A New Species of Theme Park Posterized

Oh, the promise! Oh, the potential!

When Disney's fourth Florida theme park debuted, this beautiful poster of Disney's Animal Kingdom was found for sale in the shops of Safari Village. Thanks to a friend, this image was sent to me, in appreciation for my extensive series on the creation and evolution of the park.

Imagineer Joe Rohde's vision for this gorgeous place could be seen here in its condensed glory, but it was only a fractional picture of what was originally imagined. True, Beastly Kingdom would never appear, but in its place came the thrills of Expedition Everest and the soon to come controversial Pandora land from the film Avatar. All this proves once again, that in the Disney universe, the winning concepts that succeed from blue sky ideas to concrete and steel reality are only proving the survival of the fittest.

(For those that are interested, I look at the park from its roots to its future in a six part series that begins here.)

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Relaxing Lake Buena Vista

Here's a real find! It's not too often that we see concept art for Walt Disney World's own real town of Lake Buena Vista. Long before the city of Celebration, the small community of Lake Buena Vista remained an enjoyable respite from the crowds. During the planning stages for Walt's east coast spectacular, the Imagineers were hard at work defining green spaces, pedestrian areas, hotels, and backstage facilities. Far more than just the Magic Kingdom theme park!And here's a small glimpse of their work.

Personally, this image conjures up the Walt Disney World of old. In addition to the "East Coast Disneyland", there were quiet spaces for rest and relaxation far from the folks running from one attraction to the next. A week in Florida there meant more time to enjoy the extensive recreational facilities and the shops and restaurants. I have sweet memories of chilled Strawberry Soup and the quiet garden shop at the Village.

As much as I love Epcot and enjoy the newer parks and water parks, there was a sweet simplicity then. It was easy to be anywhere at Walt Disney World and think you were in the middle of an entirely different one. Now, with the roadways covering almost every area of the property, busses perpetually transporting guests to each corner, and four world class theme parks to explore, it is hard to remember how it was at the beginning. Time marches on.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

All the Earth Shall Worship

This photograph gives me chills! Here is a worship service in Asia, where people are celebrating the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Certainly, from the photo, it is easy to tell that these folks were probably not raised as believers but probably in another faith. What a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like! People from all over the earth, from all generations, praising His Name forever!

Thankful Heart

Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers of the Insights and Sounds blog! It's been a wonderful journey together, and I am so very grateful for your readership.

Today, we'll be giving thanks to God Almighty before our dinner. And I pray each of you would have a day filled with peace, joy, and love, regardless of your belief system...

Walt Disney World Aerial Tour

Thanks to those guys over at WDWFanBoys , there is an absolutely stunning collection of aerial photos to be found. More of the Walt Disney World resort than I have seen in awhile. If you are thinking these are just another set with a focus on the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland Forest, you'd be partly right. There's Epcot, Animal Kingdom (and the infamous back side of Exepdition Everest), and Disney's Hollywood Studios as well. Go here for a look. So worth your time!

Notable and Quotable: Tim Tebow

"If you're married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife 'I love her' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity?

"And that's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ is that it is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after I give him the honor and glory, I always try to give my teammates the honor and glory."


Tim Tebow on ESPN, in response to Jake Plummer

I say, right on, Tim! Right on!

Wizard of Oz Meets Tomorrowland

Is this Tomorrowland? Is it really?

This piece of Imagineering art from an unknown Disney artist, is a proposed entrance and look for the park's first version of Tomorrowland. Quite a difference from what was first seen in Disneyland! Is it just me or does it seem as if the Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz was the inspiration here?

Of course, many versions of this area of the park have now been realized with, hopefully, another to come one day. Tony Baxter and company gave it it's best shot in 1998, but we all know how cut budgets and shortsightedness killed the Rocket Rods, creating one of the biggest disappointments in recent years.

Perhaps Tron's light cycles will one day race around the area. Might take the work of some real Imagineering wizards.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company)

Bad Show Bill Maher

Thanks, Bill Maher, for adding more ugliness to the world. Your recent comment, "The Republican Party doesn't care about knowledge" only adds additional division and less room for fair discussion in this election season. It happens on both sides of the political arena, but you have only added to dividing the country instead of causing it citizens to look intelligently at all sides of the candidates and issues. Certainly ironic.

Beautiful Blooms

While visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano with my wife, mother-in-law, and my youngest daughter and her husband, we were surrounded by beauty. My daughter is quite the sharp photographer, and quickly assessed the views, snapping this shot almost as an afterthought. For something taken so quickly, I found it to be simply beautiful. A nice momento of a perfect Southern California day!

(Photograph copyright Lauren Knuth.)

Timberlake Shows His Patriotism

One time Disney Mousketeer Justin Timberlake showed a heart of patriotism and a large dose of class by showing up to the 236 Marine Corps Birthday Ball over the weekend. While some in Hollywood find it easy to bash those in the military who are defending the liberties they enjoy, Timberlake expressed heartfelt appreciation for the men and women who serve the country. USA Today captures it all in this article. Class act, Mr. Timberlake. Great use of those 4 Minutes...

Twelve Days of Christmas with Amy and Vince

Amy Grant and hubby Vince Gill take their Christmas show on the road. The one time Disney's World of Color songstress will warp her beautiful, warm vocals around songs celebrating this Holy season. Equally talented Vince Gill will bring his gorgeous voice to accompany his wife and sings some leads from his own Christmas albums. 

This is the Christmas tour I was waiting for! Unfortunately, Denver is not on the couple's list this year. Hope I wasn't too naughty this year- and maybe they will reconsider and come out west.

Why Christmas Beats Halloween at Disneyland Paris

Take the most beautiful Disney park castle ever, sprinkle in some Christmas magic, and what do you get? Disneyland Paris' beautiful Chateau decked out for the season! And this is just the beginning. I've been to the park at Halloween, and it is cute, but oh, to see it at Christmas! Maybe one year...


(Photograph copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

One by One by One by One

For the last several years, there's a very popular book out called The Tipping Point by author Malcolm Gladwell. The basic premise is quite intriguing, as it is a research project of sorts on how trends are started, viruses are spread, etc. The byline reads, "How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference". Truer words could not be spoken. Gladwell gives many examples of how the choices of one person can make an impact.

Just take an objective look at the early criticisms of Disney's California Adventure when it opened in 2001. Instead of rehashing such well known- and correct- observations about the park, the reality was longtime Disney park fans knew an inferior product when they saw it. It wasn't supposed to be Disneyland, but it wasn't a quality product either. There was a breach of trust and integrity in place of honor and honesty to this next generation park.

Conversely, when it comes to the remake of California Adventure, each new and individual park project that is done with excellence from start to finish has been met with enthusiastic response and the appropriate rewards it brings. World of Color has brought in the masses, and the soon to be finished The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Buena Vista Street, and Radiator Springs Racers will no doubt do the same. Excellence is recognized and rewarded.

Walt Disney seemed to understand this fact inherently. His earliest creations may not have been the blockbusters he would later experience, but he never skimped on quality. Oswald was not Mickey Mouse, but he was not designed with any less heart or elegance. Disneyland begat Walt Disney World, and under the leadership of his brother, the complex in Florida continued on with the company's tradition of excellence one project, one decision at a time. The public knew they could count on Walt and his company to produce any entertainment product and that it would be available at a fair price. His reputation (and that of his family and company) was always at stake, and Walt did not underestimate the potential of his core audience.

You are no different than Walt Disney. There is only a difference in the individual situation, unique skills, and personal contacts. But the same opportunity to live with integrity and excellence is available to us. Think about what is important to you and live for that. If you stumble around because your decisions lead you astray, you can always start over, rebuilding your life and reputation one decision at a time. It is akin to building good habits and breaking ones you hate. One by one by one by one, we can and do make a difference. One person making one deicision to do right multiplies itself.

Mahatma Gandi's famous quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world" is no less significant because it is well known. Now, I am not a follower of the Hindu faith. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, God himself made flesh who came to the earth to die for the sins of all mankind and rose from death to prove His power over Hell. His disciples, those who walked this earth with him, believed in him and gave up their lives for him, turned the world upside down. Their amazing message is timeless and revolutionary.

Their choice to follow Jesus Christ resulted in following their convictions- and one by one by one, as word spread, individuals exchanged broken lives for freedom and hope in him. Christianity became a worldwide faith because of the One who first acted in obedience and in integrity- and then spread one by one because of the power He gave his followers as they did his work and spoke the truth about Jesus. It continues to live to this day, be it in postmodern America, secular Europe, or in Third World countries where the good works of man accompany the Good News of Jesus. Sure, it unfortunately doesn't always look like it did in the early days- and please do not get me started on that topic- but the message and character of Christ remains a life changing one to this day.

But back to you, back to me. Will you be the one, the one who chooses to live with integrity instead of taking the short way out? Will you be the one who is the example of living honestly for the common good when others look out only for themselves? Will you be the one who chooses to live knowing your decisions will impact many people as well as impact your reputation? As for me, I am trying. This is my heart: to live a life that honors my God and reveals who He is as others watch me. Sure, I do and will fall flat on my face at times. But as I humbly come to him, by his power, I can start over again one decision at a time. One by one by one.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Why Christmas Beats Halloween at the Disney Parks

Proof Number 1: Just look at the decorations! Nothing in orange and black can compare to the beauty of the icicles on the castles at the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland parks. There's more to come, so keep watch as I highlight other reasons Christmas reigns supreme over Halloween each and every year!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Michael's Sad Saga Continues

The sad, sad saga of Michael Jackson continues on. Can it get any more bizarre for a man responsible for such inspired music that defined a decade or so? Or more depressing for a guy who seemed to have it all but was overtaken by his inner demons? A strange tale made all the more blue by the children he left behind.