Disney's America

Today we look at the preview brochure for Disney's America. The Disney park that was never built near Washington D.C. in Virginia. On the cover, you can see a recreation of Elis Island which would house a Muppets attraction about immigration.  Page 2 shows a concept map of the park. Page 3 and 4 list the main attractions and where they would be housed. And pages 5 and 6 show the P.R. approach to the park and its involvement with the community around the park. I for one would have loved to visit this park how about you? Leave your comments below.

Audio Archive: Golden Dreams Instrumental version

It's the week leading up to Independence day so what better way to celebrate than to listen to some patriotic music. So today we bring to you the instrumental rendition of Golden Dreams from the American Adventure at Epcot. This version is nice because it has the slow twilight times at the beginning that play while Mark Twain and Ben Franklin are talking in the finale scene. This is the only version of the song that I know of that includes them.

Family Vault: A Drink Break

Drinking out of my NASA canteen from the Kennedy Space Center while visiting the Swiss Family Treehouse. A very Florida moment.

Disney Dining At Home: Butternut Squash Bisque from Victoria & Albert’s

Butternut Squash Bisque

from Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Ingredients:

2 tbls Butter

2 tbls Shallots, chopped

1 tbls Garlic, chopped

½ cup Celery, chopped

½ cup Carrots, chopped

½ cup Onions, chopped

8 cups Butternut squash, peeled, chopped

1 pinch Thyme

1 pinch Basil

1 pinch Oregano

1 bay leaf

4 cups Chicken stock

16 ounces Heavy cream

Method:

1. In a 4-quart pot heat butter over medium heat until hot.

2. Add the next 10 ingredients.

3. Sauté for five minutes.

4. Deglaze the pot with the chicken stock.

5. Add the heavy cream.

6. Let soup simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

7. Puree in a blender.

8. Strain the soup through a strainer lined with cheesecloth.

9. Place soup back into a clean 4-quart pot.

10. Return the pot to the stove over low heat.

11. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve.

Recipe found at AllEars.Net

Flashback Friday: The Tower of the Four Winds

Designed by Rolly Crump to stand in front of the Pepsi Pavilion which housed "It's A Small World" at the 1964 Worlds Fair. The Tower of the Four Winds was a massive kinetic sculpture that Walt wanted to dress up the exterior of "It's A Small World" with because the facade of the building was so drab. Rolly's work certainly did the trick. Here is a description of the piece from Disney's press release of the attraction.

"Attached to three primary columns and four slender buttresses will be more than 100 spinning, swiveling, oscillating elements of as many colors and shapes. Propellers of every description and size, a miniature, purely decorative carousel with animals from several countries (a giraffe, camel, reindeer, llama, horse, elephant and donkey), a stylized representation of the sun; figures of birds, flying fish, winged dragon, butterflies, bees and other creatures–all will be in perpetual motion."

It was easy to find Small World just look for the tower.

Walt and his Tower.

Disney characters were often seen on top of the tower because they were being attacked by the New York youth often being stabbed in the backside and punched in the plusher areas.

The Original model of the tower as seen in the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary Resort.

Dateline Disney: Splash Mountain to be Re-themed to Princess and the Frog

Today we learned that Splash Mountain at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom will be rethemed to Princess and the Frog after an online petition was started to change it in light of the current events in the United States. Here is what was said about this new retheming on the Disney Parks Blog.

Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined. The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.

The voice of Princess Tiana and Tony Award-winning actress, Anika Noni Rose, shared, “It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”

The approach to retheming or “plussing” attractions (as Walt Disney referred to it) begins with Imagineers asking the question, how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? It’s a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about. And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.

Charita Carter, the senior creative producer leading the project at Walt Disney Imagineering shared, “Like Princess Tiana, I believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures. I am delighted to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests.”

For Imagineers, change is rooted in a tradition set by Walt Disney who encouraged new innovations, new ideas, new scenes and current storytelling. And the experiences they create can be enjoyed by guests who visit our parks from all over the world.

As part of the creative development process, conceptual design work is well underway and Imagineers will soon be able to conduct preliminary reviews and develop a timeline for when the transformation can start to take shape.

Stay tuned for more!

Disney After Dark: A party in Adventureland

A few shots of Adventureland from the Pirate and Princess Party that held in the Magic Kingdom in 2007-2009. The theme and lighting were similar to that of Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party but it focused much more on the pirate's theme as did Fantasyland with the princess theme.

Dateline Disney: Everything opening at Walt Disney World post pandemic.

Below is a list of all the attractions, entertainment and shops that are opening with the parks on July 11 and July 15. No word on what food options will be open yet but Disney has announced that starting on July 15th with the opening of EPCOT, the International  Food and Wine Festival will begin in a modified form. This marks the earlier the festival has ever begun.

The Magic Kingdom July 11

Attractions

“it’s a small world”

Astro Orbiter

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Country Bear Jamboree

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Jungle Cruise

Liberty Square Riverboat

Mad Tea Party

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Peter Pan’s Flight

Pirates of the Caribbean

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Swiss Family Treehouse

The Barnstormer

The Hall of Presidents

The Haunted Mansion

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Tom Sawyer Island

Tomorrowland Speedway

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Entertainment

Main Street Philharmonic

Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route—which will include:

The Royal Princess Processional

Mickey & Friends Cavalcade

Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade

A Goofy Cavalcade

Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure

Shopping

Arribas Brothers

Baby Care

Big Al’s

Box Office Gifts

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos

Crystal Arts

Emporium

Fantasy Faire

Hundred Acre Goods

Island Supply by Sunglass Hut

Main Street Confectionery

Memento Mori

Mickey’s Star Traders

Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar

Rubio Arts

Sir Mickey’s

Splashdown Photos

Strollers & Wheelchairs

The Chapeau

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.

TTC Cart / Wheelchairs

Uptown Jewelers & Cinema

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Restaurant

Aloha Isle

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Liberty Square Market

Liberty Tree Tavern

Main Street Bakery

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Pinocchio Village Haus

The Plaza Restaurant

Sleepy Hollow

Storybook Treats

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

EPCOT July 15

Attractions

Awesome Planet

Canada Far and Wide

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

Friendship Lagoon Boats

Frozen Ever After

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Impressions de France

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Kidcot (modified)

Living with the Land

Mission: SPACE

Reflections of China

Soarin’ Around the World

Spaceship Earth

Test Track

The American Adventure

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience

Entertainment

America Gardens Theatre Presents… featuring popular EPCOT performers such as:

JAMMitors

Mariachi Cobre

Character Cavalcades throughout the day, featuring favorite Disney friends traveling around World Showcase promenade—including:

Frozen Promenade

Mickey & Friends World Tour

Princess Promenade

Shops

African Heritage

Arribas Brothers

Art of Disney

Baby Care

Canada Cart

China Kiosk

Disney Traders

Galerie Des Halles

Gateway Gifts

Glas Und Porcellan

ImageWorks

Karamell Kuche

La Bottega Italiana

Mexico Indoor Plaza

Mission: SPACE Cargo

Mitsukoshi

Mouse Gear Temporary Location

Pin Traders – Camera Center

Port of Entry

Puffin’s Roost

Sea Base Alpha Gift Shop

Strollers & Wheelchairs

Tea Caddy

Test Track Simporium

Wood Carver

World Traveler

Restaurant

Biergarten Restaurant

Choza de Margarita

Coral Reef Restaurant

Crepes des Chefs de France

Fife & Drum Tavern

Funnel Cake

Garden Grill Restaurant

Gelati

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Joy of Tea

Kabuki Café

Katsura Grill

L’Artisan des Glaces

La Cantina de San Angel

La Cava de Tequila

La Hacienda de San Angel

The Land Cart

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Popcorn in Canada

Refreshment Outpost

Refreshment Port

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

Rose & Crown Dining Room

Rose & Crown Pub

San Angel Inn Restaurante

Spice Road Table

Sunshine Seasons

Tangierine Café

Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kiosks

Traveler’s Café

UK Beer Cart

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Disney's Hollywood Studios July 15

Attractions

Alien Swirling Saucers

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Muppet*Vision 3D

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Slinky Dog Dash

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Toy Story Mania!

Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)

Walt Disney Presents

Entertainment

Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with favorite Disney friends appearing along Hollywood Boulevard—including:

Disney Junior Stars Motorcade

Mickey & Friends Motorcade

Pixar Motorcade

Shopping

Celebrity 5 & 10

Crossroads of the World

Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

Droid Depot Experience

Droid Depot Store

In Character

Legends of Hollywood

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey’s Of Hollywood

Movieland Memorabilia

Once Upon A Time

Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind

Rock Around The Shop

Rubio Arts

Strollers & Wheelchairs

Tatooine Traders

The Market

Tower Hotel Gifts

Toy Story Mania Shop

Restaurant

50’s Prime Time Café

Anaheim Produce

Backlot Express

BaseLine Tap House

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

The Hollywood Brown Derby

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Milk Stand

Oga’s Cantina at the Walt Disney World Resort

Peevy’s Polar Pipeline

PizzeRizzo

Ronto Roasters

Rosie’s All-American Café

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Sunshine Day Bar

The Trolley Car Café

Disney’s Animal Kingdom July 11

Attractions

Affection Section

Avatar Flight of Passage

DINOSAUR

Discovery Island Trails

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Festival of the Lion King

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Kali River Rapids

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Maharajah Trail

Na’vi River Journey

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

The Oasis Exhibits

TriceraTop Spin

Wilderness Explorers

Wildlife Express

Entertainment

Character Cruises throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing in boats around Discovery River—including the following:

Discovery River Character Cruise

Discovery Island Drummers

Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!

Mickey & Friends Flotilla

Shopping

Africa Hub Cart

African Heritage Wood Carving

Baby Care

Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

Discovery Trading Company

Garden Gate Gifts & Strollers

Kilimanjaro Safari Cart

Mandala Gifts

Mombasa Marketplace

Out Of The Wild

Serka Zong Bazaar

The Dino Institute Shop

Windtraders

Restaurant

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck

Creature Comforts

Dawa Bar

Dino-Bite Snacks

Flame Tree Barbecue

Harambe Fruit Market

Isle of Java

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Mr. Kamal’s

Nomad Lounge

Pongu Pongu

Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Restaurantosaurus

Satu’li Canteen

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks

Tiffins Restaurant

Trilo-Bites

Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Cafes

Yak & Yeti™ Restaurant

Resorts

July 10th:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

July 29th:

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

August 12th:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

August 24th:

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

September 21st:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

October 1st:

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

October 14th:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Currently, no date provided:

Disney’s All-Stars Resorts

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (non-DVC)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Panoramic Paradise: Main Street U.S.A.

Gardner's Shack: The Liberty Tree

In Liberty Square, there is an attraction that is often overlooked. But in 1971 when the Magic Kingdom opened it was the centerpiece of the land. That Attraction is the Liberty Tree. You may be asking yourself what is the Liberty Tree well that goes back to a time before Disney in fact it goes back to a time before America. The original Liberty Tree was located in Boston Common from 1646 till 1775 when a British Loyalist cut it down. But in the years before she was felled she stood as a sort of rallying place for those who wanted to rebel against the tyranny of the British.

Fast-forward to the 1970s. Walt Disney had always had plans to build a Liberty Square in Disneyland but when that never happened it became a priority for the "Florida Project". So with Liberty Square coming to fruition in Florida now, they needed a centerpiece for the land. Again they looked back to Walt's vision. He had always planned to have a liberty tree in the land, so that's what they did. They took a Florida Live Oak from 8 miles east of the Magic Kingdom and trucked it over to the park. That was no small task but with the guidance of legendary Disney Gardner Bill Evans who had experience moving impossible to move big trees at Disneyland they got the job done.

Now she sits across from the Hall of Presidents with thirteen Lanterns hanging in her branches representing the thirteen original colonies. So next time you are at the Magic  Kingdom and find yourself in Liberty Square maybe waiting for a parade or enjoying a snack from Sleepy Hollow, stop and take a moment to enjoy the shade of The Liberty Tree.

Or whistle a tune. here are the lyrics and audio from the Liberty Tree song from the 1957 Disney film Johnny Tremain.

Plant the seed in our homeland, boys. Let it grow where all can see

Feed it with our devotion, boys. Call it the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

Save it from the storm, boys. Water down its roots with tea

And the sun will always shine on the old Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

March along with the piper, boys. We were born forever free

Let’s go pay the piper, boys, beneath the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

Pay the price they’re asking, boys. Always pay the tyrant’s fee

Never give up the struggle, boys. Fight for the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

Stand for the rights of man, boys. Stand against all tyranny

Hang the lamps of freedom, boys, high on the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

And it will grow as we grow, boys. It will be as strong as we

We must cling to our faith, boys-faith in the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree

And a strong old Tree

And we are the Sons

Yes, we are the Sons

The Sons of Liberty

Family Vault: Happy Fathers Day!

A Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and especially to mine. Thanks for everything.

"But it all started from a daddy with two daughters wondering where he could take them where he could have a little fun with them, too."

 Goofy:

This is a vacation with me and my best buddy.

Max:

Donald Duck?

Goofy:

No, silly, with you!

 So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.

 Marlin:

What if they don't like me?

Coral:

Marlin!

Marlin:

No, really.

Coral:

There's over 400 eggs, odds are, one of them is bound to like you.

 Two guys named Arthur and we still couldn't pull out the sword. This was taken at the Fantasyland 5k in 2002 a charity event where you had to ride 5 kilometers of Fantasyland attractions.

Me and mom always took a picture with the sombreros at pirates so dad and I tried these on.

Never too old for LEGO's... never too old.

Disney Day in History: Happy 25th birthday to The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

June 20th, 1995 something full of Terror made it's way to the Magic Kingdom and I'm not talking about Steve Urkel who also visited that same year. That's a joke for all you 90's kids out there. No, it was the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Arguably the most fighting attraction to ever come to a Disney park. Part of Michael Eisners Plan to bring more teens and young adults to the parks. It was a work of master craftsmanship between Disney Imagineering and  Lucasfilms. I want to do a deep dive into this amazing attraction very soon but for now here are some promotional pieces from the attraction.

Disney Dining At Home: Apple Cobbler from the Liberty Tree Tavern

Apple Cobbler 

from the Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Pie Crust Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 sticks unsalted butter cut into ¼ inch pieces

4 tablespoons Crisco – Vegetable Shortening

Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl Using your fingers, work in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons ice water and work with your fingers until the water is incorporated and the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.

Spray the inside of a 9x13x2 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with a

non-stick coating. Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface and line the baking dish with dough (as for an apple pie)

Apple Filling:

4 pounds Baking Apples – Golden Delicious

½ cup Sugar

1 ½ cups Brown sugar

½ teaspoon Nutmeg – ground

½ cup Flour

Sift dry ingredients together. Put apples in a small saucepan and cook

over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add dry ingredients and cook until

apples are soft and ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Remove apples

from heat and chill thoroughly. Place cooled apple filling into dish.

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces Cream cheese – softened at room temperature

1 each large egg

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Top apples with cream cheese mixture and swirl into apples slightly.

Oatmeal Streusel:

¾ cup All-purpose flour

½ teaspoon Cinnamon – ground

½ cup Brown Sugar – packed

¾ cup Rolled Oats

½ cup Butter – Unsalted

Spread streusel mixture evenly over top of apple/cream cheese mixture.

Bake in center of the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe found at AllEars.net

Flashback Fridays: On The River

When the Rivers of America had life and energy. At one point you had four types of transportation on the river. They were: The Mike Fink Keelboats, The Liberty Square River Boats, The Rafts to Tom Sawyers Island, and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. 

Disney After Dark: O Canada

The Hotel du Canada from the gardens of the Canada Pavilion at Epcot.

Family Vault: Skyleidoscope 1985

Some fun photos from my family vault. Taken by my grandfather back in 1985. This was Skyleidoscope an air and sea show in the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot Center.

Audio Archive: Dreamflight

Take a ride on Dreamflight the former Tomorrowland attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Audio Archive: If you had Wings

Take an audio trip on If you had wings the former attraction of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World.

Making Memories: Staying at the Duck Pond

A lot of people give the All-Star Resorts a hard time. Yes, they are value resorts so you are not getting the level of service you would at the Grand. However, if you love the Mighty Ducks and want to stay at an on-property hotel that is still better then most value chains around the country then the All-Star Movies is for you. So next time you are at Walt Disney World have your Quack Pack form a Flying-V over to the All-Stars, you may score a fun time.

Disney Dining at Home: Snow Leopard Salvation from Nomad Lounge

Snow Leopard Salvation

Nomad Lounge Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Ingredients:

6 mint leaves

1 oz vodka

1 oz pear liqueur

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

3 oz ginger beer

lime wheel for garnish, mint sprig for garnish

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Put mint leaves, vodka, pear liqueur, and fresh line juice in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ice

3. Shake

4. Top with ginger beer

5. Serve in a tall glass over ice

6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.