As most of you no doubt know, little ones (and big ones) can now meet Merida the fiery Scottish princess & star of Disney/PIXAR's upcoming Brave.
Merida is a new character and soon likely to be a favorite, especially among young girls. Glad to see another strong, self-reliant, brave female character at the forefront!
As is often the case with PIXAR flicks, there is always a challenge of introducing original (i.e. unknown) characters to an audience. If there is source material, nobody knows is enough to give you a built-in audience. In animation, they often rely on celebrity voices to fill in that familiarity gap and hopefully guarantee a few butts in seats at the multiplex.
I'm quite encouraged to see that for Brave, rather than finding huge blockbuster stars to portray the characters (for a brief moment in time, Reese Witherspoon was slated to play the voice of Merida before the folks at PIXAR found religion and used an actual bonnie Scottish lass.) I'm especially excited to see the performances of the three fathers who bring their songs to win Merida's hand. They are not exactly unknowns, but you might not immediately recognize them.
But as a fan of all three, thought I'd introduce you . . . since you're unlikely to meet them in the parks any time soon.
Lord MacGuffin
portrayed by the intense ginger Chief of Staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West, Kevin McKidd.
He may play an American veteran trauma surgeon, but in reality, McKidd's a Scotsman!
Lord Dingwall
Sort of reminds me of the creature Bill Paxton got zapped into at the end of Weird Science. But in Brave, this Scottish lord is voiced by veteran character actor Robbie Coltrane.
How about now???
Still don't recognize him?
And finally, rounding out the comic trinity, the one I'm most excited about . . . even with his crazed nod to Braveheart . . .
Lord Macintosh
Performed by another true Scotsman and my personal favorite late-night chat show host, the one and only Craig Ferguson.
Ferguson is a perfect choice for a number of reasons. First, he's Scottish. But as well as being a veteran comic and sit-com actor (don't forget he was on The Drew Carey Show) he's also quickly becoming a favorite performer in animated features. He practically stole the show in How To Train Your Dragon (my favorite flick from that wanna-be PIXAR knock-off studio headed up by the traitor Katzenberg.)
My initial reactions to Brave were "meh." But my anticipation grows stronger now as little plot points are leaking out, topped by this stellar cast . . . let's not forget the incomparable Billy Connolly as Merida's father, King Fergus.
Now I canna'wait to wrap myself in tartan, tuck a bottle of Glenlivet in my kilt, buy my large popcorn and a haggis at the concession counter, and settle in to see this Celtic fantasy unfold!
Don't have much to say about it, but fortunately don't have to. It pretty well speaks for itself. People often wonder (and Cast Members often complain about) how hot and uncomfortable the character costumes must be!
Imagine having to wear some of these. Not too mention how freakishly unlike the actual character they look! No wonder kids would go running and screaming!
It's almost 90 degrees and sunny here in the outskirts of the CHI! Got me in a summer kind of mood. And that's get me thinking of that "frozen concoction that helps me hang on . . . hang on . . . hang on!"
Okay, so truth be told I like my margaritas on rocks, but that wouldn't work with the song. Plus, I haven't wanted a snow cone since I was 7, why would I want one when I'm drinking?
But in that Margaritaville spirit, I thought I'd share something with you. I've torn a page right out of my upcoming book. Como se dice . . . sneak preview?
Let's take a quick trip down to the land of the Mayans, Disney-style, and raise a glass in hopes to forestall the end of the world . . . !
Inside the giant temple facade you
will find yourself in a quaint little Mexican plaza right out of a Zorro movie
(or the Three Amigos.) Well, eventually
you will. When you first walk-in out of
the Florida
sun, the place is so dark you will experience what I can only relate to as
hysterical blindness. Especially because
no matter what time you enter the Mexico pavilion, it always night
time inside, due to some effects lighting and the night sky ceiling. The instant transition will have you seeing
bright color blotches flash before your eyes before you can even focus on the
first piñata. It really has a fiesta
atmosphere. There are banners, lanterns,
and piñatas hanging all around, and senoritas in festive dresses.
I could stay in there for
days. Especially now that they have
opened the spot I was specifically there to see, La Cava del Tequila. That means the “the tequila cave” although
something tells me the word tequila always translates even if
your 8th grade Espanol is un poco rusty!
La Cave del Tequila is very cozy,
dimly lit bar hidden away inside the Mexico pavilion. It’s really the kind of place you’d like to
gather in the corner with a group of buddies, drinking and laughing about past
adventures all night long. The problem
is, after dos margaritas, you’d have to shut down the party early
because you’d be all out of pesos! La
Cava boasts some really tasty and unique margaritas, but they also boast a
price tag of $12.50 a piece. You read
that right, over $12 bucks, U.S.,
for UNO margarita.
Man’s
Journal:
“I walked in to La Cava del Tequila like
Bogey sauntering into the cantina looking for a score in Sierra Madre. I immediately loved the atmosphere. It was the kind of place an expatriate could
get lost over a bottle of tequila for a few days. I’d been told this was the right watering
hole for a good cocktail at Epcot. The
Blood Orange Margarita came particularly recommended. Unfortunately, they didn’t tell me you need a
line of credit to order one. Paying
nearly $13 bucks for one drink was not really on my bucket list, but I knew I’d
come for a reason. This was a fact-finding
mission. This was research and I needed
to gather info for my readers. So I had
no choice. I’d have to pay the grossly
inflated fee to faithfully report on the agave-squeezed libations they were
concocting.
The bartender set down an opaque plastic
cup in front of me with an orange-ish-red beverage inside, topped with pinkish
foam. That’s already too many “ishes”
for my usual Friday night cocktail.
And
there were red crystals encrusting the rim of the glass, which quickly began to
melt and looked like the cup itself was bleeding. Cute parlor trip, although by time I’d finish
the drink, my hand was so sticky I could’ve scaled a wall like Spiderman.
I will say this, the drink was pretty
tasty. If I were sitting on the patio on
a summer evening, I could happily put away one or two or a half-dozen of
these. And yes, it was premium
liquor. Triple Sec, premium silver
tequila, blood orange puree, hibiscus syrup, the tear of a mermaid . . . I
don’t care. Doesn’t change the fact that
it’s too expensive for one drink. I
know, I know. I’ve been harping
throughout this whole book about not obsessing over the prices. But even I have my limits. If it came in one of those fishbowl sized
margarita glasses you get at the average Chi-Chi’s, I’d understand. But I can’t say, as much as I loved the atmosphere
at La Cava, I’ll be spending a lot of
time there.”
The main draw of Mexico is San
Angel Inn, the “outdoor” restaurant situated right on the river, in the shadow
of an active volcano.If you're looking
for just a simple plate of tacos or a Fiesta Con-queso Snack Wrapper or
whatever 99 cent fast-food Mexican't you're used to at home, this is not the
place for you.In fact, I'm afraid I
can't tell you where the nearest Taco Hell is.But if you want a delicious, authentic Mexican dinner make an ADR.Some of the items will definitely seem
foreign (no joke intended) but don't worry about it.I'll tell you what you what.Order the filete motuleno.
It's a grilled strip steak rubbed with amazing
seasoning and served over refried beans and grilled plantains.It is such a delicious piece of meat you
won't be able to stop eating 'til your teeth hit table.In
fact, it's possible you'll try to eat the plate as well.You'll even like the weird cooked bananas, honest!
I have eaten there multiple times and the
food has always been excellent.The
atmosphere is like something out of a dream; an idealized Mexican city
square.The one complaint I've almost
always had and you probably will as well is the service.That exemplary guest-service Disney is famous
for seems to get lost somewhere on the temple steps.The employees (this is the only place on WDW
property that I won't buy into the Cast Member title because they clearly don't
either) have never shown any urgency to help or serve in any capacity any time
I've gone there . . .
. . . For some reason I tend to forgive
it there because I like the food and the setting, and because I'm on vacation
anyway and what's the hurry, right?I
just kind of wish the people who are supposed to be helping didn't have the same
attitude.
. . .
Don't forget about The Gran Fiesta Tour, which replaced the tired El Rio del Tiempo in 2007! I remember floating through the dusty Mexican street sets and seeing the grainy footage of cliff-divers and decorated donkeys back in the 80's and expecting to find kids selling Chicklets at the end! It seemed old even when it was new. Thankfully it was completely overhauled with new footage and sets to be more entertaining. While pretty much a kids ride now, it is a nice little cruise
through dimly lit air-conditioned version of Mexico featuring The Three Caballeros;
Donald Duck, JoseCarioca the parrot
(who is apparently Brazilian actually, but let's not argue over semantics
here), and a pistol packing' Mexican rooster aptly named Panchito
Pistoles. They run, swim, and fly throughout Mexico searching for a mischievous Donald, singing and laughing all the way.
Listen, I could tell you it featured Brooklyn Decker, G. Gordon Liddy, and Richard Simmons and it wouldn't
matter.The real reason I bring it up is it's
a great way to keep the family entertained while you lean back, let dinner
settle, and catch a combat nap.Who said
Disney vacations aren't restful?
I'm kidding. You'll actually find it as fun as the kids, and you'll probably be pointing out Donald faster than they will!
. . .
The inside of the Mexico pavilion
can get a little crowded especially in busier months, so if you don't want to
deal with elbow-to-elbow tourists (what man does?) you can always make a quick stop at the
cantina outside of the temple.Cantina
de San Angel is an outdoor counter service location where you can grab that plate
of tacos (still no Cheesy Crunchy Gordito Con Pantolones or whatever) as well
as a margarita!This spot used to be a
great place to grab an outdoor table an hour or two before Illuminations began, and take turns guarding it like churro-chomping hawks
until show time.It’s not as ideal as it
once was due to the reposition of the dining courtyard, but if you’re on the
end closest to the water, you’ll still have a pretty good view.
. . .
So there you have it . . . just a little sticky sweet taste of things to
come. Now go on! It's 5:00 o'clock somewhere . . . throw some booze
in the blender. Here's a little song to help you get your fiesta on!
The reactions of “Disney fans” to new announcements and planned attractions and experiences by Imagineering and Park managements are always various and interesting.But none seems to have been so polarizing, at least in my lifetime as the announcement of a planned Avatar land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Even now, so many months since the announcement was made you can’t even mention the world “Avatar” on a Disney fan board or FB page without at least a half-dozen responses, and admittedly most are anti-N’avi!
Now I’ll put it right on Front Street that I was in the Pro-Avatar camp!I loved the movie, loved the immersive world that Cameron created, and thought the marriage of James Cameron and Imagineering inside the natural world of Animal Kingdom was nothing short of inspired.
But even if I weren’t already a fan of franchise, I can’t believe the spit and vitriol with which some (ok, many) people voiced their disdain for the project.And what’s even more astounding is they did so (and do so still) without a single drop of real information as to what will actually be there.
It’s just pure reactionary “OMG, the sky is falling, the Mayans were right” panic based on predisposed opinion of a movie they didn’t like.Those that actually saw it anyway.My challenge to those folks is too dig a little deeper (hey that should be a song) into the source material.Look past the movie and whatever reasons you had for hating it so.Look at that world, the environment, those designs, the animalia, and imagine seeing it all in 4D.If you can honestly tell me you wouldn’t want to experience an attraction that recreates that hunt scene on those big lizard birds, I’ll tell you to call the undertaker because you might actually already be dead.
More importantly, there’s a root issue here (no pun intended – if you are a fan of the flick) that there is a vocal contingent that seems to scream and cry whenever something new is announced that doesn't cater to their specific Disney desires.In this case it’s been everything from “I thought the movie was silly/predictable” to the absurd “how can Disney get in bed with such an Anti-American movie” to the downright hilarious “how do they think this will be appropriate?Those cat-people had sex with their tails!!!”
I just want to ask, if you really are a Walt Disney World fan, how can you have so little confidence in Walt Disney Imagineering?
Don’t you think by now they kinda know what they’re doing?I’m going to go out on a limb (again no pun, honest) and say they’re not going to focus on the reproductive habits of the N’avi.But the truth is we don’t have any idea what the plans are/were for bringing Pandora to Orlando.So save your crayons until something official is released.
I’d say with few exceptions, Imagineering hasn’t really let us down yet (nobody mention the Imagination refurb(s)!)I’m not a Star Wars fan, but Star Tours is pretty amazing.I find American Idol irritating and cheesy (and addictive.What?Who said that?!?!) but Disney made a funny & engaging attraction out of it.
And guess what, not every new attraction inside the Fantasyland expansion caused me to do back-flips!I’m actually a little surprised at the crazed excitement over Be Our Guest.I mean, everyone does realize it’s a restaurant right?In fact until they announced Mine Train which is a long way away, my initial reactions were what are my son and I supposed to do with all this new princess stuff?
And yet, I’m still optimistic and looking forward to seeing it all.More importantly, I’m reserving judgment until I do.
I’ve found at Walt Disney World, you need to sometimes separate the source material.I mean we could get nit-picky and decry WDI for glamorizing the criminal, debauched ways of pirates.Or leading kids to the occult and demonology with the Haunted Mansion.But we all know that would be pretty ridiculous.
Somehow Imagineering always finds a way to pull out the best elements of anything and discard the less interesting or acceptable.
So if you didn’t dig Avatar the movie, I understand.Okay, no I don’t.But I respect your opinion which is why I don’t wage flame wars with those who post pejorative comments about it or even about the proposed land.It would just be nice if maybe you’d do me (and the silent majority of us who are psyched about it . . . and really worried now it will not come to be, thanks in some part to you) the same courtesy.
I guarantee that if Avatar land does come to be, Imagineering will have the last word, as it will silence every naysayer and blow away the expectations of all the fans.
This past weekend I was listening to a relatively popular Walt Disney World podcast, and they were discussing the recently announced timetables for the opening of “new Fantasyland.”As you may know, everything has been pushed back a bit.This should come as no surprise.It’s often par for the course, especially in an undertaking this massive.
But the comment was made by the host of this podcast, “it’s been 2 years . . . we're losing patience.”
Really???Losing patience with who? With Disney management? With Imagineering?Are you kidding?
We’re talking about doubling the size of Fantasyland, which is also a pretty big expansion for Magic Kingdom in general.The logistics of that are probably mind-boggling and would drive lesser engineers to drink.This is multiple grand-scale construction projects happening simultaneously, including cutting-edge technology, animatronics, ride-vehicles, effects, you-name-it.They’re not just slapping together a new rollercoaster from some Belgian engineering firm, ala Seven Pennants or whatever that low-rent chain is called.
And it’s not just a few new attractions and restaurants.There’s infrastructure to be designed and redesigned and then once construction is underway, probably redesigned again.There are new pathways to explore.I don’t mean figuratively.There are literally new pathways through Fantasyland to figure out.There’s horticultural planning.Probably new power lines to install (and camouflage.)Let’s not even get into the plumbing.
I know we go to Disney for magic.They’re in the magic business, and yes Magic Kingdom is the most magical place on Earth.But let’s take the thumb out of our mouth and face reality.You can’t just complete this project overnight with the wave of a magic wand.It takes time, hard work, a lot of money, and constant rethinking. And very likely ends up taking more of all 4 then originally planned.
Besides, magic wands are for that other park across town.
I know the prospect of all these amazing new attractions on the other side of those construction walls is making you want to burst like a kid waiting for their parents to finally wake up on Christmas morning.I’m sure what’s under that wrapping paper will be even more awesome than we’ve already seen.Unfortunately, you’re just going to have to let mom and dad sleep a little longer.Go in the other room and watch cartoons and try not to think about what's waiting under the tree ‘til they say it’s time.
And by the way, I am & remain a fan of this particular podcast even though I disagree with a lot of the opinions expressed.I of all people believe in the freedom to say what you feel, especially if you’re an independently financed operation.But in this case I would caution, when your show spews a lot more venom than sugar at Imagineering and the Disney Company in general and they still give you media credentials, I’d try to find my patience again.
