My Kind of Dad!

I just saw this and had to throw it up on the blog and share it!  If I lived in Orlando, I'd want a tradition like this with my kids.
I tried to start a similar ritual with my son when he was 2.  We'd go to Rainforest Cafe for lunch on my day off once a month.  But around age 4 he began to find the idea of gorillas in the dining room a bit unsettling! 

But you can't pick many better spots for lunch than Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater!  If you've never eaten here, or even seen it, make sure you pop in next time you're at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Great atmosphere.  Good drive-in style food (although I've heard the ribs are awesome too!)  And amazing old B-movie trailers & clips playing on the big screen while you eat in the car!

Enjoy the video!  Hope to run into this family one day around lunch time.  Maybe I'll buy him his 200th burger!

D23: Welcome to the Wind-D City!

In late 2011 Disney D23 announced a new event.  A traveling roadshow called Fanniversary that would visit cities around the country with a special presentation for D23 members and guests.  Details were vague except it involved the Disney Archives and rumors spanned the gambit from an exhibition of Disney props to a mobile One Man's Dream to a mini-D23 Expo. 

Whatever it was, it was the catalyst to get my stubborn butt to finally give-in and pay the fee to join D23.  I was not going to miss an official Disney event in my own backyard.  And last night I was there as D23's Fanniversary set-up shop in Chicago.  Or as I like to say, the magic finally came home! 

California?  Florida?  Marceline???  Sorry kids, not matter what happened in any of those places, the story begins right here in my kinda town!  This is where Walter Elias Disney was born.  So it seemed very appropriate that the Fanniversary tour (at least this leg - more to come on that) ended here. 

Staged at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, my first impression was how large the theater was.  I don't know why but I'd had visions of something a little smaller, and more intimate, no matter what it was to be.  Well, actually my first impression was "am I really going to get back on the train tonight with this silly pennant they handed me?" 

At stage-left (that's your right, for non-theater nerds) were two chairs and a lectern.  But at the back of the stage stood a movie theater-sized screen with the now familiar image of a red D23 Fanniversary 2012 pennant, like the one I found myself holding.






(The only picture you were allowed to take lest your phone. . . and perhaps hand be taken by a tick-tock croc!)

I'm going to get right into it.  There were a number of highlights of Fanniversary, but overall I will tell you I was disappointed.  I didn't know what to expect and yet it still didn't quite live up to my expectations.  I still enjoyed it & I'm glad I went.  But it was a quick (albeit stinky) train ride for me.  There were folks in attendance who'd come in from other states after hours of traveling.  Had I been one of those, my reaction may have been a little different.

The show was hosted by two guys from the Disney Archive, Jon Cryer and the other guy.  Admittedly I didn't commit their names to memory but that's how my brain registered them.  They tried to make it seem loose and fresh but it was clear 90% of their presentation was scripted, even the impromptu jokes. 
The theme of Fanniversary was that this year marks a number of milestone anniversaries for a various Disney properties, from movies to television to their foray into the NHL and of course, my favorite of all, Epcot (or EPCOT Center.)
It was essentially a 90 minute clip show.  From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Newsies the Musical (zzzzzzz . .. huh, what?) 
The entire time I kept thinking this was all building towards something, an announcement, a reveal, a man behind the curtain . . . anything.  When it was over, they just sort of said good night and that was that.  They read 2 questions that had been tweeted in by local fan Liz Driscoll (one of which was about New Fantasyland and they didn't know the answer) and then announced new Fanniversary dates coming in the fall to Seattle, Texas, and Philly.  It ended with not a bang nor a whisper, but a shrug.

But okay, so it wasn't quite the amazing, mind-blowing Disney event I'd hoped for.  So they didn't roll out Richard Sherman and a baby grand.  So the Dreamfinder didn't lead us in a sing-along of One Little Spark.  It was still a heck of a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  And there were some real highlights for me!

Fantasmic! (20th anniversary) ~  A great interview with Fantasmic's creator Barnette Ricci.  Aside from hearing the story of how it came to be, why they chose the Rivers of America, how she worked with the pyro department to create the dragon's fire, there was one little moment that made everyone in the room catch their breath, and then expel a collective "awww."  As she described the feeling of opening night and the roar of that first audience when they saw the spectacular, Barnette's voice cracked and her eyes welled up.  Twenty years later and she was still moved to tears at what they'd created.  Understood. 

Richard Sherman (The Jungle Book's 45th anniversary) ~ I mean, first of all it's Richard Sherman.  I could stop right there. But they recorded a special interview with Richard talking about being in the studio with Louie Prima & Phil Harris laying down I Wanna Be Like You!  I could only imagine the energy in that room!  And of course, Richard was at a piano so he treated us to a little bit of the song as well.  Love that guy! 

Making EPCOT Center (Epcot's 30th) ~ I'm not entirely sure if that was the correct title, but they showed us a behind-the-scenes video taken during EPCOT Center's construction.  It must have been early 80's because some of the attractions such as World of Motion appeared to be nearly done. 
Truth be told, everything about the Epcot piece was a highlight, from the moment all the original EPCOT Center symbols appeared on the screen and then merged into that classic Epcot logo. 
Disney's leaving a lot of money on the table because I know if they put out a DVD of this video, along with some of the other promotional EPCOT Center specials, including the famous t.v. special in which Alex Haley discussed the planned Africa pavilion, I know that would be a hot seller. 

The Mouse Factory (40th anniversary) ~ Okay, so I admit, this was the first one to stump me.  I had never seen nor heard of this short-lived series.  But after seeing a few stills and hearing how it was a little weird and absurd for Disney, AND featured live characters . . . I'm in!  Where can I see this??  Have it washed and brought to my tent immediately!

Walt.  Seeing and hearing some recorded commentary by Walt himself, and not the usual stuff we've all heard in One Man's Dream or Walt: The Man Behind the Myth hundreds of times.  Those were the moments I really felt emotional.  Sadly one of the best and worst clips was footage of Walt touring through Disneyland's New Tomorrowland construction in October 1966.  The moment I saw him onscreen, my head calculated the numbers and I knew this was taken not long before Walt passed away.  It felt like the last time you saw you Grandfather.  Walt the eternal child at heart looked tired, weary.  He was sick.  Though surrounded by his staff of loyal Imagineers, he was probably the only one who knew it. 
And yet you could still see that spark in his eye, he was talking a blue-streak and his hands were moving, no doubt conjuring new ideas even as construction was well underway.  

There were other highlights, but these were the ones that really stuck with me first thing this morning.  Just wanted to get some thoughts out and share them with the community, especially those who weren't able to attend a Fanniverary this year.  I'll probably be receiving a cease and desist any moment now anyway! 

Truth be told, if another Fanniversary rolls through Chicago, or another city I may be in one day, I'll very likely go again.  I'd just like to see it be a little more interactive.  I'd like to have an Imagineer or two on hand, maybe even fly in one of the many Disney legends to talk to the fans.  Heck even sell a little merch!  Far be it from Disney to make a buck or us fans to spend one! 

But hey, this is only the first year,  Who knows?

   

SPOILER ALERT! (Literally . . . spoilers. See, they're race cars so . . . get it?)

Last week after much excitement and anticipation, the light finally turned green and Cars Land opened at Disney's California Adventure. 

I am already a fan of DCA, but with this all new land finally coming to fruition, I can't wait to head West again soon!

From the first announcement and releases of concept art, it was clear the star of Cars Land was going to be the E-ticket gate buster, Radiator Springs Racers.   Of course, Disney was smart enough to show us just enough to get us quivering with anticipation years in advance, but not enough to give away the whole show.

But now she's open for business, and prior to opening the gates to the public, there were special media previews . . . which in 2012 means internet bloggers with smart phones.  And as you can imagine, on-ride video hit YouTube faster than you can say "pit stop!"

My initial feeling was I didn't want to watch.  Wanted the attraction to maintain some mystery until whatever day I could finally fly out to Anaheim and experience it all firsthand.

Yeah right . . . like that was gonna happen!  The folks over at the great WDWInfo.com posted an incredible POV video of the ride in its entirety and it's beyond anything I expected! 
These new Cars character animatronics are like nothing Disney has ever done.  Visitors to the D23 Expo last year got a taste of, well, long lines, overcrowding, and not enough Pepsi to go around.  But besides that they got a preview of what was to come with the introduction of the Red the Fire Truck animatronic. 

Since Walt first dreamed up Disneyland, one of the primary goals of Disney Parks has been to put you in the movies!  With Radiator Springs Racers, they have succeeded far above any prior attempts! 

Check out the full attraction as posted by wdwinfo.com and see for yourself!

I suppose I should say "watch at your own risk" or the dreaded "Spoiler Alert!"  Something tells me that even if you watch this a half-dozen times (as I have) it will spoil very little from actually being there in your own Racer.  There is so much detail to take in and action taking place, you probably can't even see it all the first ten times you ride it yourself! 

Or don't.  Exit away from my page now.  Just wait until the next time you're in California and experience it all in person. 

Seriously.  I dare ya.  Walk away from the computer right now.  (That sound you hear is me snickering as you fight the urge to click "Play.") 

Tea Time, Anyone?

Leave it to Lou Mongello!  He can make what might appear to be the most mundane details fascinating and captivating.  That's no less true with the video he posted from Epcot's World Showcase this week.

The Top 3 Places to Get Tea in World Showcase!

Maybe I took cynical pills today, but when I first read the description, I thought my pal Lou had finally spent too much time in the Florida sun.  Or maybe he was just so distraught over the loss of his hometown New Jersey Devils last night.

But sure enough, as always, Lou did a great job, and knew exactly what notes to hit (wait, that's wine talk) to make something as simple as tea interesting and convince me to make mental notes of new things to try next time I'm in Epcot.
Doesn't hurt he made a stop in one of my "top 3" pavilions in World Showcase, Morocco.  Of course, I may have to take his word for it on the Moroccan tea, as Casa beer is the only beverage for me in Morocco!

But take a couple minutes, literally, and check it out . . .

And for the record, thanks to the persistent coaxing of my friend  & fellow Mousejunkie, Judy Demeritt, I have tried the shrimp chips and as much as I hate to admit it, they aren't terrible!  I wouldn't say I'm ordering them by the case from Osaka, but I will say I'd rather eat a whole bag then drink a tall glass of Beverly!   Maybe paired with the right tea, it would really bring out a whole new flavor profile for my pallet . . . whatever that means. 

As always, thank to Lou for letting me post his video and for more info on WDW Radio and all of Lou's multiple Walt Disney World related projects (seriously Lou, do you ever sleep?) check out:
http://www.wdwradio.com/

Wait, Water Parks CAN Be Relaxing???

Every time you book a Walt Disney World vacation online, when you select your ticket options, there's that little box that says "Water Park & More" Option.

I always UNcheck that mess like it's the plague!!!

Don't get me wrong, Walt Disney World is home to a couple of amazing looking water parks.  In fact because they're Disney they blow away any water park I've ever seen, and I used to spend a lot of time in the Wisconsin Dells - the self-proclaimed water park capital of the world!

The quality and theme of both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach is unmatched.
 

Typhoon Lagoon, the older of the two presents what a beach resort might look like after a powerful typhoon rolled through.  That's why along with some killer slides and water attractions, you'll notice amazing little details like surfboards through trees, displaced shipping gear and water equipment all about, and of course the icon of the park is the Miss Tilly, a shrimp boat (you eva been on a real shrimp boat?)  forever perched at the top of a mountain in the center of the park.
 

For me, Blizzard Beach has always been the more intriguing of the Disney water parks.

The story goes that an uncharacteristic snow storm pounded down over Central Florida.  Some enterprising (albeit perhaps misguided) entrepreneur got the bright idea to quickly erect a ski resort.  But Florida being Florida, the sun soon returned all that snow began to melt rather rapidly.  So, instead of a ski resort, it became Blizzard Beach - an arctic themed water park.


I haven't seen the numbers, so I can't say if this is the more popular of the two water parks, but the award for "Most Original" should certainly go to the Imagineer and team that dreamed this one up!  


I am, perhaps by design, not a water park guy.  I might fit in at Blizzard Beach, being built like a polar bear, but walking around in public displaying my beer belly in front of younger, thinner, banana-hammock sportin' Europeans, my arms loaded with bags, and sunscreen, and water, and towels, and blow-up's, and the kitchen sink (no . . . seriously!  I'd make the driver swing by Beaches & Cream for a Kitchen Sink!) doesn't sound like a relaxing vacation activity to me.
Not too mention chasing my kids around all day, trying to keep track of which one is where.  My little girls might be splashing playfully at Tike's Peak while my son will likely be hanging by his toes from The Chairlift mooning other guests! 


Which is why when Disney recently announced this secret feature at Blizzard Beach, I started to rethink my stance on skipping the water parks.
 
Polar Patios at Blizzard Beach are an additional option for families who want a little space of their own.  These private little party decks offer a locker, towels, refillable mugs for soft-drinks, a cooler stocked with ice & bottled water, and a private attendant for food orders (not included in the price of course.)  

The announcement doesn't say whether you get to keep the mugs.  It only says "same-day refillable mugs" so I'm assuming they're not keepers.  Unless you're really sneaky!

I've been lucky enough to have private cabana space by the pool in Vegas and I will tell you that having your own private real estate in that type of environment is invaluable.  People watch lounge chairs at poolside like vultures circling over a dehydrated hitchhiker.  It's worth the price to know your spot is secure, and on top of it you won't have strangers encroaching too close to your territory.

In a busy water park members of your party might want to do different activities.  Blizzard Beach is home to Summit Plummet, the second tallest & fastest free fall in the world (the first is of course Tom Petty's Free Fallin' . . . duh . . .) but you'd more likely find me at Cross Country Creek, BB's lazy river.  So it's nice to have a central location to stow your stuff, reassemble, Avengers style, as a group at reappointed times, eat lunch together, and just . . . wait for it . . . chill out!

Yeah that's right . . . I not only made a pun . . .I made it blue.

For more information and couple more pics, check out the Disney Parks Blog:   

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/enjoying-polar-patios-at-disneys-blizzard-beach-water-park/

p.s.  Told you I'd bring a Kitchen Sink!

Yes, that's a sundae.  No you can't have any!!!  

Carsland "On C...B...ESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted here.  For those that don't know, we just added another little Mousketeer to the clubhouse, along with the 1 year-old and 5 year-old we already had.  So as you can imagine, even when I could steal 5 minutes to post something on my blog . . . I don't have the braincells left to think of anything!

Not too mention most of the Disney Parks news lately has been about a hotel.  ZZZZZZZZZZZ!

But another video about the rapidly approaching Grand (Prix) Opening of Carsland at Disney's California Adventure has appeared.  At it not only features great footage of the amazing replica Imagineering has erected of Radiator Springs, but it's hosted by John Lasseter and the great sports commentator and one of the stars of Cars 2, Brent Mustangburger . . . err, Musburger!

Check it out!  It's will definitely get you revved up (that was so bad I want to punch myself) to head out west to see it in person!