Serving in India

Serving others is a pretty common trait in our family, and it's done in a variety of ways. Here's a photo of my nephew in a remote part of India. He's there helping build a water treatment plant so the people will have clean water. I couldn't be prouder of him. But then, he's always been led to travel to other places, doing what is best to help others. A true humanitarian and a great guy.

Leaving Disney World Behind

Due to a stagnating Walt Disney World, my travel dollars this year are going to Europe. We haven't been to the World in 5 years, and there is nothing there that is drawing us back. And, as much as I love it, Disneyland Paris is not on the drawing boards as part of our visit. Not even the new Ratatouille attraction will pull me in. Perhaps when something is added to the original Paris kingdom, I will gladly return.

Our "home base" destination for Europe has already been established, and thanks to tons of miles from business trips, the flights are booked. I am not entirely sure exactly where we will end up, but I know it will be magical. 

How can a guest not explore any portion of the continent without feeling it? The wonderful main cities, the small quaint villages. New people, new experiences.

I'd suggest others follow my advice, and go elsewhere this year- even explore your own city. Until Disney gets we fans are serious about demanding more, they will continue to give us less.

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.)

5 Deadly Terms and a Husband's Response

A female friend of our family sent me the non famous graphic seen above. Entitled "5 Deadly Terms Used by a Woman", it attempts to explain what a woman really means when she says something else. Of course, all in good fun.  I told her I would think about it and send her the male equivalent. Here it is:

One word: "OK", translated as...

A- "I don't really care."

B- "I'm not listening"

C- "When is dinner ready?'

D- "Just don't spend too much."

E- "Leave me alone so I can do what I am doing."

F- "Unless its an emergency, don't interrupt."

We are just as communicative as women, we just use fewer words! ;)

(Response copyright Mark Taft.)

Epcot Past: Wonders of Life

It was during a quick peruse of my more than 1,000 posts on this blog that I realized I write quite often about the Epcot that was. It was then I decided to make it official: I would begin a series of posts that would periodically look at Epcot Past, when the park was truly at its peak of creativity and wonder.

Ah, speaking of wonder, let's begin with the Wonders of Life in Future World.  

In 1989 and continuing on (untouched no less) for almost 20 years, the Wonders of Life joined the park in an effort to educate guests about the wonders of the human body. The beautiful golden dome and the genetic spiral metalwork beckoned to guests, drawing them into a pavilion just slightly out of synch positionally from the others around it. yet, it was worth the journey. While Imagineering's concept art (above) is pretty nice, for once the rendering paled in comparison to the reality.

Stepping away from the crush of the crowds and into the airy, white ceiling but color filled building was delightful. It felt like a World's Fair destination with its festive and playful approach. The attractions themselves were each presented in a humorous way, even if tongue in cheek at times. 

The centerpiece draw was to be Body Wars, a trip through the human body using the latest flight simulator technology of the day also found in Star Tours at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios). It was also the most vomit inducing attraction since the Mad Tea Party, long before the crown was claimed by the overrated Mission:Space. Personally, one ride was enough for me. I'd have preferred the same theme presented a la Disneyland's classic Adventure Thru Inner Space. The other part of the attraction I was not fond of had nothing to do with the ride itself as much as the Studios inspired trend of adding contemporary actors to the story, in this case, Elizabeth Shue. As I mentioned in an earlier post this year, using Hollywood celebrities instantly time stamps an attraction.

Buzzy!

Since Body Wars wasn't my favorite, why did I enjoy the pavilion so much? Cranium Command, a journey into the head of an adolescent boy was great fun, but The Making of Me, a short film on procreation was an absolute side-splitting riot. With actor Martin Short playing the lead in a tightly crafted little film, the writing was so sharp, so witty, so dead on, I found myself laughing with little control. Something pretty rare in a Disney theme park. (That is aside from the Comedy Warehouse and its spoof of Disney park culture.) 

Other attractions included a series of hands on activities (Fitness Fairgrounds), lessons on staying healthy with a bit of character influence (Goofy About Health), and other odds end ends which made the Wonders of Life pavilion an easy two hour diversion. 

That was then, and this is now. Wonders eventually transitioned to a cheaper to run corporate event facility as a destination location for the park's seasonal festivals. It's a shame, really, as the mix of attractions and the differing presentation style was a complement to Universe of Energy and Horizons, its nearby neighbors.

To see a greatly detailed look at the transformation, go to Werner Weiss' excellent Yesterland article here.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photographer unknown. The last photo might be mine!)

Camp Minnie-Mickey Fades Away at Animal Kingdom

Camp Minnie-Mickey closes at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Avatarland is on the way in 2017, and it is time for construction to begin. There's a great little video and photo tour of this original land from the park at WDWMagic. The above shot shows the entrance in all its non-glory. Sure, Festival of the Lion King is a deserved if recycled smash, but the rest of the area? A pacemaker at best, be it the aborted Beastly Kingdom(me) or now Avatarland. Where's Joe Rohde and will we see the acclaimed Imagineer around the park now?

(Photo from WDWMagic, but altered by Mark Taft.)

Meryl Streep Bashes Walt Disney

With a clear lack of class and a self-righteous attitude, Meryl Streep decided to bash Walt Disney while presenting honors to The Walt Disney Company's latest film, Saving Mr. Banks. Dropping the F bomb and deriding a man unable to defend himself, Ms. Streep, revealed herself to show a bit of a white trash mentality and disgraceful manner. You can find her full comments on line elsewhere. I will not dignify her words by reprinting them here. Clearly, she is an excellent actress, no doubt, but in this regard, she displays a side of her rarely seen: an uninformed bigot with an angry agenda. 

Design Detail: Radiator Springs

Normally when I visit the Disney parks, I keep an eye open for the little Design Details that make Disney Disney. You know, the small touches that set the work of the Imagineers apart from the designers of Six Flags parks, the attitude that Universal Creative artists now use when they build their attractions.

Every once in awhile, my eye catches a detail that overwhelms both in scope and in impact. Such was my most recent visit to Disney California Adventure. Love it or loathe it, Cars Land is here to stay, and the Pixar influence will be felt on the parks for decades to come.

The queue for Radiator Springs Racers is chock full of detail, but the most impressive piece of eye candy is the rock work itself. Everywhere you turn, reward awaits in the views surrounding you. The image above would be spectacular on its own. But if you saw the uncropped photo that I took, you would realized the shot was taken from the route to exit the attraction. Stunning, isn't it?

Even the most diehard critics of the toning of the parks, myself included, mellow out a bit when the results are this incredible. If this is the future of Imagineering, keep it coming.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Friends Again: The One After the Ten Year Break

Rumors of a Friends reunion have been coming ever since the show departed. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, well this time, perhaps after years of failed television series and unsuccessful films,  these stars are probably ready to really do it. If it's true if it happens, one thing is certain: I'll Be There For You! (Note: Don't look to close at the image- seems it may be just another fan's wishful thinking.)

Disney by Mark's World Showcase Game

No, I'm not going to give it all away, but go to Disney by Mark's fun little Epcot game at this World Showcase related post, and play away. Odds are, you'll do a way better job than Disney executives from the past 20 years!

(Photo and alteration by Disney by Mark.)

Distress Signal

The Winter Blues are hitting me hard, hence the distress signal flag. I should have seen the obvious coming: a strange mix of lethargy and energy. Deep thinking and an "I don't really care" attitude. But it's here.

So, I've done some creative things for relief. More prayer, more reading, replacing and adding lights, slightly lighter eating, and a bit more home organization- which always makes me feel a bit better. Nothing like cleaning out the cobwebs of an old year and a messy office to get the New Year rolling.

Lastly, planning a bit of an ocean break always lifts my spirits. I have much to be thankful for- freezing temperatures are just not one of them!

A Frozen Epcot and the Three Caballeros

The talk around the Disney World regarding the pending transformation of Norway's Maelstrom attraction to one celebrating the movie Frozen has me thinking a lot about what EPCOT Center used to be. It's now been so long since the whole premise of the park has changed that a new generation of Disney parks fans may not really know what was intended- or what they have lost- by never personally experiencing the park which opened in 1982.

The cartooning of Epcot has been slow and steady. Perhaps it came from desperation, trying to be more things to more people while attendance dropped. Or maybe those in charge lost faith in the excellence (and marketing strength) of their original product. Regardless, bringing in the characters seemed to be a way to save the day. Be it adding Nemo to the Living Seas or Simba to The Land, the increase has been deliberate and sly. Mostly under the radar to not upset older fans (and those with the disposable income) who were accustomed to the elegance of Disney's version of a World's Fair. Even Martin Short's invasion of the Canada Showcase could be argued as a cartooning of sorts. Ellen DeGeneres being added to Universe of Energy is another example of a move away from the park's original  integrity and intent.

The ultimate bastardization of World Showcase came much earlier than those changes to Future World. When the Mexico Showcase dismissed the lovely El Rio del Tiempo and accepted the newer Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros, the dumbing down of the pavilion and the cheapening of the rich Mexican culture began. Gone were the riveting Aztec dancers. In its place, Donald Duck and friends became the centerpiece. The transformation was done so quickly and so cheaply that the Disney Suits couldn't even pony up the cash to reward riders with a finale that brought Audio-Animatronics of the three stars. I guess digging them out of storage or making new casts from their use in the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue was out of the question! 

The new mandate of synergy must have felt ugly to any remaining Imagineers who remember the heart and soul put into there work during the park's creation. Imagine their hard work in examining history and the tales and lore of other cultures. Imagine the thrill to educate guests in an entirely new way, to place their stamp on arguably Disney's most nuanced theme park. The loss must have been deeply felt and very disappointing. Oddly, in an effort to keep the park fresh and interesting, the powers that be have transformed Epcot from something timeless to almost instantly dated as time goes on. Well, at least now you never forget you are in a Disney park. Of course, its also more difficult to imagine you are now in another time and place.

For younger guests now visiting the park, Epcot is still a place of discovery, but it is now an odd mix of thrill rides, Disney animation stars (to mixed results), and an opportunity to drink around the World. How different it was, yes, "back in the day"- but oh, how much more rewarding and rich!

(Afterthought: Frozen really belongs in the Magic Kingdom- and in the New Fantasyland, giving guests a real E Ticket reason to go there. Imagine the famous trackless system in Tokyo put to great use! And the potential of a fantastic Christmas overlay to the ride!)


(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Downton Abbey Season Four Tonight

The long wait is over! Sure, Karen Carpenter has always been a guilty pleasure, but now, Downton Abbey takes first place as the guiltiest pleasure ever. My wife and I did not love the first few episodes of Season One, but by episode four, we were hooked.

Season Two is my favorite thus far. The World War I angle was fascinating to watch. Season Three was full of drama- ending with the most unexpected and unwelcome surprise.

What will Season Four hold? Most likely, Downton will continue to draw in viewers with its mix of wit and melodrama. Tom Branson, excellently played by the gifted Allen Leech, pulls us American common folk into the world of the aristocracy he once served. It's a compelling and intriguing storyline. Certainly, the story most viewers are curious about is that of Lady Mary. As a new widow and young mother, I'm betting Michelle Dockery's portrayal is spot on. So, grab a cup of tea tonight, enjoy a scone or two, and enjoy the return of a cultural phenomena.

When You Wish Upon A Star

A brand new year sounds like a great time to put together a wish list, doesn't it? Does to me! So, in no particular order, here are some things I wish for in 2014:

• People to say what they mean and mean what they say. So tired of sarcasm and innuendo. Show some integrity and say and do what you say you will.
• I'd like the suits at The Walt Disney Company to really go toe to toe with their theme park competitors. What would be even better would be if they would view their parks as works of art to be enhanced and added to due to the love of the place and not just the financials. Walt Disney loved his park. It showed, and folks flocked to see his living work of art.
• A change in focus in how news is reported. If you're like me, you'd probably enjoy the news facts being reported and not interpreted for the reader or listener. We are grown up enough to understand what you are telling us. Stop treating us as if we need you to explain events to us. 
• World Peace. Sure, Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality and all the women of pageants clamor for it, convinced it will make them memorable. I want it, but I do not want to have to sacrifice my morals for it. God bless our military men and women for standing up for freedom and humane treatment of others. Yes, someone has to do it. 
• Less Miley Cyrus more Danielle Bradbery. Our culture is prone to produce young women who feel like they have to flaunt their sexuality to sell and make a point. Yes, this includes you, Lady Gaga. Let's give it up instead for some good old-fashioned music made for real people and not Hollywood and their wannabes. Madonna has shown more class throughout most of her career.
• Sports figures you act like good sportsmen. I'm a bit tired of entitled NFL players and the like who act as if they can break the law and get away with it. Say what you will, but men the likes of Tim Tebow are good role models for our youth.
• Politicians that truly care about America and what she stands for. I'm sick of 99% of our politicians, including our current president. Time for something new.
• The church. And I do not mean just the Roman Catholic Church. May we be the light on the hill that Jesus spoke about. We can and must speak the truth in love or who will listen to the only true message that calls us to The One who can save us from ourselves?
• Lastly, I'd like to be a better me. More like the Lord I follow and more like the man He created me to be. Oh God, please change my heart and empower my life.

Family Reunion and Happy New Year!

What's the saying? Herding cats? Here's a not-often-enough photo of our family gathering for Christmas. With folks out of state and busy lives, it's not easy getting us together. But here we are- our four children and their families. What a gift! What a blessing!
So... from our family to you: Happy New Year! May 2014 be a year full of blessing and a deep awareness of God's love for you! 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)