Tomorrowland 1966 Map

This is an absolute kick! Picture if you will what Disneyland's world of the future looked like prior to the grand opening of the incredible 1967 revisioning. Tomorrowland was quite a spectacular blend of the "now" and the future that would be. The beloved and often malfunctioning Flying Saucers was found here, as was the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which flipped back and forth over the years between being in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. 

A closer look reveals two Autopias, the Douglas Rocket to the Moon, plus a few free exhibits. It is interesting to note that ticket designations are not found on this page. It's something they would add later, making even easier for guests to use the guidebook land by land and decide how to spend those precious coupons.

The most interesting fact of all to be noticed is that the buildings which form the basic entrance of Tomorrowland have remained in place since the opening in 1955. From Monsanto's original Hall of Chemistry on to Adventure Thru Inner Space to Star Tours v1 and v2, the building structures have endured. Same story across the way with the space moving from its early use onto America the Beautiful to the entry for Rocket Rods and now Buzz Lightyear's home. 

Count me in the group that says it's time to totally re-Imagineer the land. What would you design for it?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Four Generations Once More

All too often these days, it takes a wedding or a funeral to get everyone together in one room. And even though it was a passing this time, my wife and her parents were able to get together for a photograph with our youngest daughter and her two children. Four generations in one room. A pretty rare thing of beauty!

More Switzerland and Less Disney

The next phase of our recent trip to Europe will be on the site soon. Or at least I hope so! I've been suffering from a serious bout of writer's block. But when you see my photos and read about our trip to Switzerland and the South of France, you'll be reconsidering that overpriced trip to Walt Disney World and the make believe World Showcase in favor of a real life Fantasyland!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Friends Again

A little tired of the Disney news these days. So, here's a photo that reminds me its absolutely ok to laugh and laugh hard. Thanks Friends. 

Reevaluating Barry Gibb

A great producer and song writer "hidden" within the confines of a top selling pop group. A hit making group that spanned decades. Barry Gibb is just a talented man. That I think that may be news to some of you.

Today as I was listening to a recording of Dionne Warwick's version of the old Ruby and the Romantics pop hit, "Our Day Will Come", I was taken by the arrangement and the background vocals by Barry. Even though her album Heartbreaker was a hit, I had not purchased it during its initial release , nor had I heard her version of the song.

Granted, I was well familiar with the song as it had its last big hit version recorded by Carpenters in 1973. Long a favorite from their smash album Now & Then, Karen's vocal and Richard's piano made for a song just waiting to be released as a single. Of course, it never was.

Beyond Saturday Night Fever and the smash songs from the album, BeeGees hits were appreciated, sometimes really enjoyed, but not always a staple in my collection. Admittedly, I loved two songs by younger brother Andy Gibb: "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" and his later hit "Everlasting Love". They were pop perfection of the addictive candy kind!

Toss in Barbra Streisand's truly stunning Guilty album. Now, I respect her as an artist, can't stand her as a political activist, but thoroughly enjoy this disc, as its associated with so many personal happy memories. Particularly the title song- a duet with producer Barry.

Then there's Olivia Newton-John. So many hit singles that I like, but it was late night radio's "I Can't Help It" with Andy Gibb that kept me mesmerized (along with Ambrosia's smash "Biggest Part of Me") during long late night drives while I delivered bowling leagues sheets to alleys all over Southern California. And who wasn't captivated by "Islands in the Stream"? The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet was just too catchy to ignore.

In the year 2003, a new artist came to the forefront as we saw Michael Bublé cover "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" also ;written by Barry Gibb. The list goes on and on. 

So I say, forgive Barry Gibb and his brothers for the misstep found in their involvement with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and let's give brother Barry the respect he deserves.

Hat Box Ghost Reappears- Worth the Wait?

An infamous character once invaded the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. At its opening in 1969 but only lasting for a few weeks,  the Hat Box Ghost returns to the park in time for the 60th Anniversary celebration. The piece of concept art shows what was intended and eventually reappeared. Opening today, guests to New Orleans Square have lined up to see him. Time to see it yourself.

Now, the video, courtesy Inside the Magic:

Is it just me or is this "much ado about nothing"? Don't misunderstand me here. It's the smaller details like this that sets Walt's original kingdom apart from Florida's Magic Kingdom. But it also seems that we fans of Imagineering are suckers for almost anything. Could it be that our rabid excitement over the little thing has kept Disneyland from adding a big budget "E Ticket" since Indiana Jones Adventure back 20 years ago?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mommy Bloggers

More often than not, I am a little frustrated by the Mommy Bloggers you find on the Disney news sites. Often they are so thrilled with everything - and all the freebies- that the Walt Disney Company throws at them. And why wouldn't they be? The top ones are basically paid promoters of an often poor theme park product. Unfortunately, these paid professionals create a rhythm of less than stellar product as they promote additions to the parks that are cheaper and of lower quality than what we saw in the 1960s and 1990s. All to the pleasure of Disney suits who couldn't care less about the parks unless they are money printing machines.

It's time for Mommy Bloggers of a different breed. And here are two worth your time:

Mommy on The Plains

Mostly Caffeinated Momma

Check these out and drink in something of substance. You'll be glad you did.

EPCOT Center's World Key

EPCOT Center's World Key Information System was one of the new- and most user friendly- technologies developed for this new theme park. In conjunction with the Bell System (later renamed AT&T), guests could walk into a large but friendly space and find several kiosks enabling them to make reservations for restaurants at the Walt Disney World property. Under the shadows of Spaceship Earth, this could be done by touching the screen and following the prompts. Should that fail or should a guest need specialized assistance, a Guest Services host would appear and provide further help.

In 1982, these types of technologies were presented in a warm and engaging, yet very future focused, environment. The goal of the Imagineers was to present this Future World portion of the park in a way that was inviting, celebrating the human element of the future and how we would all connect with each other more easily- and for a better life than in the past. All with one little spark and more of creativity and imagination.

Unfortunately, like most good things from the Company's past, this too was bastardized by corporate and personal greed with little vision for the park.  Future World and soon later World Showcase became a place to tie in characters from Disney's latest films, milking that cash cow of animation for all its worth.  

Why do I bemoan what's become of the once elegant EPCOT Center? If you had seen it in its heyday, you'd understand. And if you have not experienced the park that way, you can only imagine what you've missed.

No One Means No One

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Our nation is part of a world gone crazy, a world where it is acceptable to hate Jesus but not any other prophet or god. A world where humanism is the order of the day, where groups that are on opposite ends of the political and religious spectrum work together to abolish Christianity from the world scene. 

Ironic in that Jesus says boldly- He alone is the only way to God the Father. He is the Truth, and He is the Life. Jesus said no one would get to an eternal life in heaven without believing in Him and that He alone died on the cross for the sins of man and was resurrected to life.

Jesus was that direct and simple- not because He hated people. But because He loved them and wanted to make the way to forgiveness and heaven clear. He's more than a prophet, more than a good man. He alone is God incarnate- God in the flesh. All who oppose Him will be lost for eternity. That includes you. That includes me. Wake up, America! We've lost our way. 

Pray today for a fresh start with God- pray for our nation and pray for yourself, won't you? No one should be left out from this opportunity to join a nation in prayer.

And now, the prayer from Dr. Jack Graham, representing the National Day of Prayer 2015:

"Heavenly Father,

We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.

Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.

We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.

We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.

Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.

We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.

Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.

Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.

We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.

In Jesus’ name, our Savior.

Amen."

– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham

Skull Island: Reign of Kong- Massive Attraction

While Disney again delays announcements for Star Wars Land, Universal Creative comes in with a massive attraction for 2016: Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

Opening in the Summer at the impressive Islands of Adventure, it will become yet another not-to-be-missed attraction in a long series of additions to both parks at Universal Orlando.

Here's the full announcement video (above). Dang, Disney! Time to get going- and you better pray World of Avatar is a huge hit.

(Art copyright Universal Creative.)

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Epcot

A day to celebrate and relax over a leisurely dinner and a frosty margarita should you choose! There's another way to celebrate, and that is to go to Epcot and visit the World Showcase of the country of Mexico.

My wife and I have always thoroughly enjoyed the Mexico showcase and its incredible mix of shops, restaurants, lively entertainment, historical artifacts, and of course, its main attraction: El Rio del Tiempo / Gran Fiesta Tour. The showcase and the focus of the park has changed considerably since our first visit in 1983. Not always for the better, but there's still quite a bit to enjoy. That is due to the original Imagineering team and their desire to bring the rich culture of each nation to guests.

By the time it opened in 1982, EPCOT Center was designed by the Disney Imagineers to creative a new standard for in theme parks for guests and for themselves. Walt Disney's EPCOT- Creating the New World of Tomorrow by Richard R. Beard details the creation and execution of this World's Fair type park. The first non-Magic Kingdom style playground ever built by the Mouse was full of cutting edge displays, technology used both on stage and off, and Audio-Animatronic shows on level with anything they had ever created in the past.


So, today, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we'll look at a few pieces of concept art and photos of the splendid Mexico pavilion circa opening year. 

Photo by Mark Taft.

The detail created by those design geniuses was evident as a guest would first look at the beautifully created pyramid before walking inside to explore its treasures. The serpent head, above, shows a bit of the care taken. These heads are positioned quite a bit above the ground level, but there was no skimping on detail at all.

The lakeside view of the area (above) reinforces the fact that the majority of what was to be found was actually discovered within a darkened village inside the pyramid. If you're thinking California's Pirates of the Caribbean and the Blue Bayou here, you've only scratched at the beginning of that they created. The museum portion of the presentation opened up to an enchanting nighttime fiesta, a marketplace filled with sights and sounds pleasing to the eye- and not including the smell associated with a then first class restaurant.

The combination made this pavilion was an easy favorite among all the World Showcase countries represented. The France showcase, although extremely pretty and a close second, housed an admittedly wonderful travelogue. Yet it left us wanting- wanting to experience more. Much more. You cannot do that with a film! 

The quaint central plaza built in the beautiful Colonial style includes shops and a waterfront restaurant. Colorful lanterns hang in the air while mariachis play. We could have easily sat waterside sipping margaritas, making it tempting to stay here all day, but the boats cruising El Rio del Tiempo beckoned us to step aboard a small watercraft.

In contrast to the France showcase, here in Mexico, a different opportunity to explore was realized via that enchanting boat ride through a very mysterious environment. The story is begun rather uniquely. As guests glide along the waters through a Mexican jungle, we enter yet another pyramid as the adventure continues. In this attraction, a first for Disney, the main method for storytelling  was told through the medium of dance.

Photo by Mark Taft.

An enchanting village is contained within the pyramid.
Shades of the Blue Bayou at Disneyland.

From high priests to beautiful exotic dancers performing ancient routines, the opening scenes celebrate authentic Mexican culture with exploiting it; a goal successfully accomplished when the park first opened, later reversed by the Disney suits when it was easier to throw in Disney characters to take advantage of its guests.


Our excursion onto the river is at once peaceful and mysterious. We were so drawn into the story, mesmerized by this new way of telling an ancient story of an ancient culture. We knew so little about the history of Mexico. We came away having learned about and enjoyed every moment of it!

As the cruise continued into other regions depicting Mexican celebrations and modern life, something changed. Everything following the dance paled in comparison. It was as if something was cut short in the execution of the attraction- and in fact, it was. The journey should have been about another 5 minutes loner- on par with Pirates- but budget blowing construction and some fear from the suits cut the plans short. It was a method of delivery that would become all too common in the 21st Century. Fortunately, a lovely and playful song sets us in a joyful mood for the rest of our journey. 

The sweet and inviting theme song rang in our heads! Had we not wanted to move on to the other countries in the Showcase, we would have quickly turned around and ridden again. Not so in the more recent years when the Three Caballeros took over.

From the initial concept art to the final construction, the original Imagineers did an excellent job capturing the culture of our friends south of the border. This helped make Epcot an entirely different experience than visiting the Magic Kingdom. An adult playground with plenty for children to discover.

Unfortunately, recent revisions to the boat ride was a major misstep and an unfortunate foretaste of things to come. The dignity and sophistication imbred into EPCOT Center since its inception has been now replaced by a desire to please a less discerning crowd- and to increase sales of character merchandise at the cash registers. I hate to say it, but The Three Caballeros and their Gran Fiesta Tour helped pave the way for Nemo in the Living Seas, Martin Short in Canada, and eventually the Frozen takeover in Norway. It's no longer about learning culture and more about inserting the Disney brand into the heads of its guests. This trend which must stop if the Walt Disney Company wishes to capture the travel dollar of discriminating and aging adults.

In the meantime, enjoy Cinco de Mayo at Epcot and take time to explore all the cultural experiences offered in World Showcase. At the rate of things, Robert Iger and company seems determined to change the focus of the park and turn it into a money machine of wine and partying... instead of the enticing cultural showcase it once was.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Insomnia Strikes

An ongoing battle wins another round. Perhaps, it is different. Yes, Lord, I'm here. Speak to me if  it is you- and then let me get some sleep...

Universal Rocks the Theme Park World While Thrilling Investors

Call it a strategy Disney should adopt...

This article on Universal's success should be ringing a bell in the ears of Robert Iger and company. Disney once thought this way regarding their parks but no longer...

"Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley drove a 33.7 percent year-over-year increase in first-quarter theme-park revenue, which was $651 million. Operating cash flow increased 54.6 percent to $263 million for the division.

At the biggest highlight of all may have been at the theme parks,” Comcast Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts told analysts Monday morning.

Nearly 80 percent of Orlando visitors chose two-park tickets –the only way guests can ride the Hogwarts Express train between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure next door. Season pass sales, meanwhile, were at an all time high.

Over half of the capital expenditures at Comcast’s NBC Universal division will be directed at theme parks this year. The parks have become an increasingly important part of Comcast’s business – making up 20 to 25 percent of the company’s operating cash flow. The parks are expected to generate more than $1.3 billion in operating cash flow this year.

The company expects to open one new attraction a year at each of the major theme park locations. Comcast also owns Universal Studios in Hollywood."

Wouldn't Disney be smart to think a bit like them?

Grizzly Peak Airfield Nearing Completion

At the opening of California Adventure in 2001, there was much to complain about but also bits to like. I fell into both sides of the debate. However, Condor Flats was one of the areas in the park that I really enjoyed. And who couldn't love the amazing Soarin' Over California? It brought this man to tears by the end of it. 

With the transformation of the park into something really worthy of the Disney name, Condor Flats was on the chopping block to be remade into the Grizzly Peak Airfield, effectively increasing the size of the are once known as The Golden State.

Thanks to local fan and photographer Mint Crocodile at the terrific Magic Eye website, we get a glimpse of the almost completed project. Take a look here. It's nearing completion and will be a great addition to an increasingly beautiful second park.

(Photograph copyright Mint Crocodile.)

Real Magic

What follows is an absolutely incredible statement by Lee Stoneking as he address the United Nations General Assembly on April 22, 2015. 

In a world where Disney magic is the order of the day, where imaginary superheroes like Avengers dominate the entertainment headlines, and where the atrocities of man against man are everyday news, Mr. Stoneking's words could not be any more timely. Definitely worth your listening time.