Where In The World

Revisiting May 19th, you'll recall the photograph showcasing a plethora of Pluto, Donald and Daisy plush toys all tucked into shelves. The task was to identify where these particular shelves were located. Our good friend, Ryan Wilson, of the Main Street Gazette listened to his senses and opined that these specific plush toys could be found in The Emporium. And that is correct. Congratulations Ryan.

The Emporium; often the last stop on the way out of the Magic Kingdom for those last minute gifts and remembrances.

Now, onto the next challenge. Where might you find this?

Something On A Sunday

Bell Buckle Cafe 07.03.09

A Sign Its Saturday

There are many signs in Walt Disney World. Of all those signs, a few have a way of simply saying, "You're home." This is one of those signs.

Of course, the arches you pass beneath when the entering Walt Disney World property also has a way of saying that too.

Disney As Art - Peace

Seldom will one find a line for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. If you do, then you know beyond any doubt that the Magic Kingdom is busy. But if you don't, then prepare for a relaxing, peaceful journey. And as you return to Rockettower Plaza, and you see there is still no line to speak of, ask to go around again. Just put your index finger in the air and spin it in a circle few times, and you're on your way.

Something On A Sunday

Shopping at Caesars 04.20.09

A Sign Its Saturday

I have heard it said that Disneyland is "Walt's park" in that he walked the streets and had his apartment there. That is one of the primary reasons that I wish to visit Disneyland someday; to walk in Walt's footsteps. More specifically, I would like to have a series of photographs made of me standing in the precise locations that he stood in some of those iconic pictures we've seen of him. Granted, the streets will not be deserted as they were for him in some of this pictures. Just as traffic was not stopped when I had my photograph taken crossing Abbey Road.

When I think of "Walt's park", something I like to recall is that Walt walked the swamps and marshes of what is now Walt Disney World. No, he didn't walk down Main Street U.S.A. or have is photograph taken as he came through the arch in front of Cinderella Castle. But he was here and he was casting his vision for the "Florida Project" as only he could.

I like to look for those little "Walt Moments" in the parks; looking for the certain something that says Walt Disney had a hand in this. The Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is just that. It is a chance to get out of the heat, sit, relax and enjoy a classic attraction that Uncle Walt himself had a very active part in designing.

Dated? Yes. Timeless? By all means!

Next time you find yourself exiting Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, instead of moving on to the next thing, make Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress your next thing and experience a little bit of Walt Disney.

if i lived in central florida i'd...

... spend a long, lazy afternoon strolling the World Showcase Promenade enjoying the sights, sounds and smells. I know I may have mentioned this before, but with the kind of week I have been having, you cannot imagine how much I wish it were so right now.

Where In The World

Let's take a step back to 04.28.10. You may recall the photograph of several toys on a shelf. No doubt you noticed Woody among those toys shown. Looking at the whole mural will reveal other Toy Story characters; how many and who I don't know. I haven't taken the time to count. Hey, I am in a toy store and there are several other things on my mind. But the point of all this is to say congratulations to Donna who correctly identified the photo as coming from Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney. It is part of a larger mural found the second large room; think "Build Your Own Light Sabre.

And speaking of toys, where would you find this?

Something On A Sunday

Antique Shop in Watertown 07.03.09

A Sign Its Saturday

Okay, admit it, you laughed once or twice.

I have.

More to follow...

Disney World After Dark: SS Down the Hatch

Another example of Programmatic Architecture, also known as "California Crazy" architecture, found in Disney's Hollywood Studios, is the S.S. Down the Hatch. You may recall on March 15th we mentioned the 1930 film Min and Bill. The film has a dockside setting and the S.S. Down the Hatch is a further homage to the film; being a tramp steamer docked on Echo Lake.

Something On A Sunday

Red Rocks 02.05.10

A Sign Its Saturday

The Diamond Horseshoe, in Frontierland, once featured a saloon show featuring old west entertainment. The location is now used for special and seasonal events, character greetings, and a dining venue, on occasion.

Home

April did not end and May did not start as I would have had it for The Disney Obsession. For that, I apologize.

Why? For starters, work is work and it has been busy. More importantly, my grandchildren are home for a few weeks. Mind you, I have not been able to be with them every minute of every day, but with them in town spending an hour here or an hour there with them has been wonderful. And, it has kept my focus away from the blog for while.

But as I take a moment to check in and give you a brief update, I do want to write a little about being thankful.

You may be aware that Nashville, my home, suffered a devastating flood this past weekend. Some have called it the 100 Year Flood. Reports are that we received 1/4 our average annual rainfall over the course of this past Saturday and Sunday. Estimates are that the city has sustained over $1 billion in damage which includes the famed Grand Ole Opry, our historic riverfront district, the symphony center, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the mammoth Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Yet, what is more tragic than these, for they will be restored, is the loss in human life and the quality of life for many thousands of Nashvillians. While the loss of life could have been much worse I suppose, it is tragic that even one should die. We were saddened to learn of one who drowned inside their car while pinned in traffic as the waters rose. Or of the couple who were sweep from their car while trying to get to higher ground. But we can rejoice when we hear of a mother and daughter who made it safety atop an ottoman.

As I drove to my office this morning I saw the beginnings of mounds of ruined carpet, sofas, beds and bag upon bag of the things that used to make houses into homes. I see the images on my computer of people laying out their family photographs on the grass so that they can dry, or trying to salvage their books. I look at the trees and the sides of houses and can see how high the water rose a few days ago. And that muddy reminder will remain until the next rain comes to wash it away; the city we’re experiencing a critical water shortage so we can not wash away the grime just yet.

The city comes together; rich and poor, the famous and the unknown, to clean up and to rebuild. No one is a stranger in Nashville today as people stop by the road to help a stranger clean up.

Nashville is known for its music. Music will once again fill the air. We were reminded of our heritage this morning as our symphony, joined by Christopher Cross, gave a concert on the Public Square. The Opry will continue to entertain and to broadcast, but from a borrowed home this weekend and over the next few months of weekends. Our schools will reopen and as the water recedes people will go back to work.

Being thankful.

I am thankful that my home was not affected, save for a few drops of water around a window casing. While my daughter’s home did sustain flood damage, she and my son-in-law are safe. Of what makes their house a home, most everything is in tack. The others in my family, my mom, my son and his family, my step-son and his family, my sister and her family; we, our pets and our homes are all okay.

We’ll get together this weekend and celebrate Mother’s Day. We’ll play with our children and grandchildren, watch a few movies and eat pizza. We’ll go to church on Sunday and we’ll give thanks for making this far. Then, we’ll get back to work.

Yes, I am thankful!

Life is good.

if i lived in central florida i'd...

...spend the day in typhoon lagoon (again). but this time i’d ride all three courses of the slush ‘n’ gusher. then i’d go back and do it again and again and again.

Something On A Sunday

Lake Junaluska, North Carolina 07.18.10

A Sign Its Saturday

Take me out to the ball game. Or, hot dog anyone?