Yet Another Disney Blog

Time to be Moving Along...

2011-05-28T18:05:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to let you know that I've taken up residence in a new location on the Internet.

More Disney-related info (and beyond) can be found at my new blog "Adventure Venranda":

http://adventureveranda.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who came by. Hope to see you sometime at the Veranda.

- Chris

From the Shoebox - World of Motion / GM Pamphlet (1985)

2011-03-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

Today I'd like to share something I pulled out of my of my shoebox 'o Disney ephemera:

This was a free pamphlet I picked up at EPCOT Center's World of Motion pavilion. According the the copyright, I must have picked it up sometime around 1985.

Appealing as the cover page is, what I really dig are the images inside:

You know, as much as I miss the wonderful "World of Motion" AA attraction...

I think I have more discrete memories of two of the shows from the "Transcenter" post-show area: "Bird and the Robot", and "The Water Engine":

And now, a word from our pavilion sponsor, GM:

Oh, and are you wondering about the "free offer inside"? Well, the answer lies on the back page, which includes a postage-paid card via which you could request your "GM Family Vacation Guidebook" (Only one guidebook per household. Offer limited to licensed drivers):

Until next time,

- Chris

Back to the Future

2011-03-17T22:59:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if Tomorrowland still tried to inspire us the way Walt Disney described back in 1955:

"A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievements.... A step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals, the atomic age, the challenge of outer space and the hope for a peaceful and unified world."

For example, what if we had an Tomrrowland Speedway (or Autopia) that was home to a fleet of electric vehicles with wireless recharging built into the track?

Disneyland uses a form of this technology today in their submarines. Nissan is reportedly thinking along these lines already:

"Nissan has reportedly developed a wireless charging system that uses technology similar to that found in electric toothbrushes, called inductive charging... The company even has hopes of embedding these devices in roadways one day so the cars could charge on the fly as they drive by."

The 1955 WED vision for Tomorrowland had it's share of challenges, and delivered an uneven guest experience. But for all it's shortcomings ("Hey, kids! Let's check out the Hall of Aluminum Fame!"), it did give the world some iconic and inspirational experiences (I still remember sinking in to my seat at WDW's "Flight to the Moon").

What if the company which bear's Walt Disney's name decided to show a new generation of guests a World of Tomorrow that is perhaps just a dream away?

Just sayin'

Until next time,

- Chris

Disney Gallery - "Day One Disneyland"

2011-02-26T17:49:00.003-05:00

The Disney Gallery is one of those quiet places which make Disneyland special. Although I never got to experience the gallery in its original home in New Orleans Square, I'm glad that it (eventually) found a new location in the old bank building (next to the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A).

The gallery exhibits are changed periodically. The last time I was in Disneyland I was fortunate enough to catch one called: Day One Disneyland - Original Inspirations for "The Happiest Place on Earth":

"... Disneyland was planned, designed and built in less than two years. ...Such Disney Legends as Herb Ryman, Sam McKim, Harper Goff, and Marvin Davis were churning out amazingly evocative renderings at a breakneck pace.

...This exhibit looks at that prolifically creative time in Disneyland history, showcasing early ideas, concepts and visions that led to the creation of 'The Happiest Place on Earth' and the way it was envisioned (but not necessarily built) for Opening Day, July 17, 1955."

This exhibit was a real treat for fans of early Disneyland concept art. Concept art gives us a chance to step back in time, offering hints and insights into the creative process, and in some cases lets us peek into Elseworlds that might have been.

I thought it might be fun to go through my Disney bookshelf when I got home to see how many of the images I could find reproduced therein.

References:
[A] - The Art of Disneyland by Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon. 2006, ISBN: 1423104595
[B] - The Architecture of Reassurance: Designing the Disney Theme Parks. Karal Ann Maulding. 1998, ISBN: 2080136399
[C] -The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland by Alex Wright and The Imagineers. 2008, ISBN: 1423109759

Check out Imaginerding.com for reviews of these and other great Disney books.

Here's the results of what I've found so far. If you happen to have any of the above titles on your bookshelf, then feel free to play along at home:

Top - Castle Courtyard. Herb Ryman ([C] pg 81)

Middle - Dumbo. Bruce Bushman, 1954. ([A] pg 86, [C] pg 83)

Middle - Mad Tea Party. Bruce Bushman ([C] pg 95)

Middle - Fantasyland Concepts. Bruce Bushman ([C] pg 91)

Bottom -Fantasyland (??)

Sleeping Beauty Castle comes to Anaheim. Herb Ryman, 1955 ([A] pg 73)

Top - Sleeping Beauty Castle Courtyard. Herb Ryman ([C] pg 80)

Middle - Fantasyland Concepts (??)

Bottom - Snow White Facade, Eyvind Earle. 1954 ([B] pg 75)

Top - Frontierland Entrance. Bruce Bushman, 1954 ([A] pg 35, [B] pg 71)

Bottom - Mark Twain concept. Stan Parkhouse ([C] pg 50)

Top - Jungle Cruise (??)

Bottom - Jungle Cruise dock and Adventureland (??)

Top - Indian Village(??)

Bottom - Frontierland (??)

This little "scavenger hunt" was a lot of fun, and it reminded me of some Disney books I need to dive back into. Thanks for coming along.

As you can see, I wasn't able to track down all of the images (although I would swear I've seen them before). If anyone can help me find a reference I would appreciate a comment.

- Chris

Walking in the Park with Rolly Crump

2011-01-30T13:20:00.002-05:00

Back in December I was delighted to discover "A Walk in the Park with Rolly Crump" - an audio tour of Disneyland led by Imagineer and Disney Legend Roland "Rolly" Crump.

Rolly had a hand in iconic Disneyland attractions such as It's a Small World, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, and The Haunted Mansion. He has also been honored with a window on Disneyland's Main Street:

I bought a copy of the tour in late December, but saved it listen to when I spent solo day in Disneyland a couple of weeks ago.

Having heard Rolly's interview on WEDway Radio, my expectations were pretty high, and I am pleased to report I was not disappointed. Given his background, it should come as no surprise that Rolly is also an excellent storyteller. Although there is some overlap with material I have heard before, I learned plenty. Most of all, it was a rare treat to feel like I was being given a personal tour by someone who clearly loved Disneyland and played a direct role in shaping it in ways both big and small.

The recording itself is professionally produced, and makes for an enjoyable experience even when listened to among the ambient noise of park. I think it can be enjoyed on it's own, but if you have the chance I would recommend listening to it in Disneyland as intended.

The tour is fifty minutes of recorded audio. It begins outside the Main Street train station, and meanders from there, with clearly identified places where the listener should pause and proceed to a different area of the park. This format allows the listener to proceed a his or her own pace, and encourages you to slow down to take in many of the small details which make Disneyland special.

Although the tour does not explicitly enter any attractions, there are obvious spots where the audio can be paused long enough to enjoy some of the featured attractions, and in some cases Rolly gives you specific details to look for while inside.

I would suggest allocating at least 90-120 minutes for the walking tour (more if you plan to visit attractions along the way).

My only wish is that there were more material like this. Rolly himself says he has many more stories to tell. Perhaps if this tour proves to be sufficiently popular we might get more (Please !! ??).

In summary - "A Walk in the Park" with Rolly Crump is highly recommended. I would consider it a bargain at twice the price. While it will be enjoyed most by Disney geeks, I think the material can be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to slow down and learn a little more about "The Happiest Place on Earth".

You can purchase the audio tour (and hear a free sample) here.

You can read more about Rolly over at Progress City, U.S.A. and also at WEDway Radio. You should also listen to his interview on WEDway Radio Episode 50.

Oh - and make sure to wave "Hi" to Rolly the next time you're in Disneyland:

non-Disney Disney: Fisherman's Wharf

2010-11-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

When a character resonates with the audience, it sometimes takes on a life of its own and becomes part of our pop culture.

I found two such examples of "non-Disney Disney" one afternoon at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf that I wanted to share:

[Taxi] Acceleratio Semper Absurda !

If Captain Jack has been to Signapore, then I suppose

he could have made his way through the Golden Gate as well.

Of course, if you're in San Francisco, you should also check out The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Until next time,

- Chris.

The Mickey Puzzle

2010-08-29T18:21:00.001-04:00

A few years ago, I received a cool Mickey photographic mosaic jigsaw puzzle. I don't usually work on jigsaw puzzles - but in this case I was drawn in by the thousands of single-frame images from Walt Disney Feature Animation.

If I had known in advance how much work it would be, it would probably still be sitting in the box.

I really don't know puzzle strategies all that well, so I started by trying to sort the pieces into piles based on the movies depicted on each one. In retrospect, I doubt this was the most efficient way to solve the puzzle, but it did give me hours of brain-teasing (and eye-straining) fun trying to identify film frames based on the image fragments on each piece.

NOTE -- The fact that each puzzle piece contained parts of three or four different film frames makes this much more difficult than it sounds.

Anyway, after a few false starts, and lots of help from innocent family members, we finally managed to get Mickey back into one piece:

Now I just need to find a good way to mount this for display.

Any ideas?

- Chris

Double-Take: The Two (WDI) Towers

2010-06-24T22:32:00.000-04:00

Isn't it strange how sometimes you can look at an image without really seeing it?

I've been working my way through the WEDway Radio archives (well worth checking out, BTW), and something I heard in Episode 13 caught me by surprise.

WEDway Radio episode 13 compares the two domestic versions of the Tower of Terror attraction. While I was well aware of the substantial mechanical differences between the attractions, I was surprised to hear that each rendition of the "Hollywood Tower Hotel" is actually constructed in a different architectural style.

Even though I've seen (and photographed) both towers in person, I never noticed just how strikingly different they are:

The Hollywood Tower Hotel,

Sunset Boulevard

Walt Disney World Resort, FL

The Hollywood Tower Hotel,

Hollywood Pictures Backlot,

Disneyland Resort, CA

Yet Another reminder to always keep my eyes (and my mind) open!

Until next time,

- Chris

P.S.

Yes, I know there's actually *four* versions of the "Tower of Terror" attraction. However:

1) from the pictures, the Disneyland Paris version looks like a twin of the DCA version,

2) the Tokyo tower is radically different, and isn't even a "Hollywood Tower Hotel",

3) Calling the article The Two Towers appeals to my inner Tolkien geek :-]

- C.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

2010-06-12T15:32:00.008-04:00

Last March I had the opportunity to tour The Walt Disney Family Museum.

If you are a fan of Walt Disney, or a Disney fan that would like to learn more about the man who started it all, then a visit to this museum is time well spent.

I spent about 5 hours there (including a lunch break at the museum cafe - try the chili ;-]), and had a great time. I feel like I could have easily spent two days exploring the galleries. (Full disclosure: I'm a Disney geek, and also one of "those people" who likes to read the plaques/etc).

The museum is located in three beautifully restored buildings at The Presidio of San Francisco.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also has an ongoing calender of special events, which include film screenings in their on-premesis theater. Check out the event calendar on the museum's official website. You can also subscribe to their twitter feed (@WDFMuseum).

According to wikipedia, the museum is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation - a non-profit organization which is not formally associated with the Walt Disney Company.

One tip -- plan your visit in advance. Admission is controlled by timed-entry tickets to avoid over-crowding in the galleries-- you reserve a specific date and time for your visit. The web site should show current ticket availability.

The museum strictly forbids photography inside, so I won't be able to share any images with you. However, you can see select images from the galleries at the official WDFM website.

Below the fold, I briefly list some of the things which stood out in my memory (with some mild spoliers).

As I said before, the five hours I spent in the museum left me with the impression that I had only sampled the highlights. Here (in no particular order) are some things which left a lasting impression on me:

One of the things I loved about the place is that as soon as you step inside something just says "Disney" - but at the same time it very much looks like it belongs in northern California.

After you enter, make sure to take a moment and go downstairs to the basement and check out the classic Disney film and Disneyland attraction posters.

There's one simple yet amazing display near the end of gallery three. Two monitors are stacked on top of each other showing two animated short versions of The Ugly Duckling - one from the early 1930's and one from the end of the decade. Although made a mere ten years apart the differences in artistry are astounding. The pantomime and sight gags which dominated the early offering are replaced with storytelling, "personality animation", engaging camera perspectives, and effects animation including the multiplane camera.

Many of the galleries feature dynamic and/or interactive elements. For example, the frequent use of flat-panel displays allows guests to see much of the work as it was meant to be seen - in motion.

I was mildly surprised to see that most of the windows had the shades drawn, denying the guests views of The Presidio and the nearby Golden Gate bridge. However, as soon as I reached gallery eight ("Walt + The Natural World") all was made spectacularly clear :-]

The galleries are organized by periods in Walt's life, which break down roughly by decade. The transition from the early years to Walt arriving in Hollywood in 1923 was particularly well done.

There are some great artifacts on display, including a towering multiplane camera, the original "cir-car-rama" camera, and a section of track and a car from the Carolwood Pacific railroad.

There's also a nice collection of Disney family keepsakes - including a charm bracelet that Walt gave to Lilly featuring miniature Oscar statues commemorating each of Walt's Academy Awards.

The gallery focusing on the 1940's was fascinating - with displays about the animator's strike, samples of the studio's World War II propaganda and training films, and momentos from the famous "Walt and El Grupo" visit to South America.

As one might expect, there is a wealth of original artwork. I especially enjoyed the chance to take in many works by Mary Blair.

There are deep interactive displays that I could have easily spent hours at, including an innovative multi-touch display that allows you to interactively explore the pages of a personal journal of one of the studio's effects animation pioneers. This is truly a museum-quality reference resource!

The gallery devoted to the 1950's has a wonderful set of interactive booths that invite you to explore "clouds" of hundreds of images, video clips, and audio samples.

The expansive gallery nine is the signature space for the museum, and contains some lovely "large footprint" displays, including a nice model of Disneyland. If you look carefully, you can even spot a floor pattern design that pays homage to Walt's "EPCOT the city".

In addition to all the visual treats, there are also plenty of stations featuring audio clips. During my visit I listened to Walt, his brother Roy, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Ward Kimball, Alice Davis, and many others.

Walt Disney was an amazing man, and The Walt Disney Family Museum is an amazing place. Although it requires a special trip for most of us to see, I think it is very well done and absolutely worth the journey. I hope it continues its mission for years to come.

Until next time,
- Chris

Sometimes It's Good to Sweat

2010-04-17T15:09:00.005-04:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at 2719 Hyperion's first Sweatbox Meet.

It was great to have a chance to meet so many NC-area Disney bloggers, podcasters, artists, and enthusiasts. Among those in attendance were:

After introductions came a wonderful presentation from Team 2719 Hyperion:

"Hyperion 101," an introduction to the the history and surrounding geography of the original Walt Disney Studios that was located at 2719 Hyperion Avenue...

In true Sweatbox tradition, we were treated to a live reading that was a mix of preparation and improvisation, with questions and interactive discussions along the way. You can see the fruits of their labors by reading the web version of the presentation (part one, part two).

After taking an interlude for refreshments, the team behind Progress City, U.S.A. took the floor and lead a lighthearted discussion with pictures and thoughts from their recent trip to Walt Disney World. It was like being in the studio for a recording session of the Progress City Radio Hour - paying tribute to things that were As They Ought To Be, and pointing out those things which were not-so-much.

Both presentations were excellent, and complemented each other nicely. One was rooted in the past, while the other was grounded the present day. One was filled with meticulous research, while the other was infused with a light, extemporaneous quality. Both were fueled by a common passion for Disney that really came through.

As I predicted, the first Sweatbox meet was an evening of first-class Disney Geek entertainment and a rousing success.

*Even better* is the fact that the date for The Next 2719 Hyperion Sweatbox Meet has been announced:

~~Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment which will keep me away, but~~ I encourage all Disney fans in the NC area to attend if they can.

Thanks again to 2719 Hyperion for organizing the event, to Progress City U.S.A. for presenting, and to everyone who participated. I had a blast.

- Chris

Sweatin' in the Carolinas

2010-03-27T19:42:00.004-04:00

Although perspiration is a common occurrence here in beautiful North Carolina, the purpose of this post is to help spread the word about 2719 Hyperion's first live event:

Jeff and George promise "an evening discussing Disney Studio history, the theme parks and more! ... [The] special guests for the evening will be Michael and Jeff Crawford from Progress City, USA."

Folks, with a lineup like this I think we're in for an evening of first-class Disney Geek fun.

For more details (including ways to RSVP and why it's called "Sweatbox") head on over to 2719 Hyperion.

I've been looking forward to this event for a long time. Hope to see you there as well.

- Chris

Thoughts on "The Concert Feature"

2010-02-28T20:43:00.022-05:00

Last weekend we found ourselves watching Fantasia 2000 on DVD - and it reminded me just how much I enjoy this film.

Although I have dim memories of seeing the original Fantasia in the theater as a youngster, I became a fan of the movie by first becoming a fan of it's music.

Those of us of a certain age can remember when home audio was being revolutionized by the introduction of the Compact Disc. I bought my first CD player back in the summer of 1986, and one of the very first things I bought for it was a two-disc soundtrack from Fantasia:

As I watched Fantasia 2000 again this weekend it struck me that these films seem to achieve a sort of elegant innocence by letting beautiful music and pure visual storytelling carry the show.

Walt Disney gave the world many gifts. Perhaps the most profound and lasting thing Walt gave me was an appreciation for classical music - through Fantasia. (Thanks, Walt).

I wonder if we will ever see another film like Fantasia. "The Concert Feature" (as it was originally known) was supposed to be the start of an evolving series. The world waited almost six decades to see the second installment - and then only through the efforts of Mr. Roy E. Disney.

I hope that some day we'll all have a chance to see more Disney fairies like these:

Until Next Time,
- Chris

A Bug's Land

2010-02-05T11:05:00.013-05:00

Today on DF'82, Princess Fee invites us all to enjoy a moment in DCA's A Bug's Land.
(Go take a peek now if you haven't had a chance to yet).

Being a fan of all things Pixar, I was inspired to post a few Bug's Land images I captured back in December, 2007.

Although limited in scope and scale, this area seems to echo some of Pixar's creative spirit. To paraphrase John Lasseter, Pixar films are built on a three-prong foundation: story, characters, and environment. Pixar's "A Bug's Life" delivers all three, and DCA's "A Bug's Land" allows us to step into the environment and take closer look at some of it's memorable characters.

You can see more images from my visit to A Bug's Land on flickr.

Astro Orbiter

2010-01-10T21:33:00.007-05:00

Thanks for coming along as I spend a fantastic day in Disneyland.
A more complete slideshow of my day can be found on flickr.

Blast off

2010-01-10T21:17:00.003-05:00

Small World Holiday

2010-01-10T20:39:00.003-05:00

All Aboard!

2010-01-10T20:09:00.003-05:00

Royal Street Bachelors

2010-01-10T19:46:00.003-05:00

Silly Old Bear

2010-01-10T19:32:00.003-05:00

New Orleans Jazz

2010-01-10T19:22:00.003-05:00

... and the flowers croon ...

2010-01-10T19:06:00.004-05:00

Tangaroa

2010-01-10T18:44:00.003-05:00

Disney Gallery

2010-01-10T18:35:00.003-05:00

In it's new digs (Main Street, USA).

Great Moments...

2010-01-10T17:24:00.003-05:00

Moonliner

2010-01-10T16:57:00.003-05:00

Keep Moving Forward

2010-01-10T16:37:00.004-05:00

The Mark VII cars are awesome.

The Future Has Arrived

2010-01-10T16:28:00.003-05:00

Somewhere, beyond the Sea...

2010-01-10T16:20:00.003-05:00

The original Disney mountain

2010-01-10T15:30:00.003-05:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through (3 of 3)

2010-01-10T15:22:00.003-05:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through (2 of 3)

2010-01-10T15:17:00.003-05:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through

2010-01-10T15:13:00.003-05:00

Down the rabbit hole

2010-01-10T14:36:00.003-05:00

Spin

2010-01-10T14:11:00.003-05:00

Tally Ho!

2010-01-10T13:44:00.003-05:00

Package for Dr. Jones

2010-01-10T13:40:00.000-05:00

I have a bad feeling about this...

2010-01-10T13:38:00.003-05:00

Big Thunder

2010-01-10T13:37:00.004-05:00

Right next to the town of Rainbow Ridge

2010-01-10T13:29:00.005-05:00

Adventure has a middle name...

2010-01-10T13:00:00.003-05:00

... and it's "FASTPASS"

Adventure is out there!

2010-01-10T12:51:00.003-05:00

Pretty in Pink

2010-01-10T12:18:00.005-05:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Greetings from Disneyland!

2010-01-10T12:09:00.003-05:00

Cruising into the Sunset

2009-12-05T10:45:00.004-05:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

I hope you've enjoyed our tour of Disney's Castaway Cay.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so we must bid a fond farewell to the island, and set sail once again for the mainland:

But even after we get home, there's still one more thing to look forward to.Do you remember the Castaway Cay post office?

We dropped a post card in the mail while we were there - which (eventually) found it's way back home to North Carolina:

... complete with the Castaway Cay postmark:

This concludes my recap of touring on the Disney Cruise Line. Thanks for coming along.

If you joined us in the middle, you might want to go back to the beginning of the series here.

"See 'ya real soon"
- Chris

Details - The Last Weekend in November...

2009-11-29T15:18:00.014-05:00

Walt Disney World's "Value Resorts" have their limitations, but they also offer solid value for the money and have a strong fan following in their own right.

Although clearly not WDI's best work, I do enjoy their festive, over-the-top exterior theming. The value resorts also contain a nice selection of Disney details.

As we reach the end of November, I am reminded of one of my favorite of Disney details, which can be found at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort:

Here we have a colorful tribute to the pageantry of American football, with two larger-than-life helmets facing each from their respective sidelines at mid-field.

This location always reminds me of the classic Goofy short "How to Play Football".

But this scene contains at least one additional layer of detail. Take a look at the color schemes on the two helmets:

Are the helmet colors a co-incidence? I think not.

The fact that "Orange and Blue" is facing off against "Garnet and Gold" seems to me to be no mere co-incidence, as these are the colors of Florida's largest two universities -- two schools that annually face each other on the gridiron in the last weekend of November (by mandate of the state legislature). Many similar in-state rivalry games take place all across the United States near the end of each November.

Castaway Cay - Castmember Homage

2009-11-20T10:00:00.006-05:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Welcome back to Disney's Castway Cay:

This remote paradise is apparently home to a number of small island businesses, as is evidenced by the many signs on display.

Some of the names on display in these signs may seem familiar. For example:

A quick trip to wikipedia confirms our suspicions:

"Big" Al Weiss - President, Worldwide Operations, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
(former President - Walt Disney World Resort)

Here are some other examples:

Notice that each sign has it's own look, and that all of them incorporate one or more dimensional elements (i.e. none of them are completely "flat").

Some quick work on the internet will show you that each of these signs contains an homage to a Disney executive (most of them refer to Cruise Line exec's). Or, if you prefer, you can look at this little photo set on flickr to see what I found.

Next time, we'll bid a fond farewell to Castaway Cay and the Disney Cruise Line.

Castaway Cay - More Disney Details

2009-11-14T15:00:00.002-05:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Let's continue our tour of Disney's Castaway Cay by pointing out more of the Disney details that dot the island:

For example, as we exit the tram from Serenity Bay, look up to find this hidden Mickey:

As one might expect, some of our aquatic friends can also be sighted:

Perhaps my favorite character presence is simply known as Mount RUSTmore:

Do you fondly remember the bygone days when the Nautilus plied the waters of the Magic Kingdom? Well, the island map hints that those who venture beneath the surface of the snorkeling lagoon may be rewarded by the sight of an old friend:

Next time - castmember tributes.

See you then.

Castaway Cay - Castaway Air Bar

2009-10-27T21:44:00.011-04:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Welcome back. Now that I've finished with my hammock time, let's continue with our tour of Serenity Bay at Disney's Castaway Cay.

As I mentioned last time, Serenity Bay is a remote section of the island that offers a relaxed, "grown-ups only" experience. Now that we've had some beach time, let's stroll to the nearby "Castaway Air Bar":

Shaped like a WWII-era Quonset hut, the Air Bar looks right at home at the end of Castaway Cay's airstrip. It provides simple snacks (e.g. potato chips), lively libations, and peaceful views of the ocean:

The "set dressing" for the bar further reinforces the feeling that we've stumbled onto the sleepy headquarters of a small island-hopping airline - perhaps one started by fly-boys who served in the islands during the war and decided not to return to the mainland:

The period aviation references don't stop there. In keeping with grand Imagineering tradition, Disney has provided more detail in the bathrooms in the form of these classic aviation signs:

Stepping back outside, it looks like the tram back to the central part of the island should arrive shortly. I'll wait here for the tram.

Next time we'll take a look at some of Castaway Cay's other Disney details.

Castaway Cay - Serenity Bay

2009-10-08T20:15:00.005-04:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Welcome back to Disney's Castway Cay:

Now that we've had a chance to explore the Family Beach area, let's board an island tram and head for the "adults-only" area - Serenity Bay:

Tucked away on the west side of the island, Serenity Bay offers many of the same amenities as the Family Beach area, but on a more intimate scale and in more relaxed surroundings.

During our tram ride, the observant guest may spot a series of large letters on the broad road that runs from the island's center to Serenity bay. Close inspection of the map confirms that this broad, straight section of blacktop appears to be the "CASTAWAY CAY" airstrip:

Our tram drops us off at the end of the runway, where we find an aging airplane being reclaimed by the island vegetation:

Notice the insignia on the airplane. The presence of Donald is perhaps a nod to the many military insignia designed by the Walt Disney Studios starting during World War II. Walt's studio made many creative contributions to the Allied war effort. Those yearning to learn more may wish to check out Toons At War.

The rest of Serenity Bay's structures continue the airstrip theme:

Here's an image from the beach, which features chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, and cast members who stroll up and down the beach taking drink orders:

Serenity Bay also features massage cabanas, a lunch venue, a bar, and a rental spot for snorkels, fins, floats, and inner tubes.

As our cruise party were all over 18 years of age, we spent much of our two Castaway Cay days in this area. The differences between Serenity Bay and the main part of the island were both obvious and subtle. For example, where other parts of the Cay are paved, Serenity Bay pedestrians usually find sparkling white sand.

We'll explore more of Serenity Bay next time. For now, I think I'll stretch out in one of these hammocks and listen to the ocean for a while.

Castaway Cay - Family Beach, Shopping

2009-09-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Welcome back to our tour of the Disney Cruise Line's exclusive island retreat - Castaway Cay:

Just past Boat Beach is the "heart" of the island, which features some light shopping, picnic facilities (our lunch is served on land while the ship is docked), restrooms, and the family beach area:

The buildings on the island feature a rustic style that captures the feel of a quaint island community mixed with a "castaway style" that incorporates objects that might have washed ashore from a shipwreck.

Adjacent to this area is the ever-popular Family beach:

Mix this with the Bahamian sun and the sound of the ocean and you have a destination where kicking back and "getting away from it all" couldn't be simpler.

Just like on board the ship, the Disney Cruise Line provides three classes of facilities: Kids-Only, Family, and Adults-only. For our next stop, we'll spend time at the Adults-only area - the aptly named "Serenity Bay."

Castaway Cay - Boat Beach

2009-09-13T20:09:00.005-04:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

After a brief tram ride, we continue our tour of Castway Cay at Boat Beach:

As one might expect, Boat Beach provides a wide array of small watercraft for our amusement.

We took advantage of both the Hobiecats and the pedal boats. Both are a good experience, and provide excellent views of the island, the Flying Dutchman, and your cruise ship.

Next time we'll come back to the island to do some light shopping and take a peek at the family beach area. For now, I'll leave you to enjoy the view from your boat:

Castaway Cay -- Arrival Plaza, Post Office, Flying Dutchman

2009-09-08T22:34:00.004-04:00

(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Last time, the Disney Magic had arrived at Castaway Cay:

Like many of the Disney Cruise Line's ports of call, the ship docks directly at the island. Once docked, guests are free to come and go between the island and the ship at their leisure.

The guest experience at Castaway Cay is designed to make you think of the island as an extension of your cruise ship. For example, food (and non-alcoholic beverages) in the island are provided as part of your cruise package.

I'm excited that Disney has recently announced expansion plans for Castaway Cay. These images and remarks are based on my visit there during November of 2008.

Guests step ashore at the Arrival Plaza:

Which is a short stroll from the Post Office...

..."Marge's Barges Charter Dock"...

...and a fun Photo Op:

This area provides some of the best views of the Flying Dutchman prop ship from Pirates of the Caribbean:

But the heart of this island paradise is a short stroll or tram ride away. We'll stop at the tram station and wait for the next one to arrive:

Next stop -- Boat Beach.

See you then.

Welcome to Castaway Cay

2009-08-30T17:00:00.006-04:00

UPDATE (October, 2010)

-- It's been almost two years (!?) since we were last at Castaway Cay, and Disney has expanded the facilities there in anticipation of their new additions to the Disney Cruise Line. Check out this post from the Disney Parks Blog for some highlights.

This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour.

Before we conclude our tour of the Disney Magic, let's stop for a visit on Disney's private island - Castaway Cay (pronounced "key").

Located in the Bahama Islands, Castaway Cay serves as an exclusive port of call for the Disney Cruise Line.

The upper-right portion of this map shows the island's location:

Here's a view of the island, as seen from our stateroom on board the Magic:

Castaway Cay offers guests a remote, island getaway. Beaches, bicycles, boats, and other simple pleasures beckon.

The hi-res version of this map gives a good overview of Castaway Cay's layout and activities:

I'll spend the next few posts exploring select parts of the map.

Miyazaki in Epcot

2009-08-17T11:22:00.006-04:00

Miyazaki's Ponyo opened in the US last week (limited release).

I was fortunate enough to go see it on Friday. I'm a fan of his work (including the Pixarian-directed English language dubs), and I loved Ponyo. Check out the review over at Imaginerding.com.

In honor of Ponyo's US release, here's a image I captured of Miyazaki plush on sale at Epcot's World Showcase in November of 2005:

Questions for the blogosphere: Have there ever been Miyazaki walk-around characters in a Disney park? Should there be?

Disney Magic - More Shipboard Details

2009-08-12T16:41:00.004-04:00

I'd like to wrap up our shipboard tour of the Disney Magic by peeking at a few more of the many Disney details.

(Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

As one might expect, Mickey's presence is never far away:

This sign may feel familiar to people who have spent time on *other* Disney watercraft:

Many of the design touches help reinforce the theme of "cruising in grand style", such as this next example, which I'm posting especially for George and Andrew:

Many of the passageways display wonderful Disney artwork. Take a look at what's on display near the Neverland Club:

And then there's this little gem on deck five -- a collection of several bits of trivia called "Disney Cruise Line Seaworthy Facts:

A good deal of the artwork is related to the sea, or "magic":

"Film poster from Walt Disney's King Neptune 1932"

"From Walt Disney's film Magician Mickey 1937"

I hope you've enjoyed exploring the Disney Magic along with me. I'm including that last piece of artwork as a preview of our next destination:

Disney Magic - Dining at Palo

2009-07-26T17:00:00.004-04:00

(This is an ongoing series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Although we've already discussed the Disney Magic's three main dining rooms, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Palo:

Located on Deck 10 aft, Palo offers a "signature" adults-only dinner experience with an amazing view. Although it requires a separate reservation (and involves an additional charge), I highly recommend dinner (or especially brunch!) at Palo:

Next time, we'll conclude the shipboard portion of our tour.

Dining Aboard the Magic - The Animator's Palate

2009-07-25T04:34:00.002-04:00

(This is an ongoing series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

In my last post, I described two of the Disney Magic's three main dining rooms, but I saved the best for last.

The most uniquely "Disney" of the three venues, the Animator's Palate is a celebration of Disney character animation:

From the moment you step inside, you feel like you've entered a hand-drawn world:

where the walls themselves appear to have come straight from an amimator's sketchbook:

Like the animation process itself, the meal begins in an almost entirely monochrome environment, but by the end of the evening the surroundings come to life with color:

The Animator's Palate is a unique venue, and a true treat for fans of Disney Animation.

Next time, we'll go back up topside for a quick peek at a more refined venue.

Dining Aboard the Disney Magic

2009-07-21T22:22:00.011-04:00

(This is an ongoing series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Back in the days when people cruised in Grand Style, dining while at sea was a significant part of the evening's activities. Today people tend to be more casual about food. The ships of the Disney Cruise Line offer dining experiences at a variety of levels along this spectrum.

Evening meals on board the Disney Magic employ an innovative rotation between three main venues: Parrot Cay, Lumiere's, and the Animators Palate.

Parrot Cay (pronounced "key") offers tropical flavors in a relaxed environment rich in festive color:

Some of my favorite touches here are the Sebastian-themed wall sconces, and the pirate-themed parrots in the lighting fixtures. (Sorry, they don't come to life and sing, even if you stomp your feet to wake them up.)

In contrast, Lumiere's offers a more elegant setting:

For the epicurious, there's plenty of info about Disney Cruise Dining can be found online. For example: wdwinfo.com , official DCL site.

Next time we'll pay a visit to the third (and in my opinion, the best) of the Disney Magic's main dining rooms:

P.S. -- While we're on the subject of dining, "What Will *You* Celebrate" ? ;-]

The Disney Magic - Perspective

2009-05-20T09:42:00.006-04:00

Welcome back to my continuing series about cruising aboard the Disney Magic.

(Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Last time we were below decks, and although there's plenty more to explore, I'd like to take a step back for a little perspective.

Here's a view of the Magic while docked at Cozumel, Mexico:

It is my belief that the ships of the Disney Cruise line use "reverse" forced perspective to make them appear to be *smaller* than they actually are.

Take a glance at the image above, then look closer (maybe take a peek at a larger version)...

See the maintenance door open near the water line? There's a person down there working -- look at his size compared to that of the ship.

The life boats are also larger than they might first appear. On the decks just above the life boats you can see balconies for five staterooms over each one.

Same goes for the circular windows -- at first glance they just look like normal "port hole" style windows, but the ones on the decks near the lifeboats are in fact quite large, as this view from the other side shows:

The combined effect of all of these elements creates the impression of a smaller ship -- one that would have traveled the oceans back when Walt and Lily cruised in grand style, and to give the ship a more intimate feel.

Don't get me wrong -- the ship is actually smaller than many modern cruise ships (and that's a good thing), but at a distance it "feels" smaller still.

What do you think?

One more thing before we step back on board. Take a look at the exterior color scheme and see if it feels familiar. Here's a hint: Disney had to get special permission to paint the lifeboats something other than fluorescent orange. The color they ended up using has the words "Mickey yellow" in it's name.

Lasseter Family Winery

2009-05-07T13:15:00.006-04:00

Let's take a brief break from our Disney Cruise series.

I just saw this item about the Lasseter Family Winery on Upcoming Pixar, and it reminded me that I had seen evidence of this when I was in Disneyland in 2007:

In a window at Cafe Orleans (in New Orleans Square) I spotted a curious wine bottle:

If you take a closer look at the image you can see the Lasseter label on one of the bottles, featuring John's creation Wally B.

(Or you can head over to Upcoming Pixar, where they have a much cleaner version of the logo).

Disney Cruise - Mickey's Mates, Treasure Ketch, and Walt

2009-05-02T11:18:00.013-04:00

Welcome back to my series about cruising aboard the Disney Magic.

(Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Now that we've looked around the Lobby Atrium, let's proceed forward on Deck 4, where we are greeted by this hallway:

Let's start by looking DOWN, where we see Yet Another embedded cruise line logo:

Along either side of the hallway are a pair of shops : "Treasure Ketch" on the right and "Mickey's Mates" on the left. Let's pass under the decorative Mickey and duck inside Mickey's Mates for a look around:

As is so often the case in a Disney retail space, guests who take the time to LOOK UP are rewarded. In this case we find the shop is filled with crow's nests containing a host of old friends:

Leaving Mickey's Mates, we find ourselves at the other end of the hallway, with "Treasure Ketch" just a few steps away:

As you might expect, this shop has a more elegant feel, and offers an array of items including resort wear, jewelry, and other higher-end collectibles. (By the way, I wonder if the nautical flags under the boat spell anything in particular?...)

At the forward end of the hallway we find the lobby for the Walt Disney Theater:

Through these doors is the grandest performance space on board the Magic, which serves as the venue for the Disney Cruise Line's signature shows:

You'll have to look elsewhere for pictures of the interior (I'm not posting pictures of *everything*, some things are best enjoyed in person. Besides, low lighting conditions and a moving ship make for challenging photography).

This stretch from the Lobby Atrium to the Walt Disney Theater reminds me of the entrance to Disneyland -- the Lobby Atrium serves as a Town Square, the shop-lined hallway is the Magic's version of Main Street, U.S.A., and the picture of Walt (and the theater named after him) serve as the "weenie" pulling us forward.

Next time, we'll step back for a little perspective.

Disney Cruise - Lobby Atrium

2009-04-29T21:58:00.027-04:00

Those of you with long memories may recall that I've been working on a series about cruising aboard the Disney Magic.

(Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).

Last time we were topside, so this time let's take a look below decks.

Guests board the Magic in grand style, with their arrival being formally announced at a party in the Lobby Atrium:

This fantastic space starts at Deck 3, Midship and stretches all the way up to Deck 5. Here's the view from Deck 5 looking down:

From Deck 5 you can see the "signature" statue of Mickey at the wheel:

Behind the statue is the entrance to Lumiere's, which is *almost* the nicest place to eat (we'll cover the restaurants in a future post).

The Lobby Atrium contains some of the best decorative details aboard. For example, the banisters on the grand staircases feature character silhouettes. While I don't have a picture that does them justice, these menu covers contain a reproduction of the detail:

Back in the lobby, take a closer look at the elevator shafts -- the design incorporates familiar headgear (in multiple scales!):

Between each deck there's a delightful series of classic characters, including Mickey, Pluto, Clarabelle(!!), Daisy, the Goof, and many others:

We were told by a crew member that each character is dressed to represent one of each of the different crew disciplines on board. (And yes, I was informed that employees of the Disney Cruise line are "crew", not "castmembers".)

In our next installment, we'll leave the Lobby Atrium and take a walk down this hallway on Deck 4:

"See you real soon!"

Disney Cruise - Topside

2009-03-27T09:17:00.022-04:00

This is part 3 of a continuing series about cruising on the Disney Magic (here's part 2).

The words "getting there is half the fun" could hardly be more true than when you are on a Disney Cruise. Although the ports of call beckon, the moment we stepped on board the Magic we knew we were in a special place.

Although you board at Deck 3 midships, let's go for a quick look topside (don't worry, we'll come back below decks in a future installment).

The ships of the Disney Cruise line are designed to evoke an era of cruising in grand style. Natural wood finishes and elegant design touches are ubiquitous:

As one might expect, the decorative Mickeys are present in abundance. The most frequent use of Mickey may be in the Disney Cruise Line logo, which is present in large and small scales:

Decorative Mickeys also appear in their "classic" form. Here's an example from the Wide World of Sports deck:

Some of my personal favorites are visible at the ship's bow:

This pool may be the largest decorative Mickey:

Notice that Mickey's hand is supporting the water slide. If you examine the large version of the image carefully, you might also spot Sorcerer Mickey's hat in the background!

As one would expect, the cruise provides ample opportunity to encounter Disney characters in a more direct fashion:

Next time, we'll go below decks to check out more of the Disney Geek goodness.

Disney Cruise : Pre-Boarding

2009-03-12T22:22:00.013-04:00

Welcome back. This is part 2 of a series about Cruising on the Disney Magic:

In our last installment, we were taking a look at the details to be found on the exterior of the Cruise Terminal:

The details continue inside the terminal building itself, so let's go in and take a look. Here's the main room of the terminal building:

After a brief pause to take it all in, we start by looking up. Notice all the "wave" motifs present in the ceiling? Let's also take a look at the base of each of the columns, where the "rope" at the bottom of each column evokes images of pilings at a pier:

Oh, and did I mention it was the holiday season?

Now that we've finished "looking up", let's not forget to LOOK DOWN also. In this case the floor is an amazing scale map of Florida and the Bahamas:

In the middle of the room is a model of the Disney Magic -- and it's a cutaway!

(If we're lucky, perhaps Captain Mickey will come ashore and greet us in person...)

If we step out onto the back deck, we can see the Magic herself:

But what we're all waiting for is for these doors to open ...

... and for our boarding group to be called:

Next time - Setting Sail!

Disney Magic - Arrival

2009-03-07T20:36:00.018-05:00

Like many of you, I love the Disney Resort Hotels. I love the immersive effect of the theming and detail.

But one of my favorite Disney Resorts cannot be found within the borders of Disney Property, and in fact most of the time cannot be pinned to any specific location for more than a few hours at a time.

The ships of the Disney Cruise Line bring the notion of an immersive experience to entirely new level, and are a treasure trove of details for any Disney Geek.

I'll share some of those details over the next series of posts, based on the time I spent on the Disney Magic on a seven-day cruise.

Here's the first glimpse of the ship that we saw as we approached Port Canaveral:

But before we board the ship, let's take a look at the Cruise Terminal:

Even before we get inside we see all sorts of eye candy. Notice the hands on the clock?

And check out the details above the windows:

There exterior makes use of classical decorative Mickeys, and also includes details of a more nautical nature, such as this braided rope line:

The window above sports the snazzy Disney Cruise Line logo, which is also visible on the back of the building:

Next stop, we'll take a peek inside the terminal building before setting sail.

Put on Your Sunday Clothes

2009-02-02T10:55:00.014-05:00

A brief confession -- I like musicals. Well, at least, I like *some* musicals.

By this point I'm assuming that most people who read Disney blogs are aware of the connection between "Hello, Dolly!" and WALL-E.

And while I realize that the Disney/Dolly connection is tenuous, for me there is another thread that connects the two -- Main Street, U.S.A.

When I watch the 1969 film version of "Hello, Dolly" I am immediately reminded of Disney's Main Street. The film's take on turn-of-the century architecture, costuming, train travel, and even singing and dancing all remind of Walt's tribute to his boyhood:

(Disneyland)

(Walt Disney World)

So if you enjoy musicals and want a quick trip to the turn of the century, then consider putting on your Sunday clothes and check out "Hello, Dolly" on your video medium of choice.

Continuous Departures

2009-01-19T11:10:00.011-05:00

The Jungle Cruise queue is one of my favorites.

While certainly not as lavish as Expedition Everest, the visual and auditory elements resonate with me. I feel like I'm in the Adventurer's Club (R.I.P.) while I wait for my skipper.

Here's a few images from the two domestic U.S. Jungle Cruise queues, starting with Walt Disney World:

... and continuing with Disneyland:

Each park also has a tribute to Disney Legend Harper Goff nearby. In Walt Disney World, look for the following crate on the loading dock:

.. while in Disneyland, see if you can spot Mr. Goff's window across from the entrance:

In addition to designing the Jungle Cruise boats, Mr. Goff (a native of Fort Collins, CO) played the Banjo in the "Firehouse Five Plus Two" Dixieland jazz band.

An excellent discussion of the details of the WDW Jungle Cruise Queue can be found in Show 24 of the award-winning WDW Radio Show podcast.

I've posted more images from the WDW and Disneyland versions of the Jungle Cruise on flickr.

WDW Memories - Discovery Island

2008-12-10T19:23:00.011-05:00

Like many others, I grew up a child of Walt Disney World. My parents took me to WDW for the first time in 1972. I was four years old at the time.

I have few specific memories of that first visit. I remember being scared to cross the gangplank into the Nautilus, and a souvenir Donald Duck baseball cap (complete with a duck-bill that squeaked when squeezed!). Even though I can't remember much from that first trip, it certainly made a big impression. Let's just say I was hooked.

The resort was a *much* simpler place in the 1970's, but it was no less magical for it. One of our family traditions in those early years was to visit Bay Lake's Discovery Island.

Here are some scans from a Discovery Island map from 1979:

(click on the thumbnails below for high-resolution images)

It's fun to compare the maps to see just how differently Disney marketed "Treasure Island (1974)" from "Discovery Island (1979)". In 1974 it was all about pirates (sound familiar?), but by 1979 the theme was focused on wildlife (mostly birds).

Notice for example how "LOOKOUT POINT" became "BIRD'S EYE VIEW", and "MATES AND MAIDENS (Ye olde restrooms)" becomes "HIS TERN/HER TERN (restrooms)".

I have to admit, the 1974 concepts look very cool (and in fact seem to foreshadow the version of Tom Sawyer Island we see at Disneyland today), but for me the late 70's Discovery Island was a welcome change of pace from the Magic Kingdom and remains one of my treasured WDW memories.

A brief explanation...

2008-08-27T15:23:00.009-04:00

Hi there,

Thanks for all the welcoming comments from the Disney-sphere.

I wanted to let folks know that I created this blog as a way to occasionally offer Guest Posts to the fine folks at Imaginerding.

As the name of the blog implies, there's already a wealth of great content out there. I hope to post when I find something sufficiently unique to say. I'll have to see what sort of schedule I can maintain, but my initial target is once-a-month-ish.

Until then, I leave you with some of my favorite details from underneath the Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle:

Disneyland Details - Holiday Decorations

2008-08-20T16:55:00.002-04:00

Details abound in Disney Parks, and Disneyland in December is certainly no exception. The holiday decorations are a visual treat.

As you would expect, everything blends seamlessly with its visual and thematic surroundings. Be it the turn-of-the-century elegance of Main Street, U.S.A:

...the rustic garlands in Frontierland:

... the home-spun charms of Big Thunder Ranch:

... the nutcracker toys outside It's a Small World:

... the festive ornamentation of New Orleans Square:

... or the refined interior of the Club 33 lobby:

Then there's the fabulous holiday overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday:

... and Small World Holiday:

But the visually inquisitive are often rewarded with additional hidden gems. For example, am I dreaming, or are there Heffalumps flying overhead in Critter Country?

The diminutive residents of Storybookland have also gotten into the act:

Toontown is awash in these details. Look at the sporting theme in this wreath adorning the Horace Horsecollar Gym:

... and the pyrotechnics hanging outside the fireworks factory:

It looks like Donald has made use of some handy nautical rope in his decorating:

The detailing continues across the esplanade in DCA. Check out this wreath hanging outside the Rushin' River Outfitters:

All images were taken in December, 2007.

You can see high-resolution versions of these images on flickr.