Disney After Dark: Expedition Everest

This is a new series that will feature some of my own photos from around the the parks after the sun goes down. Hope you all enjoy. To kick things off lets go to Disney's Animal kingdom and go for a trek to Expedition Everest.

Audio Archive: The Age of Infromation

When EPCOT Center opened in 1982 Communicore was the hub of all things technology and progress. Inside one attraction stood out as maybe looking a little dated and out of place when in reality it was so far ahead of it's time that we can stand in amazement at it today. A collection of wood displays including a man in a bowler hat, a ferris wheel and tower of rotary phones. This was  Einsel Theater and the Display was The Age of Information. As it would come to life opening hidden scenes and move characters a song would play telling us about all the amazing tech the future had to offer. Including Smart phones, Amazon, and Google. It truly was the Nostradamus of the 80's. So Let's sit back and enjoy the Age of Information and listen to the future of the past that is now the present.

Sing Along Here

Age of Information

now mom and dad and junior can own

a new-fangled smart telephone

its amazing all the things it can do

As it brings the world closer to you

you can sit right there in your easy chair

and check the stock report

on a screen at home make plans to roam

to your favorite ski resort

It’ll bring the world closer to you

There’s a wonderful change comin’

a beautiful day dawnin’

a miracle we’re seeing come true

’cause the age of information

is sweeping across the nation

and bringing the world closer to you

it will call the cops on a robber

it will help the kids with their homework

it will hook your home to your office

send your heartbeat clear crosstown

it will give you all kinds of freedom

Like when you want to go shopping

it will bring the store to your front door

it’s the handiest thing around

and it brings the world, closer to you

and its making the world better

its making the world smaller

its giving the world something brand new

’cause the age of information

is sweeping across the nation

and bringing the world closer to you

Now the miracles have only begun

In the places where our business gets done

the office of tomorrow will be

the very model of efficiency

If you want data,

you’ll get that data

And only the data you need

And the words are movin’

And the mail is movin’

With electronic speed

you will talk to two or quite a few

on a teleconference call

and the chips are sorting

and the datas moving

on a thread of glass so small

as it brings the world, closer to you

your phone will be a computer

it will make your bank deposits

it will mail your voice like a letter

where it can wait to a later date

to communicate

so we’re making the world better,

we’re making the world smaller

we’re bringing the world something brand new

cause the age of information

is sweeping across the nation

and bringing the world closer to you

and your voice is traveling

and your words are moving

and the wires are humming a song

and the world is changin’

and the countrys’ changin’

so won’t you come along?

on this wonderous journey

to the information age

there’s a wonderful change comin’

a beautiful day dawnin’

a miracle we’re seeing coming true

cause the age of information

is sweeping across the nation

and bringing the world closer to you

closer to you

closer to you

bringing the world

bringing the world

closer to you

Making Memories: The Secret Safari T.P. Stash

In Mombasa Marketplace take a look up at the high shelf's. You may spot the Kilimanjaro Safari branded toilet paper. In times like these where toilet paper is basically currency during this pandemic,  this may be the most valuable thing in the store.

Plumber's Corner: The Former Fountains of Adventureland

Over the years many things have come and gone in the Magic Kingdom. Attractions, Shops, Toads. But sometimes things stop being as they were but still hang around if only to make us miss the old ways. One such thing are the Fountains of the Magic Kingdom. More specifically the many in Adventureland which are some of my personal favorites. Many of these beautiful works of art lost their magic around the early 2000's. The park attendance was low and water was in short supply in the sun shine state so one by one they started to be turned off. First with signs explaining the drought. Then they stated having plants put in them and soon they were full on planters never to spill their streams of clear water again.

As a Cast Member I would sit by this fountain and read a book on my days off. Bellow we see what came of this peaceful corner.

Now this area is a quite corner near the Pirates of the Caribbean. For several years it was in worse shape as it was a designated smoking area.

Another view of the same fountain and alcove near Pirates of the Caribbean.

Fuente de la Fortuna in it's early days across from Pirates of the Caribbean in Caribbean Plaza.

Fuente de la Fortuna is now a Planter ignored by guest who have other things to detract them in the area. Yeah i'm talking to you Jack.

Another classic fountain in the Pirates gift shop also now a planter.

Audio Archives: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Queue Audio

"This is Captain Nemo speaking. Welcome aboard the Nautilus. We are proceeding on a course that will take us on a voyage 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

Listen to the great queue music from this extinct classic attraction. This recording includes the Nemo sea facts that would come on every few minutes as you waited to board your sub.

Disney Dining At Home - Captain’s Mai Tai from The Walt Disney World Resort

This drink can be found all over Disney World, mostly at the resort pool bars. At the time of writing this post they sell for $13.00 so for the cost of about two drinks you can buy all the ingredients below and make enough for a whole party.

Serving Size: 1 drink

Glass: Hurricane

Garnish: Pineapple Wedge

Ingredients:
1 ounce Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
3/4 ounce Amaretto
4 ounce Pineapple Juice
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
1/4 ounce Grenadine
1/4 ounce Myers's Rum Float

Method of Preparation:
1. Add all but Myers's Rum in a mixing glass over ice.
2. Shake.
3. Pour in Hurricane glass and add float of Myers's Rum.
4. Garnish with Pineapple wedge and serve.

Making Memories: New Orleans Square After Dark

A Haunting beauty fills the air when you stroll thru New Orleans Square once the sun goes down. Is it from the Haunted Mansion down the road or maybe Walt's energy still fills this special place?

Who Parties at Club 33 once the guest have left?

What treasures and mysteries await in Le Bat En Rouge?

Is this where the Pirates divide their loot after the sun goes down?

Disney Day in History: Groundbreaking on the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

April 23 1986, Groundbreaking began on what would be called the new flagship resort of Walt Disney World, The Grand Floridian. I however believe the Contemporary will all ways hold that title as it has always had a special place in Disney fandom and in our hearts, but this is about the Grand so I digress. It would take two years and two months to build the Grand Floridian, opening on June 28 1988. One fun fact is that the land she was built on was already cleared before construction began. This was because it was reserved from opening day for the Asian Resort that never came to be. I have Included some images of the land that was cleared and a concept piece of what the Asian would look like.

This Square of land was made for the Asian Resort but later used for the Grand Floridian Resort.

Concept art of what the Asian Resort would look like.

The top of this early concept art map show the Asian Resort. Later home to the Grand.

Shopping and Such: Ears to You Joe Rhode

Today the Joe Rhode Aviator Mickey Ears have gone on sale at ShopDisney. They retail for $78.00 and are a limited release.

Joe has already taken the opportunity to customize his set of Ears. I don't know why it didn't come with a giant earring to begin with. But I guess you can add your own and it would have probably cost well over $100 if it came with one... Because Money.

Audio Archive: Listen to the Land

One more little Earth Day treat. "Listen to the Land"! This mix is from a amazing fan made audio collection for Epcot's 25th. I Included the lyrics so feel free to sing along.

Just make believe, you're a tiny little seed,

a tiny little seed that's reaching up to meet your need.

With the right amount of faith, and the right amount of earth,

you'll grow to see the sunshine on your day of birth.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

When springtime comes, how can you tell?

The air is always filled with orange blossom smell.

Come summertime, the warmest sun shines,

and world is full of flowers and good melon rinds.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

When autumn falls, it's a harvest show,

with north winds blowing all the seeds that it must sow.

Come winter time, the rain must fall,

'till once again the new year and the springtime call.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

The seasons come, and the seasons go,

nature knows everything that it must know.

The earth and man, can be good friends,

let's listen so our harvest time will never end.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

Let's listen to the land we all love,

nature's plan will shine above,

listen to the land, listen to the land.

April 22 2020 - A lot to Celebrate!

Today is a great day to celebrate! Sure we are are all going crazy as we sit in lock down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But today is a very special day for many reasons.

Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom turns 22 today. Being the first park I worked at Animal Kingdom has always held a special place in my heart and I always look forward to celebrating it's creation and the impact and message it shares with the world.

50th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Why did Animal Kingdom open on April 22? Because it's earth day! A great day when plants and trees are blooming after a long winter to really look at and appreciate Mother Nature. Living a rural wood portion of our great land I plan on taking in some of that beauty today just by looking out my window. In fact as i'm writing this we have a light frost on the ground and two rabbits are grazing on grass about 15 feet in front of me.

25th Anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund!
What a great Idea! When Walt planed on building Walt Disney World he always planed on having a large area set a side for conservation. Later Disney would give it's guest the chance to meet some of these wonders of nature up close on Discovery Island. And then in 1995 with Animal Kingdom already in the works the Disney Company took it a step further by creating the Disney Conservation Fund. In the past 25 years Disney with the help of all of us who have donated has raised over a $100 million and protected over 315 million acres of habitat Plus it's helped to save 1,000 species world wide.

On A Personal Note
Today is a special day in my family as well. Today is my mom's birthday. A wonderful woman that gives everything she can for everyone she knows. A more selfless and caring person in my opinion does not exist. She is also one of the main contributors to my Disney obsession and for that I can't thank her enough.

Making Memories: Isn't She DevineShe

She may be hard to spot the bushes of Animal Kingdom...

...But when you do it's a wonderful sight.

Disney Day in History: Characters in Flight Takes Off

Today in 2009 "Characters in Flight" the Tethered Balloon ride at Disney Springs Opens. The morning grand opening was hindered by strong winds but later in the day she was flying high.

Disney Day in History: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Turns 29

On this day in 1991 the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater opens at Disney's MGM Studios. Sit in a vintage convertible and enjoy your meal under the stars at the drive-in. Watch classic drive-in adds and trailers and clips from classic sci-fi films from the '50s and '60s.

Audio Archive: Space Mountain Queue Music

Today We blast over to Tomorrowland to listen to one of my favorite pieces of audio. The Space Mountain Queue music! more Specificly the Audio that was introduced in the mid 80's and played for many years into the 2010's. This to me is some of the most peaceful music in the parks. It's ironic that it plays before boarding one of the most thrilling rides in the Magic Kingdom.

Happy Dapper Day At Home!