Imaginerding: Disney books, history, links and more!

Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

2012-05-24T09:53:00.001-04:00

The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles, Book Three)

My oldest son contributed this review of the Serpent's Shadow.

The Serpents Shadow is a fantastic fantasy novel perfect for ages 11-20 and an incredibly funny third book in the Kane chronicles, there is so much humor that it is hard to tell if it is a comedy or a fantasy.

Readers should be ready for a dose of Egyptian mythology and be almost unable to stop reading because this book is just that good. Hours may pass before you’ve even noticed that it is happening.

So be sure to check this amazing novel out, I literally cannot describe how great this book is, so see for yourself.

A Parent's Perspective on Rick Riordan

This is the third book of the Kane Chronicles; books one and two were just as exciting and fun. Riordan is known for adding a lot of mythological characters to his novels, which I love. He does it in a way that intrigues the reader and makes them want to learn more about the Roman and Egyptian gods and goddesses. Make sure that you start with the first book to keep up with the characters. It is also a fantastic bonding experience to enjoy a book with your child.

We received a review copy of this title from Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Secret World of Arrietty Blu-ray Giveaway

2012-05-21T16:50:00.001-04:00

I have three copies of The Secret World of Arrietty on Blu-ray to giveaway!

You can read my review of the film (and two other Studio Ghibli releases) over at Mice Chat.

The persons chosen by Rafflecopter must met all of the guidelines. Must be a US resident for mailing purposes.

The contest starts on May 22, 2012 at 12:01am and will end on May 29, 2012 at 11:59 pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

here

Kevin Yee's Top Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris

2012-05-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

For most of us Walt Disney World fans, a trip to Disneyland Paris (DLP) is a pipe dream. Besides the cost, there is the language barrier and the navigation of a foreign culture.

Kevin Yee, one of the most prolific Disney authors, has penned an ebook that will make it easier for anyone who wants to make a trip to Disneyland Paris. Top Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris is a quick and easy read that will give you the confidence and tips to have a successful, fun and (hopefully) a less stressful trip.

Kevin takes us step-by-step from the De Gaulle airport to Disneyland Paris. He explains the transportation to Disneyland Paris--what to avoid and how to do it easily and in the least expensive way. He also discusses how to book a DLP hotel and what can be expected. Resorts in Europe offer different services and include different packages and you don't want to over pay or not get the right package.

He doesn't offer a lot of tips about visiting the park, but he does give some great advice about the DLP Fastpass system and how to navigate the park in a smarter way. There is some discussion about how to attack the rides and how to make the trip more effective. Kevin is more concerned with making sure you get to DLP without hassle so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful Disney theme parks ever built.

Kevin's book is a good choice if you want to see what a trip to Disneyland Paris would be like--even if you're not planning a trip just yet. It also might be the thing that makes you decide to book a trip to Disneyland Paris.

I did receive a print copy of this book for the purposes of the review.

George is a Mice Chat Travel Consultant powered by Fairy Godmother Travel. Call him at 336-287-8114 or email him at George@FairyGodmotherTravel.com for a free, no-obligation quote for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney or Disneyland Paris!

Five Year-Aversary

2012-05-12T11:01:00.000-04:00

Top: Andrew and me in 2007. Bottom: Me and Craig (back), Andrew and Mike (front) October 2011.

Five years and 1270 posts.

I can remember the day when my brother, Andrew, came back from an incredible vacation and he wanted to do something to celebrate and share the magic of Walt Disney World. A week later, we started a blog and called ourselves the Disney Geeks. We adopted the ImagiNERDing moniker after a long weekend of carousing and a secret Disney trivia dance contest.

So first, a shout out to my little brother (I have to remind him of that all of the time) for pushing me and inspiring me all of these years. (How many trips did we trick our wives into letting us take to WDW?) Also, for being one of the amazing forces behind Communicore Weekly. We would not be half the show we are without you and Steve making the music.

Me in 1994.

At times, I am shocked at the number of friends I have made around the world (and the number of enemies). Some of my best friends have been the bloggers that have been doing this as long as me and continue to put out great content.

Foxxfur from Passport2Dreams has been a true source of inspiration since reading her first post. Getting the personalized Foxxfur tours of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom were unforgettable and eye-opening. Is that skylight real?
Ryan from the Main St. Gazette started in August 2007 (our little brother?) and has been a blogging machine ever since. We need top spend the day at Fort Wilderness!
Daveland started in 2006 and Dave has been a great friend for all of these years. No one has as many vintage photos or the same eye for design. We still need that lunch at Rancho del Zocalo.
Michael Crawford from Progress City USA is the proselytizer for EPCOT Center and fellow North Carolinian (but not at the moment). I have spent more time at Walt Disney World with him than in North Carolina.

Thanks guys (and gal) for being an inspiration.

My dad, me, my mom, Andrew and Stacy (2004) during my parent's first trip to WDW.

I have been involved with a lot of projects over the past five years that I am very proud of. I have been the honored guest on the WDW Radio Show, Those Darn Cats, WEDWay Radio and Mouse Chat podcasts.

I was asked to contribute an essay to Four Decades of Magic: Celebrating the First Forty Years of Disney World. It is more than you ever want to know about Discovery Island.

For Valentine's Day, 2012, I wrote a piece about Walt and Lilly for the Walt Disney Family Museum (Thanks, Jeff Kurtti).

My oldest son's first trip on the TTA (and Walt Disney World) in 2001.

2012 has been a banner year and a culmination of everything I have been doing at ImagiNERDing.com.

In addition to my brother, my co-host for the weekly video series, Communicore Weekly, has been a tremendous influence, motivator and partner. Jeff Heimbuch and I became fast friends in the beginning of 2011 and we knew we wanted to work on some projects together. Jeff was tapped by Mice Chat to write for them in late 2011. Shortly after that, he came to me with the idea of working on a weekly video series and everything fell into place. We recruited my brother and his writing partner, Steve Williard, to create an amazing theme song and bumpers for the show. Steve and Andrew even got me to rap.

Each week we cover our favorite Five Legged Goats, Disney books, Fuzzy Photos and more! We have been called the Troy and Abed of the Disney community and I wonder when we going to decide which of us is really is Inspector Spacetime and who is Reggie. I will have to ask Future Jeff when I see him.

Thanks, Jeff. I know that Rolly's book is going to be phenomenal.

My youngest son, on his first trip to WDW, being trained in the ways of Disney dorkiness in 2006.

I have picked up two other writing gigs this year.

My good friend Chris Wood has brought me in to write travel-related pieces at Everything Walt Disney World. She has pushed my writing in different directions and shown me what a true Fantasyland Expansion obsession looks like. It is scary.

One of the most amazing opportunities was when I was asked to write a weekly column for Mice Chat. Being given the chance to write for one of the most visited Disney-related sites on the internet was, well, quite an honor and quite a shock. I have posted 11 columns so far and look forward to many more. Getting to work with a Disney Legend was amazing, too.

Did you know that Jeff and I are doing a LIVE Communicore Weekly at Epcot?

Visit http://micechat.com/blogs/imaginerding/ to check out my columns.

Of course, I have to thank my wife. She has been the true silent partner of ImagiNERDing. She has bought countless books and suffered many vacations to Walt Disney World and Disneyland so I could get pictures and document changes. And she lets me go to Walt Disney world several times a year in order to meet people, take more photos and do the ubiquitous research required.

Obviously, though, the entire reason for starting ImagiNERDing was to enjoy a Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace at the Magic Kingdom with some amazing friends. And then ride the Haunted Mansion.

I know I have forgotten a few people and I apologize. A lot can happen in five years.

Thank you all.

Mice Chat Article and Communicore Weekly

2012-05-08T22:36:00.001-04:00

My latest article is up at Mice Chat: The Top of the World Restaurant at the Contemporary Resort.

Head on over and leave me a comment. I love comments!

Communicore Weekly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7olOcdGP8A

This week, Jeff and I discuss:

The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour
My Top Five Disneyland books
Disneyland, The Nickel Tour
Disneyland, Inside Story
The Art of Disneyland
Disneyland Then, Now, and Forever
Disneyland Through the Decades
Bathroom Break through Your Imagination
60-Second (Plus) Review of The Avengers
A Disneyland Five Legged Goat

It is our first, almost all Disneyland show!

What do you think about the show?

Love the music?

Links for 2012-05-07 [del.icio.us]

2012-05-08T00:00:00-07:00

Accessible Attractions - Ellen's Energy Adventure
Melissa shares another look at the accessibility of a Disney attraction.

Mini-Review: The Avengers

2012-05-05T10:27:00.001-04:00

I took my sons to see the Avengers at an early showing Friday. We did sign them out a bit early, but with a film this highly anticipated, we wanted to make it a special occasion. And it was only an hour early, anyway.

Should I Take the Kids?

We love the Marvel superhero films that have been released over the past few years. Even though it is PG-13, I felt comfortable taking my youngest son to see this film based on Captain America and Thor. There is a question of violence in the film, but I felt like it wasn't any worse than the evening fare on Cartoon Network. You have to judge the film for yourself, but also keep in mind that any child eight or above is going to be dying to see this movie. Especially if all of their friends are talking about it. Also, the films can give you some great conversations with your kids about superheros and their humanity.

Fight Scenes

This is a superhero film. And a modern film full of fantastic visual effects that bend and defy the laws of physics. But it is still very well done and never felt like a giant special effects mess. Most of the violence takes place between the superheroes and the villains. There was not any discernible violence against real people in the sense that you don't see any deaths on screen. Of course, the collateral damage is assumed when a giant skyscraper is toppled.

About the Film--Spoiler Free

The mark of a good film, to me, is how much we talk about it and discuss the scenes on the ride home. We were all questioning the villains and what might happen in the next film. Who is the next villain? Will the Avengers re-assemble? Who is the real leader of the team? Did you see what the Hulk did?

Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Firefly) wrote and directed the picture. Whedon is at the top of his game with this film. He is able to tie all of the converging story lines from all of the Marvel films into a cohesive and tight story. I was reminded of one critics review that stated that even the sections that were dialogue based were still fantastic to watch. And I agree.

The humor is top notch and well done. A friend of mine saw a preview of the film and told me that the Hulk would be a favorite character and he was right. My only issue with the film was that it was put together so tight that there wasn't any breathing room for the jokes. If you laughed too long, you could miss the next line of dialogue.

As with any film about superheroes, the real meat is not in the fantastical effects, but in the humanity of the characters. The Avengers are a disparate group that come together and find themselves along the way. Whedon does an incredible job of interweaving their personal conflicts into the larger story. We also start to see more layers peeled from the character that could prove interesting for future films.

So, go see this film. You will enjoy it.

Disney's John Carter Movie novelization, a Book Review

2012-05-04T09:38:00.000-04:00

Disney Publishing sent me a review copy of the novelization of the film, John Carter. It happened to arrive at the same time that my Sci-Fi/Fantasy book club was reading the book that the film is based on, A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

The book contains the novelization by Stuart Moore and A Princess of Mars by Burroughs and it weighs in at a hefty 555 pages. The novelization is the first 205 pages and Burroughs' original work clocks in at over 300 pages. As of this writing, I have not seen the film.

I read the novelization first and enjoyed it. After reading both, it was obvious where they made changes to suit a modern movie audience. The story arc remained fairly faithful to the original book with only some minor changes to suit the needs of film. It was interesting to see a modern-day author take on a novel that was released 100 years ago.

The original work was a fantastic piece of early science fiction. Being a public librarian and avid reader, I am always interested in trying out a new genre or author. Even though I love sci-fi, I tend to stick with more modern works. What I truly loved about A Princess of Mars was the obvious command of the language that Burroughs exhibits. I love it when an author makes me reach for a dictionary.

There were some confusing departures in the novelization that seemed to be a setup for future films. When I asked some of my book club members that had read the Barsoom books, previously, they didn't remember any mention of the mysterious Therns.

Both reads were fairly enjoyable and actually made me more interested in seeing the film. Since so many modern filmmakers point to A Princess of Mars as an influence on their works, it is worthwhile to grab a copy.

Links for 2012-05-01 [del.icio.us]

2012-05-02T00:00:00-07:00

Beer Tasting at The Wave
Sarah at Eating WDW...had me at Beer...
A Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World
Geeky Link of the Week: Foxxfur has created an amazing audio tour of early Magic Kingdom sounds. Wow...

Books, Mice Chat and Gumball!

2012-05-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

I picked up a copy of Roy William's book, The Secret World of Roy Williams. Don't know Roy? He was the Big Mooseketeer and credited with creating the idea for the Mouse Ears that we all love. The book is filled with comics and drawings.

I pulled the image above, I believe, from Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon! The book discusses how Roy Williams did create the iconic felt Mouse ears, but that the Oswald short Karnival Kid featured in the image was his inspiration.

The Commemorative Disneyland Playset

My latest column at Mice Chat looks at The Disneyland Commemorative Playset. This is quite an amazing collectible.

Gumball Rally!

The 2012 Mice Chat Gumball Rally is quickly selling out!

Imagine competing with 499 other people as you race around Disneyland riding every ride and answering questions about the ride. Sounds exhausting and amazing. Plus you get the opportunity to meet Dust Sage, Al Lutz and Fish Bulb from Mice Chat/Mice Age.

Information about this year’s event:

When: May 19th, 2012
Where: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California
COST: $29.99 per personHow Do I sign up?: Tickets available HERE.

Links for 2012-04-30 [del.icio.us]

2012-05-01T00:00:00-07:00

Accessible Attractions - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Melissa from Disney On Wheels shows the accessibility of Winnie the Pooh.

Links for 2012-04-27 [del.icio.us]

2012-04-28T00:00:00-07:00

Accessible Attractions - Primeval Whirl
Melissa from Disney On Wheels shares another attraction accessibility article for an attraction that might not be truly accessible.
A guaranteed cure
Ryan from the main St. Gazette shares a hidden detail from Fort Wilderness Campground.
The Spectacular Evolution of the Tomorrowland Station
Werner Weiss from Yesterland looks at the Tomorrowland Railroad Station.

Links for 2012-04-24 [del.icio.us]

2012-04-25T00:00:00-07:00

Exclusive: Casey Jr. Assembly Photos
Disney By Mark has some exclusive Casey Jr. Construction photos. I can't wait for this to open.
Walt Disney World History Books, a Bibliography
A little self-promotion never really hurts, right? Check out my listing of 45 different Walt Disney World books at Mice Chat.

Links for 2012-04-23 [del.icio.us]

2012-04-24T00:00:00-07:00

Disney Restaurant Revew - Yak & Yeti
Melissa from Disney On Wheels reviews Yak and Yeti, I am still hesitant to visit a restaurant with Yak in the title.
Hey Disneyland, Who Is This Gibson Girl?
The Disney Hipsters look at the Gibson Girl!
Thunder in Paradise
Fiesta Fun Center shares some images from Paradise in Thunder. Did you ever watch that show?
The Walt Disney Studios Photos
Tom and Sarah Bricker visit the Disney Studios and present a fantastic photo report.
Disney Restaurant Review - Breakfast at Kona Cafe
Melissa from Disney On Wheels reviews the Kona Cafe.

Citrus Swirl and Walt Disney World Books

2012-04-23T10:48:00.000-04:00

I could really use one of these right now. You know what? I could use one of these almost anytime!

The citrus swirl has made a triumphant return to the Sunshine Tree Terrace and I had the opportunity to enjoy one a few weeks ago. All I can say is that it really puts the Dole Whip to shame!

I posted my Walt Disney World Bibliography over at Mice Chat. A bibliography is simply a list of books (or articles) about a subject. In this case, I have listed 45 books that cover Walt Disney World--through history, guidebooks, souvenir guides, attraction books and so much more!

Head on over and leave a comment or two about your favorite Walt Disney World-related book!

http://micechat.com/blogs/imaginerding/3409-walt-disney-world-history-books-bibliography.html

Exclusive Bob-A-Long Information and Communicore Weekly

2012-04-12T09:27:00.002-04:00

After my article at Mice Chat on the short-lived Bob-A-Round boats, I was contacted by the boat's designer and Disney Legend, Bob Gurr, about another project he worked on, the Bob-A-Long boats.

Bob wrote an article and provided two exclusive and never-before-seen photos of the Bob-A-Long boats.

The Continuing Saga of the Bob-A-Round and Bob-A-Long Boats

New Communicore Weekly Episode!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwfrpIxNVuU

Jeff and I talk Horizons, Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game book review, Town Square bathroom break and a brand new Storybook Circus Five Legged Goat!

Do you have a favorite segment on Communicore Weekly?

Any suggestions for our Disney History segment?

Links for 2012-04-10 [del.icio.us]

2012-04-11T00:00:00-07:00

Hot Doggin’ It: Casey’s Corner?log=out
James from This Happy Place blog reviews Casey's Corner...mmmm
Backstage Peek: Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cereal Bar”
AJ has a guest writer at the Disney Food Blog look at the Pixar Cereal bar.

Kingdom Keepers V, Shell Game, a Book Review

2012-04-08T15:34:00.000-04:00

Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game (The Kingdom Keepers) by Ridley Pearson. 2012.

The fifth book in the Kingdom Keepers series takes a few new twists as the Keepers enter their mid-teen years. The book is somewhat darker as the Keepers face issues that regular teens do, sort of. Of course, there are the first stirrings of teen love but there are also some new experiences, including the debut of Disney Host Interactive 2.0 with new powers and abilities and the first use of the DHI technology outside of Walt Disney World.

The Keepers, working alongside the enigmatic Wayne, are invited to take part in a voyage of the Disney Dream Cruise Ship. Besides being the introduction of the interactive hosts on the cruise, it is also touted as the first commercial cruise line to go through the Panama Canal. The mythology of the Kingdom Keepers has grown in their world as their battles with the Overtakers have been noticed by castmembers and guests. The Overtakers, a group made up by the worst of the Disney villains, want nothing more than to take over the Disney theme parks for themselves.

Pearson knows how to weave a story that is parsed with excitement, danger and believable characters. My biggest and most recurring complaint is about the liberties that Pearson takes with Walt Disney World geography and the mythos about Walt Disney. The latter part of the series seems to correct this by involving the Keepers into a more modern and realistic tale. There are still a few fantasy elements about the Imagineers, technology and the development of the parks that are hard to swallow, but sometimes you have to just enjoy the book you are reading.

Fans of the series are going to love the direction that Ridley has taken and from the ending of The Shell Game, there will definitely be a book six.

Will the Keepers be heading to Disneyland?

What do you think?

I received a review copy of this book from Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Tour Imagineering, Communicore Weekly and Mice Chat Books!

2012-04-04T18:54:00.001-04:00

Tour Imagineering?

I wrote an article at Everything Walt Disney World about how you can tour Imagineering and visit Walt's apartment at Disneyland.

Walt Disney World Souvenir Guides

I get really geeky over at my Mice Chat column this week. Are you brave enough to read all about Walt Disney World Souvenir books?

Another Communicore Weekly Video?

I know; we cursed ourselves by calling the show Communicore Weekly. Nonetheless, we have a great show for you featuring:

The History of the Orange Bird!
A book about the flowers of Disneyland.
Another Fantastically Fuzzy Photo.
A subtle tribute to Marc Davis in our Five Legged Goat section.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLrMSbW1iDU

Communicore Weekly and Disney Links

2012-03-29T19:13:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1GhExXX7mQ

We've got a brand new Communicore Weekly! This time we cover my recent trip report to Walt Disney World, bathrooms on the Disney Fantasy, a 1994 Souvenir Guide and a Five Legged Goat. (Thanks to Christina Wood at Everything Walt Disney World for providing the bathroom photos.)

TPE: Magnolia Park
Dave looks at Magnolia Park.
The Disneyland Monorail That Almost Was
Todd at the Disney History Institute looks at the Monorail at Disneyland.
All You Ever Wanted To Know ( Or Not!) About Love Bugs
Good, solid advice from Bob about the Love Bugs...and funny, too!
Storybook Circus Breaks New Ground
Shane at Parkeology does a tremendous job of looking at the new attractions in Fantasyland!
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground - Part 1
Jack Spence takes us on a tour of Fort Wilderness

TPE: Riding The Pack Mules
An attraction at Disneyland that I still find hard to imagine.
TPE: Casa de Fritos
What a magical place!

Mechanizing a Miniature Main Street Electrical Parade
Wow...you have to see this to believe at at Imagineering Disney
The Columbia Harbour House is one of the few eating...
A great trash can from one of my favorite eateries!
The kids next door
Ryan shares some interesting history...
The Carthay Circle Theatres (plural) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park
Werner Weiss details the references to Carthay Circle.
Behind the Scenes at Lights Motors Action, From the mouth of the Mouse
Jeff Heimbuch interviews a stunt castmember
The Four Caballeros And The Cuban Carnival
Jeff looks at the *almost* fourth Caballero
Here There Be Monsters - Disney's Hollywood Studios
Shane has found virgin territory at the Disney Hollywood Studios!
All the Lights of the Kingdom: Part One
Wow...FoxxFur begins a study on Magic Kingdom lights. Very impressive.
Important Women in Disney History: Harriet Burns
A fantastic article about Harriet Burns by her granddaughter at the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Signing On: a Polynesian Discovery
Estelle at This Happy Place discovers a truly unique treasure in her house!

TPE: Nature's Wonderland
Dave has really had some phenomenal posts, recently.
Walt Disney, a Couple of Cocktails, and the Mark Twain
Todd at the Disney History Institute offers a more prosaic look at the Mark Twain.
Let's Talk about the Fantasyland Expansion, Shall We?
Chris sort of tackles the Fantasyland Expansion opening dates rumors. OR does she?
Haunted Organs and Ghostly Hitchhikers
Lost Haunted Mansion does it again! A fantastic piece.
Working the Monorail. a lifetime Goal with Jason
Jeff Heimbuch interviews a monorail driver--and it sounds like a fantastic job.
The Dream Called EPCOT
Crawford shares an amazing video from 1981.
Finding The Groove
Another great story and video from Crawford.

Communicore Weekly and Storybook Circus

2012-03-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

Since I was away last week, I didn't get to remind you to watch the latest episode of Communicore Weekly.

http://youtu.be/xiSNYSxV1F8

This week on Communicore Weekly we talk: IT'S TIME FOR DISNEY HISTORY! - Take a glimpse inside Club 33, Disneyland's members only club!
GEORGE'S BOOK OF THE WEEK! - George takes a look at Cooking with Mickey Around Our World (Walt Disney World's Most Requested Recipes), an old school, Disney cook book!
60 SECOND REVIEW - George and Jeff talk about the recent Blu-Ray/DVD release of The Muppets!
WINDOW OF THE WEEK - Fashions By John, and a secret story that will make you say "Really?!"
FIVE LEGGED GOAT! - Recently opened Storybook Circus already has a new Five Legged Goat for us to examine!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!: http://www.facebook.com/communicoreweekly
TAKE US ON THE GO WITH ITUNES!: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/communicore-weekly/id496333443
Follow us on the Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jeffheimbuch and http://www.twitter.com/imaginerding
Email: communicoreweekly@gmail.com
Music by Steve Williard and Andrew Taylor from Amplify This Music

New Mice Chat Article

I spent a lot of time last week in the expansion of the new Storybook Circus area and felt like I needed to share my opinions about the area. If this small section is any indication, then the New Fantasyland is going to be absolutely amazing.

http://micechat.com/blogs/imaginerding/3368-open-letter-imagineering.html

A special thanks to Bob and Chris at Everything Walt Disney World for providing the photos that I forgot to take because I was so amazed by the area.

Mice Chat Article on Disney Dining

2012-03-25T10:59:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to remind everyone that my article about Chef Mickey and the Evolution of Character Dining is up over at Mice Chat.

Leave me a comment or shoot me an email if you have any early memories of character dining at Walt Disney World. There is still a lot of undocumented history of Walt Disney World and I hope to tackle it one step at a time.

The Muppets Blu-ray Review

2012-03-19T09:50:00.000-04:00

The Muppets (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy + Soundtrack Download Card)

This is the movie that most Muppet fans have been waiting for and this is the Blu-ray title that my family has been waiting for since November 2011.

Growing up in the 1970s, I won't bore you with my love of the Muppet Show, the films or how Waldorf and Statler completely focused my adult sense of humor. But I will tell you how much I loved this movie. A lot!

The presentation and sound on Blu-ray was fantastic. The special features were well done and appropriate for a Muppet movie.

Here are the details on the extras:

The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think) - A laugh out loud look at the actors’ funny gaffs and gags from behind the scenes of making Disney’s “The Muppets.”
Disney Intermission - Groundbreaking Blu-ray feature. Pausing a movie will never be this much fun, as the Muppets take over the screen every time you stop the disc!
Scratching The Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney’s “The Muppets.” Hosted by unit production manager monster J.G., the cast and crew take a behind the scenes look at making Muppet and movie history.
Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song. Rapping his way through the story of his miserable life, Tex tells audiences why he turned out to be such a rotten guy.
A Little Screen Test on the way to the Read Through. This hilarious footage follows the Muppet gang as they go to their first table reading of the script.
Eight Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller 3
The Combo Pack also comes with the popular theatrical spoof trailers
The Complete Soundtrack

By far, the best part of the Blu-ray beside the film is the Disney Intermission. Press pause at any point in the film and watch the Muppets take over the television with their antics and glimpses of the special features. The first time we paused the film, I was amazed. Probably one of the best ideas ever put forth for a home theater experience. Especially if someone in the family is gone for a few minutes.

It was great to see the Muppets on the big screen and to be able to spend some great family time with them on Blu-ray. Don't forget, if you buy the Wokka, Wokka, Wokka pack you get the soundtrack as a digital download. Then you can sing "Man or a Muppet" all of the time!

Disney Links, Links and More Links

2012-03-17T10:12:00.003-04:00

Todd J. Pierce and Paul F. Anderson at the Disney History Institute have released an amazing video showcasing Zorro Days at Disneyland, a very rare event and an extremely rare treat for us to see on video.

On with the geeky Disney links!

TPE: Welcome to Adventureland!
Dave talks about one of my favorite lands!
Zorro Days at Disneyland (video)
Todd at the Disney History Institute discusses Zorro Days!
Disney's Pop Century Resort - Accessible Room
I love when Melissa from Disney on Wheels writes about accessibility and Disney!
Part of the Storybook Circus section of the Magic...
Steve Tanner shares the newest Fantasyland garbage cans!
The Living Seas, Better With or Without Nemo
Jeff Heimbuch attempts to tackle the burning issue

Walt's People Volume 12
Dider has released the interview list for the 12th volume of his series.
EWDW Guide to Splash Mountain
I wrote another guide for Everything Walt Disney World.
Here There Be Monsters - Magic Kingdom
Shane from Parkeology delivers a masterpiece.
Valerie at the Columbia Harbour House and Liberty Tree Tavern
Jeff Heimbuch shares an interview with a CM from the early 1970s.

TPE: The Jungle Cruise
Dave has a photo blowout of the Jungle Cruise!
Walt Disney’s Ward Kimball’s John Carter of Mars and Beyond!
Crawford looks at some earlier John Carter artwork.

The Muppets Blu-ray Giveaway!

2012-03-15T13:53:00.001-04:00

Enter our drawing to win a copy of the Wocka Wocka Value Pack of the Muppet Movie!

This set includes the movie on Blu-ray high-definition, DVD and Digital Copy (3 discs) plus a download card for the film's soundtrack from Walt Disney Records.

You can leave a comment on this post to get an entry or you can like Imaginerding on Facebook for an additional entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Communicore Weekly - Robert Sherman, Building A Dream, Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow, and Ticket Booths

2012-03-14T10:25:00.002-04:00

Episode 9 of Communicore Weekly features a look at Robert Sherman, Building a Dream by Beth Dunlop, the Bathroom Break of Tomorrow and the last Ticket Booth at the Magic Kingdom.

http://youtu.be/_lG28j_1IIk

Follow me and Jeff on Twitter
Like the Communicore Weekly Facebook page
Send us lots of money.

ImagiNERDing Column Debuts at Mice Chat!

2012-03-12T10:42:00.000-04:00

My column at Mice Chat premiered today.

As can be expected, I delve deeper into one of the geekier aspects of Walt Disney World history--my obsession with Bob-A-Round boats.

Head on over and check out the weekly ImagiNERDing column and leave a comment!

The Hot Seat with Leonard Kinsey and Disney Links

2012-03-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

We are proud to debut the first episode of Communicore Weekly's In the Hot Seat. Jeff and I interview Leonard Kinsey, author of the Dark Side of Disney. Leonard offers tips for drinking around Epcot.

It was a quiet week in the Disney blog-o-sphere, but I've got a few links for you to enjoy. Make sure to leave us a comment on our video to tell us how much you love the interview (and the brand new song).

The Ultimate Disney Ride That Never Was, Western River Expedition
Jeff Heimbuch takes us down the Western River.
EWDW Guide to Soarin' at Epcot
I wrote a travel-related piece for the Everything Walt Disney World site.
Gay Days
Jack Spence offers the history of this unofficial event.

A world we've yet to see
Ryan from the MSG shares an early construction photo.
Worth as Much as a Man: Cracking the Celluloid Ceiling
Paula Sigman Lowery posts about some of Walt's female artists at the Walt Disney Family Museum.
TPE: Central Plaza
Dave has a great post about the Central Plaza.
TPE: Let's Go To The Circus!
Dave takes us to the circus at Disneyland!

Communicore Weekly - Castaway Cay, Mickey Mouse Book, General Joe Potter, Lost Boys Fire Brigade

2012-03-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2dBYKNhwcA&feature=colike

Are you ready for the Greatest Online show?

This week on Communicore Weekly we talk about these super fun things:

IT'S TIME FOR DISNEY HISTORY! - Jeff & George travel to the Caribbean to explore Castaway Cay!
GEORGE'S BOOK OF THE WEEK! - George reviews Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon!
WINDOW OF THE WEEK! - Jeff talks about General Joe Potter and why his window at the Magic Kingdom is well deserved!
THE FIVE LEGGED GOAT! - W. Ray Colburn is the subject of this week's hidden treasure!
Like us on Facebook!:
http://www.facebook.com/communicoreweekly
Take us on the go with iTunes!:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/communicore-weekly/id496333443
Follow us on the Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/jeffheimbuch
http://www.twitter.com/imaginerding
Email: communicoreweekly@gmail.com
Music by Steve Williard and Andrew Taylor from Amplify This Music

Sherman Brothers Book Walt's Time, a Review

2012-03-06T10:43:00.001-05:00

Walt's Time - From Before to Beyond by Robert B. Sherman & Richard M. Sherman. 1998, 252 pages.

I originally posted this review in 2008. With the passing of Robert Sherman on Monday, March 5, 2012, I felt like it was appropriate to revisit this phenomenal title. It is out of print and, as can be expected, I assume that the price is going to increase over the next several days. It truly is a fantastic title.

The Sherman Brothers need little introduction to Disney fans. Prolific composers of music for films and theme park attractions, they have written some of the most memorable songs in Disney history, not to mention film history and theme park history in general..

This book, which looks at their long career, finally saw the light of day after the Sherman Brothers met Bruce Gordon and Dave Mumford. Just like The Nickel Tour, publishers felt that there was no commercial appeal in this book. Bruce and David had self-published The Nickel Tour and thought that they could do the same with Walt's Time. The Sherman Brothers, after shopping the book around since 1981, had worked with Jeff Kurtti to write the majority of the text. Bruce and Dave met with Jeff and they agreed to self-publish. The Sherman Brothers were thrilled to work with Bruce, David and Jeff.

The book was created to resemble a scrapbook of their career. It starts with their first day on the Disney lot where they land the title song for the Parent Trap while auditioning a song for the Horsemasters. It then launches through the highlights of a majority of their works written and published at the Disney Studios. The middle section is dedicated to their father, Al and looks at everything that he published and his successes. During the section on their father, they look at their family history and how Al Sherman influenced his children. It is obvious from Walt's Time that the Sherman Brothers were profoundly influenced by their father and Walt Disney. When the brothers speak of either man, the text is filled with love, gratitude and wonder.

The third section details more of their work with the Disney Company, before and after Walt's passing. It also looks at the body of work they have done since leaving the company. Stage productions, theatrical work and animated films make up the bulk of their work in the '70's, 80's and 90's.

The Brothers spend a lot of time discussing their interactions with Walt Disney and how Walt was an amazing and optimistic person. The song There's a Great, Big Beautiful Tomorrow was inspired by Walt Disney. Their proudest moments include It's a Small World and Mary Poppins. They wrote the songs for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang after receiving Walt's blessings to work on the outside project. Albert Broccoli (producer of the James Bond movies) also owned the rights to Fleming's children's novel about the car. Broccoli brought the idea to Walt, who declined saying he had too much on his plate and wanted more creative control. After the success of Mary Poppins, Broccoli gathered most of the creative team that had worked on Mary Poppins. The Brothers were also involved with two of the biggest animated films of the 60's as well: The Jungle Book and Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.

Obviously, the Sherman Brothers' influence has been felt greatly in the theme parks. The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, Magic Highways, Magic Journeys, Makin' Memories, Astuter Computer Review, the Best Time of Your Life and Miracles From Molecules are songs that have resonated with fans for years and will continue to inspire us and make us sing.

I had the opportunity to see Richard Sherman perform at the D23 Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Celebration. It was an absolutely enchanting and heartwarming moment.

Disney Legend and Academy Award® winner Richard M. Sherman charms audiences with a lively performance of some of the film and attraction song hits from the Sherman Brothers’ Disney songbook. © Disney

There's not much one can say about seeing Richard Sherman perform the songs that he wrote with his brother. He played more than 15 songs and each one brought back a specific memory from a film, theme park or time of my life (Now is the time, now is the best time!). Tim O'Day did a marvelous job acting as the emcee and he helped Richard tell the stories behind the songs. Probably the biggest surprise of the evening was when the original Dreamfinder, Ron Schneider, joined Richard Sherman to sing One Little Spark. The whole crowd rose to their feet and sang along.

Looking at everything the Sherman Brothers have done is a tad bit overwhelming!

Bottom Line: I enjoyed this book and was completely astounded by how prolific the Sherman Brothers actually are. The book is designed beautifully and features awards, personal recollections and photos from every period of their career (just like a scrapbook!). This is book is clearly for music fans, fans of the Sherman Brothers and fans of Disney films from the 1960's.

Stargate Restaurant at EPCOT Center

2012-03-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

Andy at Make the Magic posted about a character breakfast that she had loved and lamented the lack of information available on the Stargate Restaurant at EPCOT Center.

I quickly turned to my trusty Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition) by Dave Smith.

Fast-Food facility in Communicore East at Epcot, from October 1, 1982 to April 10, 1994. It later became the Electric Umbrella.

Photo from Making the Magic.

Andy had posted this information, already, so I needed to find another resource.

I pulled out my 1984 Birnbaum's Official Guide and found a lengthier description.

Stargate Restaurant: This large fast-tood establishment, located in CommuniCore East, is handsomely decorated in shades of blue, mauve, and magenta. It's a particularly good bet when the weather is temperate enough to allow dining on the tables on the terrace outside—or when bound for World Showcase with finicky eaters in tow. It's also one of the few Epcot Center restaurants open for breaktast. Cold cereals, Danish pastries, fruit cups. blueberry muffins, and cheese omelets served with creditable home-fried potatoes are available then. But the real specialty is the extremely satisfying. if extravagantly named. "Stellar Scramble." Made of cheese, tomatoes, ham, onions, green pepper, and scrambled eggs, this “breakfast pizza“ might not win any prizes among connoisseurs of haute cuisine, but it's unquestionably tasty. At lunch and dinner, offerings include pepperoni or cheese pizzas, hamburgers, and chefs salads. The peanut butter cookies are good, too. The Stargate Restaurant stays open until the park closes. B, L, D. S.

Image from the 1984 Official Guide to Walt Disney World

Andy also talked about eating a character breakfast at the Stargate Restaurant. I have an odd fascination with the history of dining at Walt Disney World. The earliest character breakfasts were always centered around the hotels and campgrounds. I wondered what Andy had experience. I wasn't doubting her memories or her photographs, but I needed to do some more research.

The Official Guide from 1991 still states that there were only a handful of character breakfasts at Walt Disney World at the time, with none at EPCOT Center. We see the usual: Empress Lilly, Contemporary, Ft. Wilderness, the Contemporary and the Polynesian. It is the same information for the 1993 Official Guide. We don';t see a major change until later; the 1997 Official Guide mentions a few other character locations, but it is still not the experience we know today (in 1984 and 1989, reservation were not needed for the character buffets at the Contemporary or the Polynesian).

Once again, we run into the wall for people researching the history of Walt Disney World. Relying on official resources can be tenuous, at best, and it makes it difficult to confirm or deny certain facts. Relevancy is important and we still need access to primary documents.

Does anyone have more information about the Stargate Restaurant? Email me at George@Imaginerding.com with any photos, receipts or tales of eating there.

Links of Disney Goodness

2012-03-03T23:31:00.000-05:00

A photo from 2008 taken by my oldest son. It isn't the best composition, but it does feature the former Tomorrowland Skyway building and the Bay Lake Towers construction. By 2009, the Skyway building would be demolished and a different paver system would be in place for the area in front of Space Mountain.

Accessible Transportation - Magic Kingdom Ferryboats
Disney on Wheels looks at the accessibility issues of the ferryboats.
Guide to the Haunted Mansion
I wrote a travel-related piece for the Everything Walt Disney World blog.
Ollie Johnston - Disney's Nine Old Men
A great article about Ollie Johnston from A Filmic Light.
The NextGen Aversion Rationale
Another thought-provoking editorial from futureprobe.
Disney Parks Survey Marker Fun
Jeff Heimbuch sends us out on a different type of scavenger hunt.
Happy Birthday Rolly Crump
Jeff Heimbuch also offers a birthday tribute to Rolly Crump.
Apprentices of the Magic Kingdom
Shane at Parkeology offers a thoughtful look at the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.
On Integrity
Foxxfur offers a well-thought and well-meant criticism.
Behind The Masterpiece, 1967
Crawford shares some amazing photos of the Herb Ryman model for Cinderella Castle.
Epcot's Japan Pavilion - Part One
Jack Spence offers another in-depth look--this time at the Japan Pavilion.

Karamell Kuche in Epcot's German Pavilion.
Everything Walt Disney World reviews caramel! I am sorry that I have neglected this place in the past. It won't happen again!
Early Hyperion
A fantastic shot of the early Hyperion Studio.

Polynesian Village- March 1982 Wordless Wednesday
DisTherapy posts some marvelous vintage WDW photos!
The First Hyperion Ave. Studio
Hans Perk from A Film LA does some investigation and archaeology into the Hyperion Studios.
TPE: The Red Wagon
Daveland posts about the Red Wagon.
Marc Davis - Disney's Nine Old Men
Another great post about one of Disney's nine Old Men.
Magic Kingdom at Night
Some great photos from Imagineering Disney.
Program Recap: Walt Disney’s Worlds of Nature?log=out
I wish I was close enough to attend the Walt Disney Family Museum programs. This one sounded fantastic.

5 Things That Happened Since I Blogged Last
Well, I have to link to the blog when they talk about me, right?

Imaginerding: Disney books, history, links and more!

Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

A Parent's Perspective on Rick Riordan

Secret World of Arrietty Blu-ray Giveaway

Kevin Yee's Top Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris

Five Year-Aversary

Mice Chat Article and Communicore Weekly

Communicore Weekly

Links for 2012-05-07 [del.icio.us]

Mini-Review: The Avengers

Should I Take the Kids?

Fight Scenes

About the Film--Spoiler Free

Disney's John Carter Movie novelization, a Book Review

Related articles

Links for 2012-05-01 [del.icio.us]

Books, Mice Chat and Gumball!

The Commemorative Disneyland Playset

Gumball Rally!

Information about this year’s event:

When: May 19th, 2012Where: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CaliforniaCOST: $29.99 per personHow Do I sign up?: Tickets available HERE.

Links for 2012-04-30 [del.icio.us]

Links for 2012-04-27 [del.icio.us]

Links for 2012-04-24 [del.icio.us]

Links for 2012-04-23 [del.icio.us]

Citrus Swirl and Walt Disney World Books

Related articles

Exclusive Bob-A-Long Information and Communicore Weekly

New Communicore Weekly Episode!

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Links for 2012-04-10 [del.icio.us]

Kingdom Keepers V, Shell Game, a Book Review

Related articles

Tour Imagineering, Communicore Weekly and Mice Chat Books!

Tour Imagineering?

Walt Disney World Souvenir Guides

Another Communicore Weekly Video?

Communicore Weekly and Disney Links

Communicore Weekly and Storybook Circus

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Mice Chat Article on Disney Dining

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The Muppets Blu-ray Review

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Disney Links, Links and More Links

The Muppets Blu-ray Giveaway!

Communicore Weekly - Robert Sherman, Building A Dream, Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow, and Ticket Booths

ImagiNERDing Column Debuts at Mice Chat!

The Hot Seat with Leonard Kinsey and Disney Links

Related articles

Communicore Weekly - Castaway Cay, Mickey Mouse Book, General Joe Potter, Lost Boys Fire Brigade

Related articles

Sherman Brothers Book Walt's Time, a Review

Stargate Restaurant at EPCOT Center

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Links of Disney Goodness

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When: May 19th, 2012
Where: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California
COST: $29.99 per personHow Do I sign up?: Tickets available HERE.