Epic But Controversial EPCOT Post Tomorrow

For your Monday morning reading pleasure: I've finally finished my sure to be very controversial Epcot article which is one part trip report and one part looking at the history and future of this once amazing park. It's a very lengthy, in-depth article! At least worth two cups of coffee...

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Notable and Quotable: Tim Tebow

"We’re not called to have fun. We’re called to have lives of meaning, purpose and significance. Together we can change the world!"

                                                Tim Tebow

Meeting A Disney Legend

My niece is a Disneyland lover just like her uncle- and here she is meeting a Disney Legend, Imagineering genius Bob Gurr. We know that Disneyland would not be the same without him!

New Entrance for Disneyland's Tomorrowland

Here's a first look at a brand new entrance for Disneyland's disjointed, long in the tooth, Tomorrowland. It may not be a big change, but maybe something more is coming. This concept art shows a bit a 1970s retro vintage flair. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a unifying theme for a neglected land. Now that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is open, it is truly time for something new!

Thanks to trainplane3 at the WDWMagic Boards for finding this!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tokyo's Expansion Plans and Mermaid Lagoon Art

Without seemingly any argument from any theme park fan, the Tokyo Disney Resort continues to be the location providing the most excellent Disney experience to be found. (It should be in the U.S. parks, but that is for another post.) From attractions, to upkeep and maintenance, to dining and shopping in both the resorts and the parks, it just can't be beat! 

The concept art used to design the park is no less top-notch! Here, Tokyo Disneysea Imagineer Phillip Freer gives us a beautiful depiction of the park's Mermaid Lagoon at night. The area may not be home to a groundbreaking "E Ticket" attraction, but the inside of the main structure is filled with multiples flat rides and a beautiful show, functioning (for now) as the Fantasyland of the park- that is, until the new Fantasy Springs port opens around 2022. 

Mira Costa quality and prices to match!

Tokyo Disneyland will have Beauty and the Beast opening on May 15 of next year, and the second park will see attractions and areas based on Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen coming afterwards. All this- and a new Mira Costa level resort- seems to guarantee Tokyo Disney Resort will maintain its crown for another decade or so... at least.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Chick-Fil-A's Decision is Bad for All of Us

Chick-Fil-A's decision to back away from supporting ministries that stand behind traditional marriage is a loss for all of us: straight, gay, and anywhere in between. Why? Each individual and each organization- be it business or non-profit- has the right to choose where their money goes and should be able to respectfully stand by and explain their choices. Without threats and with out bullying from those who disagree. 

Succumbing to pressure, Chik-Fil-A showed a fear of man by backing down on their support of the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, two groups that do tremendously great work in the community for decades. Unfortunately, they did not show a fear of man toward their loyal customers who support their business and their beliefs.

More troublesome is this: The company's decision supports and even encourages an ongoing erosion of American freedom of speech and truly free enterprise. That is something all of us should be wary of whatever our beliefs and lifestyle choices.  

A Gorgeous View of Hong Kong Disneyland's New Castle

The ongoing transformation of Hong Kong Disneyland from a "nice little park" to one that can certainly hold its own with the other Magic Kingdoms continues. The Imagineering team that designed the old meets new castle at the end of Main Street should be congratulated for the building's impressive new look. You have to really see the large size of this photo to soak in all the details. (Just click on the image.) The spectacular mountains behind the castle create a magical setting unique to this resort. 

The photo above gives us the view from the park's Adventureland. This area benefits from Hong Kong's naturally humid climate and lush landscaping. The Disney Imagineers only added to what God created, but what a good job they did in designing attractions! Their innovative take on the classic Jungle Cruise sets a new standard, and the incredible Mystic Manor lies just around the riverbend.  

(Photograph from HKDLer on the WDWMagic Boards.)

Grand Invitation

Are you one of the fortunate ones who is attending the grand opening of Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios? I wish I were! Have you ever received an invitation to a party you just can't refuse? Boy, I have, and it changed my world. Just read this invitation:

"Our Lord never intended that we be His casual acquaintances. He wants us to be His disciples., fully dedicated to following Him and lifting up His holy name to the world... Our Lord is repulsed by mediocre commitment... 

When we acknowledge Christ as our Lord, we affirm that He is our Master for life and that we are dedicated to serving and glorifying Him. In all things large and small, our deepest desire is to do what our Lord would want us to do. We ask for His guidance- not for our gain, but for His glory. We discipline ourselves in studying and obeying His written Word. We proclaim His love to the world around us, We try to think, speak and act in a way that will attract others to Him.

The misguided person who thinks all this is too difficult or irrelevant misses the point. The Christian life is far more than a fire escape from hell; it is a life of submission and obedience which result in joy and victory."

                                           Bill Bright

Another Look at the Indiana Jones Adventure

It's almost impossible to find a Disney theme park fan who doesn't love the Indiana Jones Adventure! And for good reason. It's opening in the mid-90s at Disneyland set a new standard for themed attractions. Disney's Imagineering team led by Tony Baxter set itself a very high goal, and it was achieved to stunning results.

This very piece of rare concept art by Imagineer John Stone was uncovered by Alain Littaye of Disney and More fame, as he browsed through a most recent catalogue by auction house Van Eaton Galleries. This post highlights many more pieces of value. Check it out.

Want even more of a history and a treasure trove of art for the Indy projects? Go here to my lengthy article. There's many more articles with even more concept art, but just like the great archeologist, you'll have to explore to find it. It's a Lost Expedition worth uncovering!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Friday Morning at California Adventure 2012

In what is now a vintage photo of a time long ago, here's a shot of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror from A Bug's Land at Disney California Adventure. Arguably, the park hit its peak when I took this photo in 2012. 

The magnificent Cars Land made its debut along with the beautiful Buena Vista Street, showcasing the talents of a team of Imagineers able to take the bad execution of an interesting but flawed concept and create something full of life, charm, and interest. It was exciting time to look ahead! 

Of course, it's been mostly downhill from then for this little park directly across from Walt's baby. Pixar Pier made a bad idea even worse and Avengers Campus seems to be saddled with a half baked execution. What is it with the suits lately? From the disaster of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge next door, they just can't seem to remember the basic principles that make great theme park designs a success both creatively and financially.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

One More Time with Karen Carpenter

Among fans of Richard and Karen Carpenter, their 1976 album "A Kind of Hush" is often forgotten compared to their groundbreaking disc "Close to You", the hit studded "A Song For You" or the mesmerizing "Horizon".  But that doesn't mean it's without its own fine moments. (And don't forget the Carpenters first greatest hits disc, The Singles 1969-1973- the one that made most people reconsider their initial assessment of the duo's talents.)

I was in my car the other day, needing to make a long drive. I took along Hush and Horizon. Both sounded excellent. Although Hush is softer with less edge and more background vocals, there is one cut that stood out to me: One More Time. I listened to it several times and I realized again what a gifted vocalist Karen was! She immersed herself into the story here, making it come alive. And I noticed her pronunciation on certain words really brought out the skill in her interpretation, particularly the "zh" sound in "Baton Rouge". Beyond lovely! Richard's arrangement is no less special. The subtle interplay of piano, strings, and the harp at the end of the song add to making it an instant classic. A tough act to follow after the heartbreaking I Need to Be in Love, which precedes it on the disc.

----

Although I am revisiting all their albums, one at a time, I've only gotten as far as 1972's A Song For You. My original album review for A Kind of Hush can be found here. 

Hello There!

One of my favorite family photos seems very, very, appropriate on this day. It was taken years ago when I brought our young family along on a business trip to Northern California. Little did we know this would be the beginning of an adventure that would take us to different states and even countries!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Top Ten Things I Miss from Florida's Magic Kingdom

Confession time: Up until the last 15 months, I had not been to Walt Disney World for almost ten years. Imagine being a Disney park fan and not going to the Vacation Kingdom of the World for almost a decade! Now, after two visits in a short period, I find I am missing the World more than I am missing the Disneyland Resort. For a Southern California boy, that is quite the confession. What do I miss from the Magic Kingdom? Here's my top ten.

10- The view as you walk down Main Street U.S.A. Isn't there something truly incredible about this view? Sure, you don't have the knowledge that Walt built this park, but instead you walk in with the idea that the Company led by Roy Disney- who is often overlooked- and the Imagineers planned to take what they learned and make the East Coast park something spectacular on its own. Case in point: The lovely Crystal Palace. It's gets even better, beginning with the park's landmark. The stately Cinderella Castle shows they were into building a uniquely stunning park. It's not perfect, and it has its own flaws, but they clearly succeeded. 

The Crystal Palace. Just lovely.

9- Being in the Bubble. Once you've passed those iconic gates, you're in the resort. And once you've walked under the railroad station, the magic is all there with nothing to take you back to reality except the high prices, the hoards of people focused on their cel phones, and other obvious distractions like Starbucks. Gotta say, this is one area where staying on property and using the Disney Dining Plan may be worth it. Not always digging for your wallet is a plus!

8- Arriving at the Magic Kingdom via boat. The wide open vistas, the leisurely cruise that builds anticipation of a day in the day. Few things are more iconic to me that I am not in Anaheim than taking this sweet little journey. 

This can't be Disney, can it?

7- Tom Sawyer Island. Pirateless and untouched. There's no Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge around the bend, making a trip to the island or on the watercraft around it feel like you are headed hundreds of miles away into unexplored territory. The caves, the fort, the suspended bridge, all say classic Disney attraction. Go visit on your next trip and rediscover a simpler time and place. Let's pray the suits never follow through with that occasional thought of closing it off or revamping it for more cartoon characters!

Our Founding Fathers would be proud.

6- Liberty Square. Elegant, totally unique to all the parks, and full of historical references. For someone who is still proud to be an American, I just love that Walt and Company did this! Let me say this directly: It doesn't matter who or which party is in office, The Hall of Presidents is almost sacred and should be enjoyed without the nasty expressions of dislike and disrespect for certain individuals found inside. There's no other country where we are as free as we are in the U.S.A. God shed His grace on Thee! Show some class and let everyone enjoy this beautiful and inspiring Audio-Animatronics show. Lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern or at the Columbia Harbour House, browsing the shops, exploring the land, or just sitting on a park bench taking it all in. It's the New Orleans Square of Florida. Too bad it doesn't get the love and respect it deserves.

5- A More Cohesive Tomorrowland. I love Disneyland for many reasons, but California's version of the future has lost its way. In Florida however, the combination of retro goodness and one of my long lost favorite attractions, the Peoplemover, create an almost seamless look at what can be, character shows aside. the view of the Contemporary Resort adds to it all. And I cannot wait for Tron! (Although I wish it had better placement in the park.) Enough said.

You've seen the Tree, but have you seen the views?

4- Swiss Family Treehouse. Accessible only via the bridge over to the island. The surrounding river, where the Plaza Swan Boats once sailed, adds to the mystery, setting apart the Treehouse home from the rest of the area. Even the Jungle Cruise seems like a far off adventure although it's really just steps away. 

One thing Florida does better- 
the transportation system of the future!

3- Riding the WEDWAY Peoplemover. I just love taking an early evening ride on the system, going in and out of the buildings, into Space Mountain, and cruising overhead the drivers of the Raceway. Classic Magic Kingdom and one of my favorite attractions in the park!

Thank you, Imagineers, 
for an attraction that stands the test of time.

2- The Better Haunted Mansion. Taking the Portrait Gallery from the Disneyland original and making it part of the Doom Buggy journey is one of the reasons I prefer the Florida mansion over its California cousin. With a spook filled library and the menacing exterior, for my money, this is the clear winner- Hat Box Ghost or not.

Sorry, but I wasn't going to take photos 
during my nighttime ride!

Why waste one of my favorite Magic Kingdom experiences?

1- Riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Night. Under the stars and over the moonlit Rivers of America. It doesn't get any better!

What am I saying? Does all this mean that the Magic Kingdom is better than Disneyland? No, it means it is different and that on some levels it holds its own. Each kingdom has its own unique charms. Opinions may vary. (Yes, I'm still working on that Epcot review from my September trip.)

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Don't Go to Tokyo Disney Resort

If you are a Stateside Disney theme park fan, I would advise you to not go to Japan and see the Tokyo Disney Resort. You'll be disappointed. Very, very disappointed as you explore these two parks, the first overseas Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland, and its newer sibling, Tokyo Disneysea.

As these screenshots show (from Disunplugged), if you are visiting the first park, all you will get is a knockoff Cinderella Castle. You'll also get a Winnie the Pooh attraction that would be an "E Ticket" in any other park, and a whole series of well known and loved attractions that are in tip top shape. Starting next year, you'll also get a brand new Beauty and the Beast themed land with a full size castle and a new headliner ride, "Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast”.

Things go from bad to worse over at Tokyo Disneysea. There, you'll find entire new ports of call not duplicated in any other Disney park. An entire award winning playground filled with new takes on world class attractions, all surrounding a shimmering lagoon with an active volcano... and in 2022, that Tangled boat ride fans of the film have wanted. All for less than a one day ticket to Florida's Magic Kingdom.

Do you want to be even more disappointed? Go to this series of posts by our own Len Yokoyama (that's part one of five) as he explores the Japanese parks and shoots gorgeous photos of the place.

Male Fail Number...

The collection grows! In another show of sheer ridiculousness, gifted singer and artist Pharrell Williams appears on the cover of GQ in this uhm gown looking quite ladylike. Male fail indeed!