This Just In From Kim Jorkis

"Hey Diz Blog - reporting live from Argentina where news is a buzz about a Disney theme park coming to town. Don't know how the rumor began but I'll say anything after one beer in a local pub. Could it be traced to me? I know not. I started a joke ... which made the whole world laughing."

How To Sound Important About A Theme Park Attraction

Let us consider, for example, however briefly, the much maligned supernatural void concept that is at hand. The thing that individuals who oppose this concept often miss which some do not - is the design and layout perspective and the environmental design we think of - is understood, which is that darkness – utter, stark blackness – is not the absence of material, but the presence of all possible material. A badly exposed piece of film doesn’t turn transparent, it turns pure black- pure I tell you - because it has been exposed to the visible light spectrum! Why the ideas on an attraction design are spectacular in that we understand that darkness which is not only the natural state for an attractions to exist in, but that darkness held not nothing, but the potential for all things to be infinitely and positively oblique and nocturnal!

Hey Hey Hey

I will be in Ascutney tomorrow and the blog will only be updated again on Thursday.

By the Wee Willie Winkie way, and to avoid taking you by a complete surpise: I will be departing on Saturday for a 2-week vacation to Schenectady (in the region of NY during 1 week and then Union College for about another week) and will be back on November 1st or 2nd. I am extremely unlikely (and maybe unwilling) to update the blog at any point during those 2 weeks (because I'm lazy). Wah-ah!!

Friday's Post

Here it is Friday and I am posting from the great outdoors. Autumn is in the air and so is my ego. The blog has been updated today with this post. Do not get fooled by the fact that for some reason I have posted today. My thoughts are extreme, eccentric, and foolish. If this makes no sense to you - then I have done my job. It is a tribute to my favorite blogger (whose name must be kept a secret but who is definitely pompous). Man, isn't blogging the best?

now HEAR this

I will be in Naples until Thursday and the blog will only be updated again on Friday - if the weather is cooperative. I've come to post outdoors. Easier with all the trouble and mess y'know. Worth giving it a try, really. (To be honest though, this subject does not excite me much.)

This Just in From Bunny Bubkus

Our old colleague Bunny from Georgia has sent in the following words:

Disney Wold's Polynesian may have new sod within the next 12 months. I spoke with the guy who mows and it's fairly official.

I can sleep easier tonight. Thank you Bunny.

A Day To Remember

Set aside all the opinions, ideas, and myths ... today Epcot turns 25 and the Magic Kingdom 36 years young. Thanks for the memories and here's to many more great years of entertainment.

Podcast transcription

Heard a podcast the other day and it went something like this: (the names have been changed to protect the innocent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hugh: "Now going back to the days of Horizons at Epcot, I understand you have some interesting insight about the retired and sorely missed classic attraction."
Heff: "Why yes I do. Many guests don't realize that the entrance to Horizons went through a multitude of changes over its existence. Namely the colors on the wall. Although described as light green by cast members, it was actually called coral green. Yet it looked blue to visitors who entered the attraction after sundown - due to the artificial lighting system. Years later it was painted more of an alligator green and if you were lucky enough to enter Horizons as the sun was setting, the walls actually looked pink. By golly pink I tell you!"
Hugh: "I have to agree with you Heff, for those of you not familiar with the entrance, it really looked pink."
Heff: "Now Imagineers didn't want pink - so they painted the walls a forest green and believe it or not it always looked green no matter what time of the day it was. This color though insulted true Epcot aficionados and there was a bit of a backlash. It didn't last long as Horizons was eventually knocked down."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These guys should be on TV!!

What's In a Name

Epcot ... such a simple & small name. Just 5 letters long. Only requires 2 vowels. Just a mere 2 syllables long. Tocpe spelled backward. Yet it means more than this post. It's more complex than the computer you are using right now. It's more powerful than your back-up drive (you do have a back-up drive, don't ya?). It even has a nice ring to it, whether in its original form EPCOT or the more accepted Epcot. Yes, it's quite a name.

this just in from Tim Bubkis:
I once knew a guy who knew the guy whose son swept Main Street on alternate days when the sun was out. you want my autograph?
No Tim ... but maybe you can host a podcast about it.

Rupert Pupkin's FastPass Rumors

This just in from the messy desk of R. Pupkin:
Among the ideas that the Imagineers are allegedly looking into is one where a guest could book an attraction up to a year in advance. This would appeal to the visitor who needs to plan every minute of their Disney trip (such as meals, shows, and bathroom breaks).
Another idea is one that involves a second version of an attraction which would be designated FastPass. All of the popular attractions would have a double that would be for FastPass holders only. For example there would be your standard Haunted Mansion and then a FastPass Haunted Mansion right next to it.
A third idea is one in which the visitor never actually gets on an attraction, they just write books about it.

Spaceship Earth Rumor

My ear is to the street and I have caught wind of the fact that Starbucks is opening inside Spaceship Earth! A cup of Epcot java will only cost you $10.50!

Food Of Walt

With all these posts floating about having to do with Walt's private food recipes ... it got me thinking. I would really like to have his recipe for ice - if anyone has that handy.

Hey Mr Kinkade!

I'm not talking about the Partridge Family's manager Reuben either (although I wish I was). I'm speaking of the "painter of light" (that title cracks me up) who is now working a deal with Disney. (Ugh!) Seems he "created" a Cinderella painting which is getting a big hub-bub of a presentation down at WDW in the near future. Please people don't fall for his combo of religion and con-man-itis! There is nothing heartfelt here - all business. Something else that lately has turned my stomach ... Disney execs open your eyes. He is America's most-collected living artist because he has a good PR man! His company Media Arts Group Inc., has been accused of unfair dealings with owners of Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery franchises. Right there ... "franchises" should tip you off. In my opinion he takes advantage of people. End of blog.

Word of Warning

stay away from this retailer:

POOLS ETC INC
25 Commercial Dr
Wrentham MA 02093

unscrupulous, dishonest, irresponsible ... those words pretty much sum up there business ethics.

An Opinion

And now Barry Michael's opinion on Davis Clyde's view of Epcot's Spaceship Earth:

Mr Clyde's denial of the sphere's crucial role in Epcot's history is immature, weak, and deliberately cruel! I know for a fact that no one shares his view! Everyone is on my side.

Wow that is something ... especially since I don't know Davis Clyde or his view. But if Barry Michael's feels better about what he wrote ... then this blog served a purpose (which doesn't happen too often). Can't we just go to the parks and all enjoy ourselves?

No Theme Park in Vermont

Disney is not - I repeat not - building a theme park in Acutney, Vermont. I don't know how these rumors start, but it must be put to bed. A Mickey Snow Village is not on the horizons for Imagineers anytime soon.

Today's News

Bears eat man at beer festival

A 23-year old Serb was found dead and half-eaten in the bear cage of Belgrade Zoo at the weekend during the annual beer festival.

The man was found naked, with his clothes lying intact inside the cage. Two adult bears, Masha and Misha, had dragged the body to their feeding corner and reacted angrily when keepers tried to recover it.

"There's a good chance he was drunk or drugged. Only an idiot would jump into the bear cage," zoo director Vuk Bojovic told Reuters.

Local media reported that police found several mobile phones inside the cage, as well as bricks, stones and beer cans!

Ugh!

Someone named Diane emailed me that she doesn't like theme parks & that they "clutter up our natural land."
She can be reached at: dianne3606@in.kpmg.com

News of the Day

This just in from Hilda Loyce -
I have feet!
Thanks for the heads up Hilda. She can be reached at bdf1bqza@interstaterelocation.net

MGM Comments

And now a few comments about yesterday's news:

Are they gonna go back and change all the MGM movies to read Hollywood? - Tom Atoe

I feel the structural integrity of the park has been compromised way beyond the natural slope of the original plan to surround the guests with a aura of longevity and latitude precision.
- Sal Lamby

Which park is that one? - Lindsay Richy

I don't go to that park because the animals scare me. - Gil Burt

Why would they move Disney-MGM all the way to Hollywood? Who's going to go there? - Anita Mantohug

Well I couldn't have said it any differently ... well maybe I could have, but I wouldn't have made any sense.

Oh No!

Here it comes - all the "I told you so" people are standing tall & grinning. Today it was announced that Disney-MGM Studios will be known as Disney's Hollywood Studios starting January of next year. There are a bunch of changes coming to the park too - but they are exciting only to a 5-year-old. Call the park what you will ... beyond Tower of Terror, Rock Coaster, and Star Wars ... the park can be a bit of a snoozer.
It was also announced that people over at Mission:SPACE saw the shuttle launch last Wednesday. Guess if you were standing over at Space Mountain it wasn't visible.

This Just In

This just in from Rich Roberts:

Last month I acquired a wonderful piece of Disney animation history at a garage sale in Ascutney, Vermont. A paintbrush once used by one of Walt's Nine Old Men to paint Dumbo! The bristles are missing and there are teeth marks on the handle of the brush, but nevertheless it's a beauty! The person who sold it to me was the grandson of a guy who delivered milk to the cousin of a woman who lived across the street from the Disney Studios - so its authenticity is irrefutable. However, it provokes some fascinating questions like - What color paint was the brush dipped in? Where was the brush manufactured and then sold? I don't have the answers to these questions just a moldy old stick that was once a paintbrush.

Hey Rich - what were you thinking?

I'm Pleased

I'm pleased that Walt passed on turning the 1964-65 World's Fair grounds into a Disney park. I'm pleased because the idea was suggested by Robert Moses (a NY icon?) - and eventually someone had to tell Mr Moses "No!" He couldn't have his way all the time - although he believed differently. (Yes, this was the same Moses that chased the Dodgers out of Brooklyn.)

Dining Changes at the Parks

Brown bag it - like the old days.

Interview

I don't know how many of you realize this - but I was suppose to do the Roz Chast interview for the New Yorker. Yes, it's true. But when it dawned on me that I had no idea who Roz Chast was, I called up Steve Martin and asked him to do the interview for me. He verbally scolded me for not knowing her work and hung up the phone (quite loudly I might add) but not before calling me a bunch of 3 letter words. I immediately researched the work of Miss Chast (if I may be so bold to call her Miss) and came to the conclusion that Mr Martin was indeed right. I'm afraid the New Yorker is beyond (and above me) right along with her fine work. I'll never be more than a Three Stooges/Morey Amsterdam kind of guy when it comes to comedy.

Podcast Idea

I woke up the other night with an incredible idea clanging in my head ... a podcast about Disney! There aren't many (if any) out there. I could host it and play kooky music in the background and have fans email and call in. It would be a riot. I could broadcast live from the Hall of Presidents and wake people up from their naps.
OK, I'm kidding - there are like a billion Disney podcasts out there and I certainly couldn't do anything as well as them. But the Hall of Presidents idea ...

Can U Imagine

Can you imagine if famous newscasters in history like Edward R Murrow or Walter Cronkite were still reporting today and were asked to cover stories during their broadcast about Paris, Britney, Nicole or Lindsay?

Help Needed

I'm thinking of writing a book about Disney, but I am so overwhelmed with the research for it that I am hoping to find fans out there who will help me. Of course I will get all the credit and profits and those who help can buy the book at a discount. Sounds selfish, doesn't it?

Nothing To Do With Disney

But still very important:
READ THIS

Mid-Afternoon Roundup

It's an exciting time to be free - just check TheFreeSite.
Love music and citrus? Head on over to TheOrangesBand.
Eraser site will give you chills and spills.
Hey it's summer - let's see what the folks over at SnowCrystals have for us! (If you're into that kind of thing.)

I Never Would Have Figured

Sources close to the ground inform us that Epcot may hold a re-dedication ceremony on October 1. These sources tell us that the park will be 25 years old and very crowded. The ceremony will have nothing to do with a certain young actress and her run-ins with the law. No reality TV stars will be present and guests are encouraged to wear clothes.

TOP 3 UNOFFICIAL COLORS OF WDW

The top 3 unofficial colors of Disney World:
ORANGE
BLUE
GREEN

I feel so unofficial now.

All Ears Up!

Now hear this: the arm and wand from Epcot will be auctioned off online and the proceeds will be donated to help Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie pay their legal fees. A cry of outrage is spreading throughout the Disney community.
Alright, I'm kidding.

Ouch!

While flying a kite in a remote wooded area of WDW, Roy Fleming (webmaster of disneykites.com, the unofficial website of Florida air) had an accident with a wild unicorn. Apparently Roy had his back to the creature - which is an insult between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to unicorns - and so was run over by the pointed animal. It is interesting to note that the attack happened at 12:01 p.m. which leads me to believe that the unicorn either can't tell time or needs to change the battery in its watch. Speedy recovery Roy!

Now Hear This

This just in from Mim Yorkis:
The Disney Geeks did a live streaming broadcast from WDW - the Boardwalk to be exact last night (July 17). This may in fact be the first of its kind! Will they start a cool trend? Only time will tell. Keep up the solid work guys!
Thanks Mim! (Mim Yorkis runs the popular iknoweverythingboutdisney.com site)

Yes We Heard

Lance Finkleman has alerted My Dizney Blog that the arm and wand are coming down at Epcot's Spaceship Earth. A little late Vance, but much appreciated. We heard they are going to replace the arm and wand with a leg and lacrosse stick. Check that out Vince and let me know what you find.

This Just In

This Just In from Kim Jorkis:
"When I came home, I was too tired to go to the Magic Kingdom so I clicked on My Dizney Blog instead!"
Kim! Kim! Kim! You are too kind ... or demented, I'm not sure which. A million thanks.
(Kim Jorkis is the head writer for the famous site MouseYanaNet.com)

Rat A Two Eeh!

I haven't seen the new animated feature - but I love it already! How can't I? It's a rat who cooks in Paris?! The reviews are overwhelmingly positive and the main character is voiced by Patton Oswalt - one of my favorite comedians/character actors. Even his name is fun to say - "Patton Oswalt" - sounds like a cartoon character. (He was great on King of Queens.) The film even has a great "look" to it and Brad Bird (creator of The Incredibles) has done a fantastic (or as some say "fintastic") job! Two thumbs up from My Dizney Blog ... and remember I haven't even seen it yet!

A Few Words from Captain Kangaroo

"The responsibility of parents is to raise children who do not need parents."

Roy Fleming Says:

"Still no issue of Persistence of Vision!"

Not My Typical Post

I came across the following & felt it was worth sharing:

_____________________________________

Drivers' Ten Commandments

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

_______________________________________

Please be safe.

Okay, So It's Not Thursday

But I just had to post. Isn't it odd that those who can afford get for free? I'm referring to the celebrities who attended the debut of Submarine Nemo at Disneyland. I won't mention their names because - well I leave that to other Disney fan sites.

Now Hear This

I will be in Pleasant Valley tomorrow. The site will be updated again on Thursday.

This Just In

Hey Ynot,
Still no new issue of Persistence of Vision.
Keeping both eyes opened,
Roy Fleming

Oh My!

Read this:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34647587&postID=4764872529168534197
and then ... I don't know ... sing "When You Wish Upon A Star" to yourself.

A Cluster of Disney Rumors

Here we go again with a fine collection of "hey, did ya hear that ..."

- A fifth water park is to be built 2 miles off of I-4. Wait a second, a 5th? They would have to build a 4th one first! Any hoot, it's to be called Wally's Water World.
- A new name for Disney-MGM Studios is being tossed around. Movieland and It's A Rap are just two of the names being considered.
- No more anniversary events for anything ... ever!
- No more fast passes for any attraction ... ever!
- More high-priced deluxe resorts.
- Smaller bottles of water for sale.
- For hopper pass visitors - you must visit at least 3 parks a day or you forfeit your pass.

Well, that's all for now folks!

Just Wondering ...

Anyone receive a new issue of Persistence of Vision or am I the only sucker who paid $50 for a subscription that amounted to one issue in 7 years? Just curious.

This Just In

Just received from Roy Fleming:
Hey Ynot.
There is no doubt!
Kind regards,
Roy

Now Hear This

I'm going to be in Ascutney tomorrow, so the site will be updated the day after that.

Bingo!

Tonight debuts the new game show based on bingo. What's next ... one about hopscotch? How about a reality game show where contestants watch paint dry?

This Just In

Droolie over at Larfing Face says he's eaten all the popcorn sold at the Magic Kingdom. That's it - there is no more.

Is It Safe?

Oh, you wouldn't believe how safe it is.

Attention In The House

Tomorrow is the 135th day of the year, so I won't be posting. Be back bright and early the day after that.

"Standing In Line" the movie

While standing in line at Space Mountain the other day, I had an idea - what if I shoot video (from my point of view) of waiting on lines in Disney theme parks? I could package them (by theme) and sell them! You notice and hear some interesting things while waiting on long lines. I could shoot the video during busy times of the year (July 4, Christmas, etc) to capture the best moments. I'm sure Disney wouldn't mind - as others shoot attractions and sell them too. Could be a whole new angle.

Happy B-day Disney-MGM

On this day in 1989, the Disney-MGM Studios opened in Florida! And can you believe it ... on all the worthy Disney sites that I surf, I can't find any mention of it. And these same sites complain about Epcot's lack of an anniversary! Well This Day in Disney History does this event justice. Someone does care Disney-MGM.

Autograph?

The other day I was stopped by a Disney fan at Animal Kingdom and asked for my autograph! My first reaction was "Who do you think I am?" My second reaction was "What name would you like me to sign?" I scribbled a combination of the names Tim, Lou and Deb. I figured I couldn't go wrong with those names as they are the "Marx Bros / Three Musketeers" of Disney Internet. More powerful than the names Mickey, Donald and Goofy! The autograph seeker seemed satisfied with my signature and ran off when she saw Pluto crossing over into Asia.

On The Road?

Today I am writing this post from ... Barcelona! I have my ears to the pavement and I hear "theme park to be built in Spain!" No, I'm kidding. I'm not in Barcelona and I haven't heard anything about a park in Spain. I desperately try to play the game ... but I have too much of a conscience. For that reason I'll never make it as a pro blogger or journalist.

No Disney Theme Park in Missouri

What a shock!? You mean this wasn't true? But all the Disney sites reported it. I've been fooled.

News Alert

I think there was a time when news reporting was just that ... news reporting. Not making up the news reporting. I think that is called fiction. It is amazing how a rumor about Disney becomes "news" and everybody jumps on it and reports it. Before you know it, a piece of fiction has become news.

Humble Apologies

Apologies for the delays in posting: I am in London rather unexpectedly and will have more time in the future for slightly longer posts. Well, not really ... it's just a cool excuse I like to use. Seems if you name drop European cities - it makes you sound important & busy!

Spring is Near

Ah March is half gone, the snow is nearly gone and Spring is nearly here. I feel like going to Disney World. Maybe I'll just look at Disney related photos on ebay and write about them. Nah, that's boring. Better yet, I'll head over to the 217 Hyperion website - always something cool to see and read about.

I love It

I love it when people call themselves the "unofficial blah blah" on their websites. I just read on a site that a webmaster refers to him/herself as the unofficial photographer of Disney World. What does that mean? Hey ... I'm the unofficial King of the Bloggers! I'm also the unofficial webmaster of Microsoft! Incase you can't tell, I'm rolling my eyes in disbelief.

You Do Realize That ...

The reason cell phones today can take photos, play music, give you driving directions, etc., is because cell phones cannot make phone calls. The very reason they were invented has to be camouflaged to consumers. A day cannot go by without Cingular dropping my call (and I travel all over the country - so I don't want to hear about the area I'm in has a weak signal). But consumers go along with it - yes these handy devices do it all EXCEPT PLACE PHONE CALLS!! Duh.

49th Grammy Awards

Yes, bad behavior continues to be rewarded (exception: Randy Newman).

Bad Behavior

Enough already ... why must bad behavior be rewarded? It's everywhere on every level.

REASONS TO THINK AN ASTRONAUT MIGHT BE STALKING YOU

- The guy behind you on Mission:SPACE is wearing a diaper.
- A "Cast Member" bids you farewell as you leave the station at Space Mountain.
- A "ticket agent" at Orlando International Airport asks if you want pepper spray with your boarding pass.
- You keep receiving prank phones calls from NASA asking if you know of a car that gets 900 miles on a tank of gas.
- The woman next to you on the Disney monorail keeps counting backwards from 10.
- The man in the moon looks worried.

Lien on Castle?!

I just read online that a lien has been put against Cinderella Castle! Seems somebody didn't get paid for building it! The state may step in and investigate to see if Disney had a permit to fill the moat with water back in 1971. I think the wiring may not be up to code too. I'm sure Goofy can pay off some Orlando politican and make all this go away.

Now Hear This?

This just in from Dunda Pecoratrino:
Hi Ynot,
Hope this message finds you. Word on the street is that people love theme parks and theme parks love big business. Financial experts agree the percentage over the final quarters is far ahead of last year's fiscal earnings. Spending is on the rise and the gross income is not that gross.
Be well,
Dunda
Wow, now I'm not a financial professional but that sounds important and very impressive. If anyone can explain it to to me - I'd be a happier me.

Kim Jill Sez

Our good friend Kim Jill reports on his Kim Jill Media site that every photo taken of Disney World prior to October 1971 was done on a sound stage in Burbank, California. Seems crazy - even a little nutty - I know. But since the Magic Kingdom wasn't completed and publicity photos were needed, a mock MK was built for the sake of the lens. Still hard for me to swallow, but I'll half-heartedly go along with the conspiracy.

Disney.com open to public

Funny how a website can be "opened" to the public. Well Disney's newest site is. Much to click on and experience. Many ads to see!
I wonder if someone will start a feature-by-feature review of it, complete with photos and web-like graphics. Maybe hold a convention and discuss it in length. Have a podcast or two about it. It's better to have an audio description of a website rather than just visiting the actual site itself. I see many a career launched based strictly on the new site.
Alright enough is enuf! Go take Disney's newest Disney.com out for a spin!

Heard Disney Rumors!?

Disney fan sites always report rumors that they've heard. It's like they've uncovered some hidden scoop and they want to be the first to report it. Very enthusiastic on their part and very entertaining. Here are a few I have heard:
-Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle is going to have a bay window installed.
-Chip 'N Dale have filed for divorce.
-Stewie from Family Guy has been named the 2007 WDW Ambassador.
-The lion at Animal Kingdom is animatronic.
-Disney on Ice travles with its own zamboni.
-Pinocchio loves Lemon Pledge.
-Regis Philbin wants to run for Mayor of Magic Kingdom.
-The Wilderness Lodge Resort uses 10 watt light bulbs.
-Tigger is being sent to anger management class.
Now these are rumors ... not factual, so please don't get all excited and look for the zamboni the next time Disney on Ice comes to your town!

Blog Noticed!

This blog has been noticed! I saw a link to it at the This Day in Disney History link page. A million thanks! And yes I am for real and am glad you find this blog entertaining. Your site is pretty groovy too. Wow, a brush with greatness.

Pix

Wow, alright. Famous friends in poses at theme parks. Snap, snap ... beautiful photos. Ok. I understand. Wonderful. But the sun still comes up tomorrow and there are still taxes to be paid and jobs to be done. Let's put things in perspective. And I don't mean the photo kind.

Spaceship Earth Rumors

A flutter of rumors are circulating over changes to Epcot's Spaceship Earth - y'know the iconic ball that greets you as you enter the park's main entrance. The one I've heard is that the outside of the sphere is going to be tranformed into a giant media screen (which a different ABC talk show will sponsor every month). So now when you enter the park, you can view the latest gossip about an overpaid celebrity who is going through rehab or a pop star who forgot its 2-year-old in a pub, etc. It will be quite the departure from what the sphere was originally designed to be - but ratings tell the chief muckity-mucks that the general population love celebrity mishaps. Afterall it seems that bad behavior gets rewarded these days - but does it have to influence Epcot?

An Embarrassing Moment

Yesterday I went for an interview at a local hospital. The medical center is looking to fill their chief of surgery position. My interview started at 10:15 a.m. and sadly lasted only 10 minutes. After a few questions is was apparent to the staff that I had no business going for this position. I have no medical training! What was I thinking? I'm not really sure ... maybe I just needed someone to pay attention to me. Now that I look back at it - I guess I shouldn't have showed up for the interview. But the staff didn't have to be so mean to me! After a few questions they started to make little sarcastic comments about me. I think they called me a "time waster" and "someone who needs to find employment where a spatula is required." Man, it was humiliating! Was it my fault for showing up or was it their fault for being mean? I sure wish someone would send me to Disney World to help me cope with my grief.

Trash Cans

I'm thinking of designing really cool trash cans to be placed throughout the theme parks - sort of a "Year of a Million Trash Cans" theme. I'd like to shoot some photos of celebrities picking up after themselves and place these photos on big colorful cans. Now I'm not an acclaimed trash can desginer - so I'll probably have a tough time persuading the top wigs to go along with my idea. Trash cans may not keep "dreams alive," but they will prevent you from stepping in goo.

Bottle that Fragrance!

There is a pleasant fragrance I note when entering the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I don't know how to describe it. Maybe it's from the fresh flowers scattered about the large lobby - or maybe it's from the cleaning fluid that is used to shine the floors - but I love it. I wish I could take it home. I want to bottle it, hold conventions and sell it. Okay, maybe I'd give it away - but I would hold a convention. Maybe we'd meet down at the Hess station and make our way to the GF and then breath in. Man, what a treat. Then we could take photos and gossip. At a later date we'd post the photos taken at our convention and start a forum. I could jibber jab about the fragrance all day & night. Maybe sell t-shirts. The possibilities are endless. I could write a book about fragrances at WDW! It would become a best-seller and I could quit my day jobs and move to Florida. I'd be a trivial expert on odors at theme parks. There's a position no one has. Maybe for a reason.

I'm a Stupid-head

For the second year in a row I have missed the WDW marathon because I arrived a week late. There should be some sort of award for that. Twice in a row? Just got back in yesterday morning. I'm feeling the pride right now.

WDW Marathon

Well, this will be my last blog for a week. I'm leaving tomorrow morning to head down to Florida to take part in the 2007 Walt Disney World Marathon. It's the first time I'm running in it (although I have run through the parks before). I have been training and looking forward to this since last January when I mistakenly missed the event by a week. I was looking at the wrong calendar! To be honest, I'll be running in the Half Marathon because I'm out of shape. That's not to say that Half Marathon runners are not in shape ... I'm sure I will be the last contestant to cross the finish line or crawl over the finish line. If any of you see me - please say hello ... to the person next to you. Then have that person say hello to me and help me up on my feet!

New Site to See

Bob Iger, Disney CEO, gave the Keynote speech at CES last night. Man, CEO and CES makes it all official and warm sounding. Very important upper crustick kind of stuff. Is crustick a word? Where did that come from?
A new website was revealed in Vegas & I for one am interested in seeing it. I'm sure it's great. Too bad I couldn't have been there. But I am just a peasant in the world of blogs and maybe if I had a foreign sounding first name I could post more proudly. More proudly? Where did I go to school?

Newest additions

Just received some cool theme park pamphlets and books on animation from Ukraine. I'll try to scan them in.

Hardware store blues

I recently went to a hardware chain establishment, let's call it mACE because I don't want to use the real name. I went to this mACE because I needed a new recycle bin. I recycle like a good little tax payer and I got rewarded for it by having my recycling bin destroyed. The town I live in doesn't give their tax-paying citizens recycling bins (like other towns do) so I needed to go out and purchase one. Of course this time of the year, it isn't easy to buy one because recycling bins are grouped in with trash cans and garden hoses and well who in there right mind would want to buy an item like that during the winter? That's plumb crazy.
So being plumb crazy I went to mACE because I could have sworn that in the recycle bin buying weather, mACE had like a million of them on display outside their fine establishment. When I arrived I could plainly see there weren't any bins outside - but why should there be, it's winter! So I went inside mACE and went down the trash can/garden hose aisle and low and behold I could not find any recycle bins. So although being a man I don't like to ask for help ... I asked for help in this matter. Now I've been in this particular mACE like 50 times over the last 4 years and probably spent close to $2000 in those 4 years - but they still look at me like I'm from Mars. Anyway, I was told mACE doesn't sell recycle bins. I acted surprised to this answer and so the "salesman" asked a fellow "salesman" about it & the second genius declared "we never carried recycle bins". I must be losing my mind - I thought to myself - I could have sworn mACE sold recycle bins.
Now I needed a recycle bin because Wednesday was coming up soon and by golly I have to recycle. So off I went to another chain which I'll refer to as Gnome Depot - and after much searching found two lousy (and dirty) recycle bins. "That's all we got" I was told. Of course, it's not recycle bin buying weather! What's wrong with me!? So I purchased one of the two very dirty bins for an unbelievable price of $30 and went home to fill it with bottles and cans. (Even the Gnome Depot cashier made me feel stupid as she was also shocked at the price and the fact that I was actually buying it!)
Long story short - fast forward to 2 weeks later and I'm speaking with my brother-in-law and we get on the topic of recycle bins. He tells me he bought his at mACE for a reasonable price. He said mACE had tons of them. Always have and probably always will (in season of course).
I love hardware stores almost as much as the employees who refuse to work in them.

Blog Alert

My friend Arang Arangigi turned me on to this cool blog/site:
http://2904109.blogspot.com/
It isn't theme park oriented per say, but it is worth a visit.

Mickey's The Birthday Party

Disney's Mickey Mouse cartoon The Birthday Party was released on this day way back in the year 1931. I like posting stuff like this because it makes me feel like an expert. Like I was around in 1931 and actually went to the theater and saw it. Like I'm a professor when it comes to old cartoons. I'm sure somehwere out there someone is analyzing the cartoon to show its importance to the 20th century ... or something. Have a hot pocket and relax!

Laughing

The new issue of Mad is out and man this mag gets better and better. While it may not deal with the kind of humour I am most interested in hearing about, it contains quite a few bits in each issue that make it worth its cost. I feel better now for have written this post.

Castle Facts

This just in from McLean Jefferson: Cinderella Castle is in Disney World and Sleeping Beauty Castle is in Disneyland. Seems I have negelected to mention that in my past posts.

Today's Blog Sites

Two exceptional blogs today that I'd like to bring to the surface if I may -
this one: http://cpkmelissa.blogspot.com/
and this one: http://juridicoonline.blogspot.com/
Whatever you do, don't miss em!

Idea for WDW

A drive-in theater. An honest to goodness old fashioned drive-in theater. Very 1950s vintage. Put one on property. Have a section where guests who don't have a car can enjoy the atmosphere too - maybe pre-parked cars. Show old Disney live-action flicks (anything with Fred MacMuraay would be ideal).

Fountain View Closed

Rupert Dowlings (our Florida newsman - currently living in Georgia) reports that Epcot's Fountain View Cafe is temporarily closed as of today. Yikes! Where will I be able to enjoy fresh baked good while sipping espresso at Epcot? The seating there is colorful and invigorating and of course you have a view of a fountain - what more can a guy (or gal) ask for!? It's a fabulous spot. Is there another cafe at Epcot? I can't think of another off the top of my head. I'm sure someone will come up with an alternate establishment. I wonder what's going on that the Fountain View is closed. Cleaning out the espresso machine maybe? I just realized .. there savory breakfast pocket is delicious and I can't imagine going a week without one. It's sort of like a Hot Pocket, but you don't have to run to a restroom 30 seconds after you've inhaled one.

The Worm Turns today in '37

Elwood Lerk reminds me that Disney's Mickey Mouse film The Worm Turns was released today January 2 in the year 1937. Mr Lerk is a history enthusiast who seems to know just when to remind me of special events. How does he do it? I'm not sure as I've never actually met Elwood Lerk. The relationship he and I have was formed over the internet. I do know he is quite the Disney fan as he has visited Disneyland 37 times and Disney World 54. Can you imagine visiting those parks that many times?! He must have his own parking spot by now.

Epcot to Celebrate Anniversary?

No sooner had the year 2007 burst in than an email from Perez Del Flalo swished across my pc screen. For those who don't know Perez, he is one of my solid informers when it comes to anything Disney. Fans of his on again off again bi-monthly magazine Vision of Insistence know him for his short but informative articles. (Fans of the mag will be happy to know that issue 4 - the follow-up to the May 1999 issue 3 - will be printed sometime in 2008. Hang in there readers, he sort of means well.) Anyway, Perez has hinted that Epcot is set to offer a surprise celebration in honor of its 25th birthday. Details are few but it's going to "be a hum-dinger." Only time will tell. Fans of any Worlds Fair will undoubtedly be thrilled with the Epcot celebration. Or at least that's what they are told. Perez will keep me up-to-date so that I in turn can inform you, the reader. Right now Perez is tracking down details on Epcot's celebration while on a visit to Paris. Why Paris? Why not? He does some of his best tracking there - many Disney aficionados do. At least that's what I've read. Happy travels Perez Del Flalo, we'll be here waiting for the news.