.jpg)
28 January 2012
27 January 2012
Hand-crafted tree bark
We’ve all seen the reeds being pounded flat to make papyrus, an early form of paper, in Spaceship Earth. Across the globe there are similar scenes that have played out during the creation of materials which were suitable for writing, artwork and fabric. One such art took hold in Polynesia and can be seen near the elevators at the Polynesian.
The Polynesian art form known as tapa was created out of the necessity for clothing for several centuries. The arduous task of creating the material starts with scraping the inner bark of the mulberry and breadfruit trees from the outer bark with a shell. The bark is placed on hardwood and pounded flat by another piece of wood, often a club like tool, all the while being kept wet and malleable. Layer upon layer of the bark is added into the fabric with the same application of force. After the desired length of material is completed, it is moved out into the sun to dry. It is then that natural pigments, mostly blacks and browns, are applied.
The once common cloth was used a regular clothing, with designs crafted to denote status and rank, but it is more commonly used today for ceremonial affairs. Outside of attire, works of tapa can also be found as curtains and drapes, blankets, room dividers or as ornamental tapestries. The art has been declining, in practice, not in quality, for quite some time. Luckily for guests of Walt Disney World there is still a fine example of the beautiful art form to be observed in the Polynesian.
The Polynesian art form known as tapa was created out of the necessity for clothing for several centuries. The arduous task of creating the material starts with scraping the inner bark of the mulberry and breadfruit trees from the outer bark with a shell. The bark is placed on hardwood and pounded flat by another piece of wood, often a club like tool, all the while being kept wet and malleable. Layer upon layer of the bark is added into the fabric with the same application of force. After the desired length of material is completed, it is moved out into the sun to dry. It is then that natural pigments, mostly blacks and browns, are applied.The once common cloth was used a regular clothing, with designs crafted to denote status and rank, but it is more commonly used today for ceremonial affairs. Outside of attire, works of tapa can also be found as curtains and drapes, blankets, room dividers or as ornamental tapestries. The art has been declining, in practice, not in quality, for quite some time. Luckily for guests of Walt Disney World there is still a fine example of the beautiful art form to be observed in the Polynesian.
26 January 2012
Prehysterically
If there’s one thing a roadside attraction needs, it is noisy advertisements that draw a driver’s attention away from the road and toward the gaudy sideshow. More often than not these billboards are brightly colored, have quirky wording, and have something special to draw attention to them, something along the lines of reflectors, lights, or moving pieces. Another angle would be to put up a ton of showy signs. Luckily for guests who choose to acknowledge Chester and Hester’s in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the roof and surroundings are filled with kitschy signage!
25 January 2012
Slow-melting
You have a small group, or know someone who could devour half of a buffet on their own, in Walt Disney World and everyone is craving ice cream. What do you do? I’m willing to bet your mind immediately drifted to the grand-daddy of all sundaes, the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. But what if I told you there was a second option in the colossal ice cream category?
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, located in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, is well known for its hot beverages infused with chocolate and even their individual sundaes are mentioned now and again. However, when it comes to ridiculously over the top ice cream, the have a dish that steals the show. Known as the Earthquake, it is most certainly enough to rock your world!
The foundation of this silver platter is eight scoops of ice cream, with choices including: Vanilla, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Strawberry, Espresso Chip, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake, Ghirardelli Rocky Road, Kona Coffee, Mint Chocolate Chip and Butter Pecan. Another assortment of eight comes from the catalog of toppings: Milk Hot Fudge, Dark Hot Fudge, Chocolate Syrup, Warm Caramel, Crushed Pineapple, Sliced Strawberry, Warm Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Cream, Blueberry and Butterscotch. Piled on and around the mountain of ice cream and toppings are freshly cut bananas, decadent chocolate chips, chopped almonds and whipped cream. I would say it comes topped with a cherry, but that would be slighting the no less than seven cherries which crown this beauty.
You would think, as we did when we ordered it, that this may make for some rather odd combinations, such as Cookies & Cream topped with Blueberry. Such arrangements would seem unappetizing, but they aren’t. Clearly, the hands that craft this massive sundae have been well educated in the art of blending flavors.
The true joy of this dessert comes from the interactions amongst all the people eating it. Whether it’s sharing a favorite flavor or arguing over who’s eaten too much of a specific scoop, there are sure to be laughs aplenty as you dig in the Ghirardelli’s Earthquake and I promise it will be gone before you want it to be. Clearly we didn’t have much of problem polishing this dish off…
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, located in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, is well known for its hot beverages infused with chocolate and even their individual sundaes are mentioned now and again. However, when it comes to ridiculously over the top ice cream, the have a dish that steals the show. Known as the Earthquake, it is most certainly enough to rock your world!
The foundation of this silver platter is eight scoops of ice cream, with choices including: Vanilla, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Strawberry, Espresso Chip, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake, Ghirardelli Rocky Road, Kona Coffee, Mint Chocolate Chip and Butter Pecan. Another assortment of eight comes from the catalog of toppings: Milk Hot Fudge, Dark Hot Fudge, Chocolate Syrup, Warm Caramel, Crushed Pineapple, Sliced Strawberry, Warm Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Cream, Blueberry and Butterscotch. Piled on and around the mountain of ice cream and toppings are freshly cut bananas, decadent chocolate chips, chopped almonds and whipped cream. I would say it comes topped with a cherry, but that would be slighting the no less than seven cherries which crown this beauty.You would think, as we did when we ordered it, that this may make for some rather odd combinations, such as Cookies & Cream topped with Blueberry. Such arrangements would seem unappetizing, but they aren’t. Clearly, the hands that craft this massive sundae have been well educated in the art of blending flavors.
The true joy of this dessert comes from the interactions amongst all the people eating it. Whether it’s sharing a favorite flavor or arguing over who’s eaten too much of a specific scoop, there are sure to be laughs aplenty as you dig in the Ghirardelli’s Earthquake and I promise it will be gone before you want it to be. Clearly we didn’t have much of problem polishing this dish off…
24 January 2012
Bear all
Often times when we look back at Walt Disney World of yore it is to discuss what has changed, what is missing, or a specific event somewhere along the decades upon decades of history. It’s rare that we discuss what has stayed the same, but we’re going to do that today, and have a few chuckles along the way.
This is a 1971 press image of the opening scene from the Country Bear Jamboree. The more things change, the more the stay the same, as they say, and this same section holds firm still today. Sure, there have been bears on vacation, both summer and Christmas, but the main Jamboree has remained remarkably intact. So, what is it that draws me towards this scene? Why, the bear necessities, of course!
Here’s a rundown of the cleverly worded advertisements that preface the main show on this opening screen:
This is a 1971 press image of the opening scene from the Country Bear Jamboree. The more things change, the more the stay the same, as they say, and this same section holds firm still today. Sure, there have been bears on vacation, both summer and Christmas, but the main Jamboree has remained remarkably intact. So, what is it that draws me towards this scene? Why, the bear necessities, of course!Here’s a rundown of the cleverly worded advertisements that preface the main show on this opening screen:
FOR MOLDY, ITCHING SKIN
DISNFECT WITH BEAR ALL
CAVES FOR RENT
BEEHIVE REALTORS
UNICYCLES FOR TRICK BEARS
BRUIN CYCLE CO.
FUR COAT SALE
SCALP BROS. FURRIERS
CORSETS
CINCH LIKE A BEAR-HUG
CLAMP’S TOGGERY
CURES PAW ROOT
WAHOO
GOOD FOR BEAR OR MAN
THE DUMP
CONTINENTAL CUISINE
BOOTHS FOR BEARS
DENTURES BUILT-IN GRIZZLY GRIP
DR. WINCH
PAINLESS DENTIST
23 January 2012
2FAST4U
Walt Disney World is known for its classic dark rides and multiple mountain ranges. One sector, the dark rides, are family-friendly fare, while the mountains may not be for the faint of heart. Of course, so far as roller coasters are concerned, are the coasters of Walt Disney World really going to send sheer terror screaming down your spine? Today, I thought I would take a little bit of time to rank the roller coasters found on property.
First things first, we have to know which attractions we’re talking about. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines roller coasters as such:
6 – Goofy’s Barnstormer – Yes, this attraction is in the middle of a refurbishment, but the core of this kiddie coaster will remain the same. Goofy’s Barnstormer can be a bit cramped for adults, but is an excellent introduction to the world of roller coasters for young children. Plus, during its climb and at its peak, it offers great views of the Magic Kingdom. It should be noted that the final spot in this countdown will likely be held by The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train once it opens in 2013.
5 – Primeval Whirl – For the hurky-jerky factor alone, I almost placed this attraction at the bottom of the list. However, Primeval Whirl plays close to its parking lot fair theme, and has similar excitement to Goofy’s Barnstormer. It gains the nod of one placement up because of the individual cars’ ability to spin free of the track. Basically, it is a Tilt-A-Whirl on a roller coaster track.
4 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – It is my personal favorite on the list (though Expedition Everest is running neck and neck with it), and has held a special place in my heart since I was a wee lad. However, it doesn’t have a terrifying element to it, just some great visuals, some tremendous bumps, and a lot of speed, topping out at 30 mph.
3 – Space Mountain – While actually slower than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, clocking in at a whopping 28 mph, Space Mountain amps up the exhilaration by sending guests hurtling through space, or in simple terms, along a track in the dark. Comparing the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain to Disneyland’s for just a moment, there is a lot that could be done to intensify and plus the east coast version, but it is still a top tier coaster for Walt Disney World.
2 – Expedition Everest – I’ll admit it, I miss the swinging, swiping yeti, but that doesn’t mean this attraction is any less worthy of a top spot. Steep drops, suck you into your headrest turns, and a backwards spiral into the mountain all make this an incredible must-ride roller coaster. Top speeds of 50 mph come during the 80 foot drop.
1 – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – I fully believe this ride could have been made with just the launch sequence and guests would still line up for it! Going from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (okay, to be honest it’s only 0 – 57 mph) is an immediate injection of adrenaline. Couple this with inversions and the surprise element provided by being in the dark and you have a roller coaster recipe for success. The only thing that could make Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster better is if it were longer.
So, that’s my ranking of the roller coasters in Walt Disney World, the real question is, what’s yours?
First things first, we have to know which attractions we’re talking about. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines roller coasters as such:
roller coaster (ˈrō-lər-ˌkō-stər) noun: an elevated railway (as in an amusement park) constructed with sharp curves and steep inclines on which cars rollUnder this definition, we are asked to disregard several thrill attractions, including Test Track, Kali River Rapids, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Tours and Splash Mountain. So thrills are not simply handed out via roller coasters, but we’ll play ball with just the ‘elevated railway’ attractions today, but know that in a pure thrill-seeking rundown, Splash Mountain and Tower of Terror would have ranked very high. What we are left with are a handful of attractions: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Goofy’s Barnstormer, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest and Primeval Whirl.
6 – Goofy’s Barnstormer – Yes, this attraction is in the middle of a refurbishment, but the core of this kiddie coaster will remain the same. Goofy’s Barnstormer can be a bit cramped for adults, but is an excellent introduction to the world of roller coasters for young children. Plus, during its climb and at its peak, it offers great views of the Magic Kingdom. It should be noted that the final spot in this countdown will likely be held by The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train once it opens in 2013.
5 – Primeval Whirl – For the hurky-jerky factor alone, I almost placed this attraction at the bottom of the list. However, Primeval Whirl plays close to its parking lot fair theme, and has similar excitement to Goofy’s Barnstormer. It gains the nod of one placement up because of the individual cars’ ability to spin free of the track. Basically, it is a Tilt-A-Whirl on a roller coaster track.
4 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – It is my personal favorite on the list (though Expedition Everest is running neck and neck with it), and has held a special place in my heart since I was a wee lad. However, it doesn’t have a terrifying element to it, just some great visuals, some tremendous bumps, and a lot of speed, topping out at 30 mph.
3 – Space Mountain – While actually slower than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, clocking in at a whopping 28 mph, Space Mountain amps up the exhilaration by sending guests hurtling through space, or in simple terms, along a track in the dark. Comparing the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain to Disneyland’s for just a moment, there is a lot that could be done to intensify and plus the east coast version, but it is still a top tier coaster for Walt Disney World.
2 – Expedition Everest – I’ll admit it, I miss the swinging, swiping yeti, but that doesn’t mean this attraction is any less worthy of a top spot. Steep drops, suck you into your headrest turns, and a backwards spiral into the mountain all make this an incredible must-ride roller coaster. Top speeds of 50 mph come during the 80 foot drop.
1 – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – I fully believe this ride could have been made with just the launch sequence and guests would still line up for it! Going from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (okay, to be honest it’s only 0 – 57 mph) is an immediate injection of adrenaline. Couple this with inversions and the surprise element provided by being in the dark and you have a roller coaster recipe for success. The only thing that could make Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster better is if it were longer.So, that’s my ranking of the roller coasters in Walt Disney World, the real question is, what’s yours?
22 January 2012
Disney This Week - 22 January 2012
In a little less than a month, I will be doing a history presentation on Disney parks in Raleigh, NC. If you’re going to be in town, I’d love to see you there! Check the flyer for details.
FoxxFur shows us that before there was Walt Disney World, there was Johnny’s Corner for Passport to Dreams Old & New.
Matt Hochberg gives us a photo breakdown of Rock the Night! Fireworks Spectacular at Studios Central.
A new cupcake from Contempo Café, a Red Velvet Cupcake, is thoroughly covere by AJ Wolfe and The Disney Food Blog.
Want to know more about the history of rollercoasters and ride design? George Taylor has the review for you at Imaginerding.
Mickey Mouse and The Doctor, do I need to say more. Thanks to Progress City, U.S.A. and Michael Crawford for finding this gem.
Adam and Andrew explain the simple joy that is Columbia Harbour House at Disney Hipster Blog.
Eating WDW and Sarah Holodick head to Fort Wilderness, so you know I’m going to promote it here. She explores the check-in area of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Mickey through the years, as seen in Mickey’s of Hollywood, is covered by Melissa Loflin at Makin’ Memories.
Steven Miller, at the Disney Parks Blog, highlights some upcoming merchandise. Check the comments section where he discusses upcoming Disney Racers with me!
A bit off property, but Cirque du Soleil is going to have a second show in Orlando for two days next month. Get the details from Suzannah DiMazio and Zannaland.
FoxxFur shows us that before there was Walt Disney World, there was Johnny’s Corner for Passport to Dreams Old & New.
Matt Hochberg gives us a photo breakdown of Rock the Night! Fireworks Spectacular at Studios Central.
A new cupcake from Contempo Café, a Red Velvet Cupcake, is thoroughly covere by AJ Wolfe and The Disney Food Blog.
Want to know more about the history of rollercoasters and ride design? George Taylor has the review for you at Imaginerding.
Mickey Mouse and The Doctor, do I need to say more. Thanks to Progress City, U.S.A. and Michael Crawford for finding this gem.
Adam and Andrew explain the simple joy that is Columbia Harbour House at Disney Hipster Blog.
Eating WDW and Sarah Holodick head to Fort Wilderness, so you know I’m going to promote it here. She explores the check-in area of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Mickey through the years, as seen in Mickey’s of Hollywood, is covered by Melissa Loflin at Makin’ Memories.
Steven Miller, at the Disney Parks Blog, highlights some upcoming merchandise. Check the comments section where he discusses upcoming Disney Racers with me!
A bit off property, but Cirque du Soleil is going to have a second show in Orlando for two days next month. Get the details from Suzannah DiMazio and Zannaland.
21 January 2012
20 January 2012
Dashing heroes
Aside from the actually ride vehicles themselves, and the showroom display models, there are not many complete vehicles lying around Test Track. Throughout the queue there are sections and pieces being put through rigorous testing, but they are far from complete and road worthy. One car in the queue, however, has been on the move for quite a while.
Just inside the building, after the first turn in the queue’s road, sits an exhibit discussing General Motors’ first testing facility, a site in Milford, Michigan that they began using in 1924. The scene includes worn workbenches, black and white photographs, a chalkboard, machinery parts and a 1927 Chevrolet.
For those of you who visited the park back when it was EPCOT Center and this attraction was known as World of Motion, this car may seem familiar. It did, once upon a time, have a prominent position within the attraction itself. It was featured in the air show/flying ace scene, where fashionable ladies swooned over the courageous aviator. The car was situated off to one side, filled with an excited family, including a small boy hanging off of the side flying his toy airplane in the breeze.
Whether guests today are aware of the car’s history, as you now are, it is good to know that history still has its place in the former World of Motion pavilion. History of the automotive and the park itself.
Just inside the building, after the first turn in the queue’s road, sits an exhibit discussing General Motors’ first testing facility, a site in Milford, Michigan that they began using in 1924. The scene includes worn workbenches, black and white photographs, a chalkboard, machinery parts and a 1927 Chevrolet.
For those of you who visited the park back when it was EPCOT Center and this attraction was known as World of Motion, this car may seem familiar. It did, once upon a time, have a prominent position within the attraction itself. It was featured in the air show/flying ace scene, where fashionable ladies swooned over the courageous aviator. The car was situated off to one side, filled with an excited family, including a small boy hanging off of the side flying his toy airplane in the breeze.Whether guests today are aware of the car’s history, as you now are, it is good to know that history still has its place in the former World of Motion pavilion. History of the automotive and the park itself.
19 January 2012
The showplace of the shore
The Attic is a special events space found inside Disney’s BoardWalk. Like many attics BoardWalk’s is not easy to get to, but rather than use a rope-pull and a fold-out ladder, this room requires wandering down a winding corridor, past a number of guest rooms, towards the very end of the third floor. The room isn’t big enough for a large reception, but the room comes complete with a verandah with a vista of the BoardWalk, Crescent Lake, Yacht and Beach Club and Epcot.
Filling the nooks, crannies and eaves are a diverse selection of items that could be in any attic. Books, toys, pictures, old license plates, birdcages and even the furnishings fit the motif. Some of the more beautiful elements to fill the space are the stained-glass windows, as seen below.
Filling the nooks, crannies and eaves are a diverse selection of items that could be in any attic. Books, toys, pictures, old license plates, birdcages and even the furnishings fit the motif. Some of the more beautiful elements to fill the space are the stained-glass windows, as seen below.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
