WALT DISNEY QUOTE

"All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.”

-Walt Disney

 

This quote explains how fantasy and fables are different in their portrayal than realistic fiction. Fantasy and fables, by definition, must be exaggerated. Fantasy utilizes real world elements to provide a foundation for the magic to build upon. Medieval fantasy has the classic standbys of knights, kings, castle etc with a layer of magic and dragons to enrich the experience. A realistic movie of the medieval cannot include this. In fables, character traits are exaggerated to teach a lesson. Over the top is more memorable, thus an extreme liar reinforces the fable on honesty. Walt Disney understood this perfectly.

WORLD SHOWCASE ADDITIONS (MY PICKS)

My Additions to the World Showcase of EPCOT

While the World Showcase is a wonderful display of cultures and a much more efficient example of harmony than the UN, its lineup has been the same since the era of Reagan. Many vocals of displeasure have risen up from continents not included in the experience. Most notably, South America and Africa (Yes, I know Morocco is in Africa but its culture is Middle Eastern), have had supporters championing their causes and I have long been in the ranks for World Showcase expansion. According to Yesteryear (a site documenting Disney history), there is plenty of room for new countries and in fact several of my ideas were once considered.

ISRAEL

Israel was originally considered and even had announcements hawking its arrival to EPCOT. However, it was never built and the Holy Land remains without a presence in EPCOT. The plans called for amphitheater to hear music and a restaurant to taste the delicious favors of EPCOT. Alas, what could have been?

My plans for Israel would be an olive grove, a replica of the Temple or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a restaurant, statues to Israel’s greatest citizens, a Dead Sea water ride and a museum with artifacts from Israel. This outline would cover the major ingredients of the stew that is Israel. It would offer thrills, chills and an appreciation of the Jewish nation.

Will an Israeli pavilion ever happen? At this point, I severely doubt it. Israel is cast as a pariah in the media and the moment that Disney would announce the construction, the supporters of Palestine would mobilize social media with hashtags and threats of boycotts. It is extremely disappointing. Israel has one of the richest cultures in the world and would make an excellent addition to the World Showcase. Quite frankly, the complaints of any dissension should be ignored. Germany and Japan committed some of the evil deeds ever done in World War II and they were correctly added. No nation is perfect (and Israel is right in their actions, IMO). Focus on the culture and the history.

RUSSIA

I am using the Russian imperial flag because it is superior to the current bland design. Russia is another one of those nations with concept art that never quite made it to EPCOT. Maybe Epic Mickey 3 could visit those lands? Yes, Soviet Union Russia was on the drawing board, Walt, most likely, would have disagreed. He was a strict anti-Communist.

My outline for Russia contains a huge replica Orthodox Church with historical icons, a wax museum of the tsars of Russia, a folk band, a Russian train ride from the Baltic to Siberia and then on the way back, it is a high speed thrill. Finally, a restaurant showcasing all tastes of Russia would be available for reservations.

Will Russia ever be built? Maybe after Putin is not longer kicking butt, er, I mean in office. Relationships between Russia and America have been icy since the Communists took charge. Even after the Soviet Union toppled and disbanded, Russia and the USA aren’t backyard BBQ buds. With Putin revealing his aspirations of expansion, a Russia expansion, ironically, seems unlikely. The Soviet Union was a horror show like Nazi Germany and Japan in WW2; however, Germany and Japan have moved on and reformed. Russia still has its scarring from the Mongol invasions and needs to show its strength. Hopefully, the Russian pavilion someday will take its place. Eastern Europe needs a headliner.

 

 

 

 

 

 ETHIOPIA

Once again, I decided to use a retired flag to represent a country. Ethiopia is known as the Lion of Judah and the lion must roar. Interestingly, the Hussite or other Christian lambs hold holy objects in the same stance. Isaiah 11:6 is right yet again. Central and Southern Africa needs a country that shows off its culture and the Outpost is not enough. Ethiopia was one of two countries not colonized during the Race to Africa, Liberia was the other. In fact, it beat off an Italian attempt in the 1890’s, which explains the Italian conquest in the 1930’s. It was also surrounded by numerous Muslim countries that attacked, for one of those wars, Portugal (that is surprising team up!) helped and using gunpowder beat off the invaders. Ethiopia, also, supposedly has the Ark of the Covenant. Lots of history for a country that is now best known for hunger jokes.

My plans for Ethiopia include a restaurant serving the finest dishes from the country, a museum displaying its tenacity for independence against bigger nations, a band playing traditional music, and finally a super headliner ride coaster ride in a race for the Ark of Covenant. It doesn’t need to include Indiana Jones, especially since Raiders of the Lost Ark took place in Egypt. The track would weave and dodge through the mountains with special effects galore.

Would Ethiopia be considered? Hard to tell. EPCOT originally had advertisements for Equatorial Africa and the Outpost and both of those concepts take all the elements of Africa into a blender. This may be due to the perception of most people that treat Africa as one giant country or that the savanna receives most of the attention. Ethiopia would make a fine addition for several reasons. Animal Kingdom already covers the safari aspect of Africa. Ethiopia offers a view of Africa’s independence and a chance to expand outside of the limiting stereotypes.

 

 

 

 

 

PERU

Out of all the available countries to pick from South America, Brazil would probably earn the nod because of its prestige, size, influence, and its desire to be a world player. I am a born contrarian and thus Peru is my selection. I swear that The Emperor’s New Groove has little to do with my decision. Ok, it has a decent amount. Peru also offers an amazing mountain range and we all know that Disney does mountains extremely well. The Brazilian rain forest can go in the South American part of Animal Kingdom.

My Peruvian plan includes a restaurant highlighting the best dishes of Peru, a folk band, a museum explaining the heroic sacrifice behind the flag, character meet and greet with Kuzco in a glorious throne room and a slow boat ride through an Inca temple with a twist.

As I wrote before, Brazil is the most likely candidate for a South America expansion but I think that I made a good case for Peru. Peru fits in with the mountain motif and offers another chance for characters which my other picks do not and neither does Brazil.  

WALT'S QUOTE

“I get red, white, and blue at times.”

-Walt Disney

 

An ignored part of Walt Disney was his fervent patriotism for America. He loved America and her freedom and opportunity that allowed any hard worker to make their dreams come true. His fairy tales reflected that and he commissioned to be made many American folk tales (Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill etc). He even served on anti-Communist committee to combat the menace of restricting, socialist ideas. Many celebrities profess hatred and anti-American feelings. It is reassuring to know not every player in Hollywood disliked the greatest country on earth.

WALT'S QUOTE

“I think we have made the fairy tale fashionable again.”

-Walt Disney

 

As a lover of fairy tales, I become saddened about the misconceptions swirling around about them. Modern society loves to bash the medieval times for all erroneous reasons and fairy tales often get lumped in as a victim.

I wish to be a screenwriter for Walt Disney Animation and I plan to script fairy tales. They are among my favorite stories due to their inspirations and hope. I want to give back that hope.

WALT'S QUOTE

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

-Walt Disney

 

I recently purchased a book of Walt’s quotations to have all of his wonderful and insightful wisdom condensed in one volume.  I enjoy this quote because it speaks the truth about life. Life is not to be easy all the time (or even some of the time) and sometimes an apparently troubling situation can be your best friend. You never know until when in the future you can look back and realized the plan.

FEBRUARY 1ST PART TWO

After I exited the train station, I checked the time and realized that the 3 o’clock parade was about to commence. (A common question for Cast Members consists of what time does the 3 o’clock parade start? Of course, the guest is trying to ask what the best location for viewing is). I plopped myself down on the bench with the Goofy statue. My seat gave me a straight away screenshot view of the Roy Disney and Minnie statue. Sadly, most guests are not aware of Roy’s contributions to the company. If Walt was a creative wizard, then Roy was a financial wizard. Walt had many talents, but the handling of money was not a skill he possessed. If not for Roy, Walt would have gone bankrupt and worked for others. Walt died in 1966, five years before Walt Disney World opened. The park opened thanks to Roy who delayed his retirement to make sure it was built. Roy changed the proposed name of Disneyworld to Walt Disney World because it was Walt’s dream. Roy eight years older than Walt had spent his life looking after his younger brother and had always encouraged him. Their story is a true testament of brotherly love.

There is a cool story about the statue. Roy, as a true gentleman does, sits down at the end of the bench. This action is done in case a lady would wish to sit down. By positioning himself at the end of the bench, the lady would not have to sit down next to a stranger. However, Minnie is daintily planted right next to Roy signifying her trust of him. It is another one of those Disney details that plusses the plus, a Walt Disney trademark.

Main Street is at the end of the parade route, thus the 3 o’clock parade typically doesn’t reach Main Street USA until 3:25. This edition of the daily parade is the Festival of Fantasy which is accomplished by a catchy theme song and traditional Disney songs. The floats as usual are magnificent and one float in particular is Maleficent! Yes, there is a fire breathing dragon. The guests are both amazed and shocked. Prince Phillip leads the way in front of the float and makes fighting gestures towards his foe. Several princesses share a float including Anna and Elsa! However, my favorite princess Rapunzel has her own mode of transportation and her beau Flynn Rider makes an appearance! That was a pleasant surprise. The Lost Princess>others. The parade finished up with Mickey and Minnie in a hot air balloon! Of course, Mickey is saved for last, he is the star.

After the parade ended, I exited the Magic Kingdom for Disney Hollywood Studios so I could catch Fantasmic! The bus was extremely crowded so I gave up my seat for a lady as all men should, but unfortunately don't. My generation is extremely poor in this regard. Needless to say, the journey to the Studios was not that long; the hardest part is weaving through Magic Kingdom traffic. The bus driver made good time and I entered into the Studios.

Tragically, Hollywood Studios removed the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat from the middle of the park. I put away my grief and entered a clothing shop. There, I found this awesome Galloping Gaucho t-shirt. The store did not have any Steamboat Willie shirts in my size and I did not care for the Plane Crazy design, Plus, Gaucho is the forgotten short of the original trilogy and I am born to be the outcast. Immediately, I raced to find Sorcerer Mickey. In Hollywood Studios, Mickey appears in his outfit from Fantasia his sorcerer incarnation is my favorite Mickey.

Since the Art of Animation was closed to make room for the Star Wars Launch Bay (spoiler alert!), Mickey was placed in a soundstage. I think he deserves better. The line was relatively short, but I planned on waiting anyways. I was ushered in to see the boss before his daily showdown in Fantasmic! I hugged him and held out my new purchased t-shirt for him to autograph. I try to have Mickey autograph all my Mickey memorabilia. I told him that he was my favorite Mickey and hugged him. Seeing the characters is possibly the best portion of Disney for me.

I exited the soundstage to see the poster for the new animated movie coming out and I made a silent vow that someday my movie would be up there. Then I headed to the Great Movie Ride. This ride is my dad’s favorite mainly because John Wayne makes an appearance. The waiting area has a great movie screen showing previews for classic movies and my arrival was timed perfectly for Errol Flynn’s Robin Hood picture. Love Errol Flynn. I won’t spoil any of the action, but the ride is still awe-inspiring and feels like you are placed in a real film.

The Great Movie Ride takes up a fair chuck of time so I needed to grab some grub before I went to get a seat for Fantasmic! I decided upon the ABC Commissary mainly due to its convenient location. My family had never eaten before at Hollywood Studios so this was a new experience. I ordered a steak, green beans and fries combo for only $11.99! A bargain. The steak was a good cut and the sides were plentiful. I ate quickly and hoofed to Fantasmic!

The gateway to Fantasmic! is lined with impressive posters and banners of the characters. I snapped a few photos but I was in a hustle to get a great seat. Providence was with me as I managed to grab a second row seat in the middle of the amphitheater. I had to wait about 45 minutes for the show to start but it is worth it and the DJ played some good tunes to pass the time. A fellow guest got the whole crowd to do the wave which was extremely impressive.

I am not going to spoil any of Fantasmic! Mere words cannot do the show justice. It is a spell-binding combo of magic, special effects, imagination and music starring Mickey Mouse as he battles Disney’s fiercest villains in his dreams. I have the show memorized and I will forever get chills and be bought to tears by the performance. It is Mickey’s tour de force. Walt would love it.

When Fantasmic! ends, there is a mad rush to get to the exits, I carefully planned my exit route and I got to the exit without dying. I immediately headed to the Star Wars Launch Bay to meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader. They do not sign autographs, but holy cow who cares?! It is Chewy and Vader! Chewbacca was his friendly self and I made the mistake of asking his character attendants if Vader signed autographs. They, in perfect character, asked if I was an Imperialist. I had to do some quick taking to assure them I pull for the Rebel Alliance. The Vader character attendants are extremely cold and impersonal. You must have your cameras ready and dump your backpacks in a corner. Vader himself is not friendly. He pointed at one place and I hastily obeyed. Then he pulls me away from that spot! Scary stuff.

I explored the props present and left for the exit. However, I forgot about the fireworks and was completely surprised by the resulting booms. The bursts of pyrotechnics were accompanied by Star Wars music and it was completely memorizing. I enjoyed the show and then basically ran to the EPCOT bus stop to sneak in 20 minutes worth of rides before that park closed.

After going through an advanced screening (for the second time that day), I dashed to Test Track. Normally, I would enjoy the beauty of EPCOT at night but I was in a hurry. The single ride line was only 5 minutes and thus I quickly was seated in a car. The ride is still awesome and fast but I prefer the old Test Track to the new version. I finished up my EPCOT journey by buying an Indiana Jones Mickey Mouse. Then, the park closed. A lengthy bus trip later and I was back in my dorm.

FLORIDA NIGHTS

Florida nights where the air is cool, but not chilly

Mosquitoes hover around, but you do not mind them

For the smell of oranges distracts you from malaria

It is an earthly paradise, Ponce De Leon actually found

The Fountain of Youth except the renewal is not drinkable

I long to stay forever, yet I know I cannot since I am not of retiring age.