thank all of them for sharing the blessing of the day with us.

Oh, Roger!

From various news sources, Disney producer Don Hahn (Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, the very sadly overlooked Atlantis, Emporer's New Groove) reports Roger Rabbit 2 is finally on the way! One of the best and most creative Disney properties is finally given a new lease on life years after its 1988 release. Cannot wait- and bring on all those imagined but never built attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Toy Story 3: Heroes and Friends

With a convincing blend of nostalgia and freshness, Toy Story 3 is another win for John Lasseter and all the folks at Pixar.

The third film in the franchise is not without its humor, but it is on the light end of the scale, Barbie's metrosexual Ken and the linguistically transformed Buzz Lightyear notwithstanding. Instead of humor, the emphasis is on heart- and this is where the film triumphs. In fact, it is safe to say that "heart" is the main element in each of the Pixar films. You just love the characters and their relationships.

There isn't a single misstep in the film. Only one missed opportunity. The Three Peas in a Pod (above) seemed ripe for both character development and marketing opportunity. Just one man's opinion.

There are too many morals in the story to calculate, making Toy Story 3 an excellent primer for reinforcing right from wrong as well as reminding viewers that often the most manipulative and evil among us are those that seem the nicest at first glance. Sad but true.

Just as in real life, in Toy Story's reel life, actions do speak louder than words. In this aspect, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are commendable heroes and true friends until the tearful end. They give their all for those around them, always believing the best but never sacrificing the truth. Like millions of fans, I'll miss them.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company/Pixar)

Happily Ever After

Still waiting for the formal pictures, but here's this candid shot of my daughter and her new husband after the wedding. As he is a fireman, the reception had to include photos and rides for the bridal party. A very sweet and beautiful evening for a happy couple!
(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Harry Potter's Wizarding World? Count This Muggle In!

How can I say this? Neither California Adventure's Little Mermaid or Walt Disney World's Fantasyland expansion will stop me from making a trip to Universal Orlando! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and his Forbidden Journey will be my first stop. The on line videos show an attraction Disney has yet to match- with a fully immersive land surrounding it not seen since... hmm... probably ever in the States. Time to up the game, Disney. Not only has Harry arrived- Universal is now clearly on the world's map!

Waiting and Hopeful

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

From The Message, Eugene Peterson