Human-Cyborg relations

Like every child who hoped to find that shiny new speeder bike under the Christmas tree, I was a child of the Star Wars, and as immediately in love with the Star Tours attraction when it opened at Disney-MGM Studios in December of 1989.Originally named Endor Vendors, with an exterior that resembled the bunker form Return of the Jedi, the Star Wars shop was renamed Tatooine Traders and opened with a new façade in 1999. The store was now able to visually bridge the gap not only between the original Star Wars Trilogy (AT-AT from The Empire Strikes Back, Ewok Village from Return of the Jedi, and Tatooine from A New Hope) but also between the two trilogies, as the set piece indicate this Tatooine set is from Mos Espa, Anakin Skywalker’s boyhood home. The new exterior also featured the name ‘Tatooine Traders,’ in not only standard English but also in Aurebesh, a font/language commonly used in the Star Wars Universe.

For those of you wishing to create and send your own messages via droids about the impending ambush at the moon of Endor, the Main Street Gazette is proud to provide you with this translation sheet. We look forward to translating whatever surveillance intelligence you can send our way!

Happy painting

Bob Ross was born 29 October 1942 in Daytona Beach, Florida. While he was best known for his snow-covered mountains, cabins, and happy trees, his roots would occasional show through.

When speaking about his paintings, Bob Ross generally spoke about the mountains in the west and the time he spent in Alaska. Yet, during the thirteenth series of The Joy of Painting, he put together a gorgeous swamp scene entitled “Emerald Waters.” During the piece’s creation, he stated, “I was born in Daytona Beach, and lived around Orlando most of my life. And back in those days people thought Orlando would never amount to anything but just a swamp, and now it’s one of the most fantastic cities in Florida. And Disney World is there, and it’s a super place to go now.”

Bob Ross was one of those shows that no matter where I lived, I always tried to find a way to watch or record it every week. As for “Emerald Waters,” I cannot count the number of times I stumbled across a similar scene during my backwoods adventures growing up in Central Florida.

Bob Ross eventually returned to Florida, where he passed away in July of 1995, but his paintings, catch-phrases, and calming nature live on for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

We go on

MouseFest is going through a lot of changes. Not only has the number of participants grown in leaps and bounds every year, but the needs for all of those various guests has also grown exponentially. All of this has had some dramatic effects for MouseFest going forward, as is evident by the email the MouseFest Executive Committee released this afternoon. The entirety of which can be read at MouseFest.org.

There are two pieces of this press release that I wanted to address here: The stepping down of Dave Marx as the MouseFest Chairman and the 2009 hiatus of MouseFest.

First, and foremost, allow me to offer my deepest gratitude to Dave Marx. I may not have been able to attend every MouseFest, but the tireless work and effort he has put into this event is far above and beyond what could be asked of any of us. Thank you for all you have done for us Dave!

As for MouseFest being on hiatus for this coming winter, I can only say I am optimistic at what the future holds for the event, and appreciate everything (both out front and behind the scenes) that the Executive Committee has done for us in the past. I am sure 2010 will knock all of our socks off.

The MouseFest Executive Committee has given its blessing of a sort to the continued travel of the community and of events that gather us together this coming December, even though MouseFest will not officially be taking place. In the spirit of everything that makes MouseFest and the Disney community great, the Main Street Gazette will be in Walt Disney World during what was originally scheduled to be the MouseFest Land dates. Additionally, on at least one of the dates, the Main Street Gazette will be hosting a gathering/event/shared experience of some sort. I hope to see all of you there as well!

Crafts of the Kingdoms

Though over the years much of the merchandise available in Walt Disney World has become more marketing-driven, there are still the lost corners and dying arts that can be found throughout property. Silhouettes can still be obtained in Liberty Square, as well as a few other tucked away locations, painstakingly detailed glass can be obtained on Main Street U.S.A., and in Epcot's Mexico cornsilk flowers never wilt. Traditional art forms are still highly valued, where it can be found, in Walt Disney World.

Today's Back Issues takes us back to the Spring of 1983, when Anne Coppinger gave us a glimpse into the fine arts available at Walt Disney World, as well as Disneyland, in her Disney News article, Crafts of the Kingdoms.

No doubt about it – the popular interest in crafts is thriving. Craft fairs and classes instructing novices in the creation of various handicrafts abound. Perhaps the notion that handmade items are more valuable than those that are mass-produced is rooted deep in a nostalgia for simpler times, but whatever the reason, the fact remains – people have fallen in love with that which is handmade.

While some folks travel far and wide to search for craft items, Disney aficionados will be delighted to discover that their quest leads them to places dear to their hearts – Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Shops in each amusement kingdom stock crafts from literally every corner of the globe, and in several instances artisans are on hand to demonstrate the skills necessary to create their specialties.

What follows is a quick guide to the places where crafts and craftsmen are found on the Disney premises. The list is not cast in bronze, however, for exact inventories vary from time to time. But there's always sure to be an abundant cache of crafts to satisfy the most dedicated of collectors.

It's All American
Booty from the Americas is particularly rich, reflecting the diverse heritages of the peoples of both the Northern and Southern continents. The American Indian nations contribute distinctive jewelry:

Navajo pieces inlaid with turquoise chunks, shimmering all-silver Hopi pieces, and Zuni rings and pins inlaid with turquoise and red and white stones. Sand paintings and blankets, totems and baskets, kachina dolls and realistic tom-toms round out the native American selection (Indian Trading Posts, DL).

Revere-style bowls in silver and silver plate, looking as if Paul Revere, the master silversmith himself, had crafted them, remind shoppers of our country's early years (Silversmith, WDW). The one-of-a-kind handmade dolls depicting personalities of bygone days – for example, elegant Victorian women, pottery vendors, chimney sweeps, and peddlers – are definitely worth a peek (Heritage House, WDW). Rural America is recalled in cozy quilts, carved decoys, and apple-head and corn-husk dolls (Ursus H. Bear's Wilderness Outpost, DL). Modern do-it-yourselfers are not forgotten; they can buy stitchery and needlepoint kits as well as supplies for macramé, quilting, and latch-hook rug making (Great Southern Craft Company, WDW Village).

From our Canadian neighbors to the north come smooth soapstone pieces sculpted by Inuit artisans, supple mocassins [sic], and other leather leather goods, while festive Mexican piñatas, papier-mache figurines, pottery in blacks, blues, and ochres, and mother-of-pearl jewelry give guests a feeling for south-of-the-border wares (Mexican Village, DL; Port of Entry, WDW).

A Worldwide Endeavor
The buyers who comb the world's markets for unusual crafts don't confine themselves to North and South America. Many of the crafts of Europe have found a common home in Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. Pottery and baskets right out of old Italian marketplaces can be found in Arcata D'Artigiani. And the Volkskunst Clocks and Craft shop resounds with the call of cuckoo birds.

The shelves of the import shops in both Magic Kingdoms are stocked with crafts of still more distant origins. From China's craftsmen there are hand-gilded copper plates engraved using the Chokin method (originally used to decorate Samurai warriors' helmets), jade jewelry, and delicate cloisonné items (Oriental Imports, WDW; Adventureland Bazaar, DL). The Mitsukoshi shop in Epcot Center has devoted a section to traditional Japanese crafts, and shoppers may find lacquer screens, carvings, kimonos, and fans among the wares. From Africa there are colorful dashikis, wooden combs and other jewelry, and carved antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and other veldt creatures (Traders of Timbuktu, WDW; Adventureland Bazaar, DL).

Men And Women At Work
In addition to buying craft items, guests at the parks can actually see many artisans at work. In Walt Disney World Village, a potter works at his wheel, spinning blobs of clay into beautiful pots (Pottery Chalet); a leathersmith hand-tools belts, handbags, and accessories and a jewelry maker crafts silver wonders (Great Southern Craft Company); and an artisan makes Damascene jewelry and plates (Toledo Arts). This skill, highly developed by the ancient residence of Damascus, is the art of inlaying gold or silver threads on metal objects; it is also demonstrated in the Arts and Crafts shop (DL) and at The King's Gallery (WDW).

There are still other marvels to behold. Wax hardens into candles before your eyes (Holiday Corner, WDW), black paper is snipped into likenesses of guests' profiles (Silhouette Studio, DL; The Shadow Box, WDW), and glass is blown into horses, pianos, and castles (Arts and Crafts, DL; Crystal Arts, WDW). There are even plans to have German artists come to Epcot Center several times during the year to paint Hummel figurines (Glas Und Porzellan).

Every rock and tree

The tree is a source of life. It shades us from the sun, offers us shelter from the elements, and nourishes us with its fruits. Trees are more abundant inside of Disney's Animal Kingdom than in any other park that comprises Walt Disney World. Not just the iconic Tree of Life or the trees whose canopies cover the walkways, but also in symbolisms found throughout the park, from lanterns to stage pieces.

The most often tread upon use of the tree is also one of the least known. Set into the entrance pavement, from the tram gates to the park entrance and, a tree grows with each step we take towards the Oasis. It is hard to see, or photograph, the pattern since it runs across the baggage check, various planters, and the ticket booths. Thankfully, Google Earth gives us the perfect vantage points for these aerial wonders.

The next time you are walking towards the Oasis, the parks dramatic break from the outside world, tread carefully and take notice of one of the more subtle messages in the park.

How do you get to Wonderland

During 2008's Fall season, specifically during the festivities of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the quiet walkway from the backside of Tomorrowland to Mickey's Toontown Fair was transformed into a walk through Wonderland. Banners showcasing favorite characters were hung from the lampposts, while flower and card cut-outs dotted the grassy clearing. Considering the Mad Tea Party covers the main corner between Tomorrowland Mickey's Toontown Fair, this walkway gave fans of Alice in Wonderland a couple of great photo-ops and a little life to a mostly desolate area of the Magic Kingdom.

It was all started by

There are days when, like all writers of any sort, I stare for hours at a blank sheet of paper. I get up and stretch, watch a movie, read a non-Disney book, go for a walk, listen to some music from my younger years, anything to take my mind off of writing. Then I will return to my office, peruse various memorabilia, scan some magazine articles or Disney text books, or even file through my large collection of Walt Disney World photographs I have collected over the past several years. But there are rare days when even that is not enough to find inspiration to write something related to Disney. On those days I turn to The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

In my Meet Our Neighbor segment for Imaginerding I cited the set of Imagineering Field Guides as some of my favorite Disney books because, “these books are full of fascinating stories and features, but they don't give so much information that the average guest would be overwhelmed. Instead, for the Disney geeks out there, I look at the guides as starting point. If a particular aspect is of interest to a reader, there are plenty of resources available to further your edu-mouse-cation.” But that doesn’t tell the whole story.

The Magic Kingdom Field Guide was the first book I picked up when I began my serious study into the world of Walt Disney World. Sure, I had collected other books and pictorial souvenirs over the years, but I hadn’t really scratched beneath the veneers and varnishes. Part of me wanted to keep up the illusion and remain ignorant of what gave Walt Disney World the air of magic, but another piece of me, the questioning and academic child, wanted to know why, how, when, who, what, and where about everything that fell under the auspice of Walt Disney World. Then I found this book.

The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom has been quoted many times on the Main Street Gazette, along with the other volumes in the series, though not as much as of late. I don’t use it as a resource in my writing or as guide book to my adventures like I did just a few short years ago. I have since found more detailed accounts of the histories, more in depth explanations of methods, and larger pieces of the concept art found within its pages. And yet, it is always the book I seek out when I am frustrated. After a few pages, I can start writing again, usually about something unconnected to what I read (like the stone plates that sit along the wall outside of Expedition Everest).

The book shows signs of how loved it is: the corners of the cover are unrecognizable and fraying, the pages have begun to whiten around all of their edges, and when it rests upright the spine opens to treasured passages. It should probably be put away upon a shelf, in a place of reverence for what is has given to me, in order to make room for a fresher copy to hold its place years from now after the book is no longer available in print, but still it stays. The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is, in all senses, my blanket. I will carry it, as Linus did his own blue blanket, for security, for comfort, and as a reminder of the good times long beyond the time that it is fashionable.

Blank pages should tremble.

The handsomest creature of all

There is a multitude to learn from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Not only are there facts and figures on the animals, information on conservation efforts, languages and histories, but there are stories. One such story can be found inside a research station on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. For the guests that take their time to absorb their surrounding’s offerings many rewards await, such as the story of how the hippopotamus came to live in the river. The story of When Hippo Was Hairy.

Long, long ago Kiboko the Hippo did not live in the swift-moving river but in the open savannah among all the other creatures. He had a long, silky coat of fur and a lovely, bushy tail. Hippo was so vain of his fine fur that he would admire his image in the water and boast to all the other animals, “Am I not the handsomest creature of all?”

Kadima the Hare grew very tired of Hippo’s boasting and decided to teach him some humility. He piled up a nice soft next of dry grass and offered it to Hippo, saying, “Such a handsome animal as you must have the finest bed to sleep upon!” Hippo haughtily agreed and lay down to sleep.

The wicked Hare lit a fire at the edge of Hippo’s bed and sat back to watch. The fire set Hippo’s fur ablaze and he awoke in great surprise. Unable to put out the flames, Hippo ran to the nearest river and leapt in with a giant splash.

When Hippo emerged, his fine fur was gone, his tail was just a little stub and his burned skin was pinkish brown and bald. Weeping with shame, Hippo sank down into the water until only his eyes and nostrils showed, and has stayed there ever since.

Quietly seated at all times

How is this for a bench?No detail is ever spared when it comes to the parks of Walt Disney World, right down to the benches to rest upon. From the branch-fashioned benches of Camp Minnie-Mickey to the stone carved seats of Epcot’s Japan and beyond, the benches may not always be the most comfortable but they do possess that something extra in the way of style. However, between the serpentine coiling of the iron and the glowing red eyes of the various creatures that reside upon this Haunted Mansion bench, I don’t know that it is possible to be more uncomfortable on any bench property-wide.

While this may be a terrifically terrifying feature that is sure to amuse and amaze many, including any Disney geeks you may know, it is probably best to keep the child clutching your hand from seeing this bench while standing in the Haunted Mansion’s exterior queue. Unless, of course, you want them to start screaming and crying before they are introduced to your Ghost Host.

Just down the trail

Each year Florida releases Camp Florida, an official directory of campgrounds located in, shockingly, Florida. This year’s directory comes in at 56 pages, including advertisements, and divides the campgrounds into either a North, Central, or South Florida designation. Beyond that, the directory lists all of the campgrounds by the city or town they are a part of. Locating Lake Buena Vista, the directory lists only one campground, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The listing reads:

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is the only campground that’s right in the middle of the Walt Disney World Resort magic and fun. Enjoy sparkling pools, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding, roasting marshmallows at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long and more. Plus, convenient transportation all around our world.

If that weren’t enough, the directory also has an advertisement for Fort Wilderness two pages prior. It is enough to make me want to pack my tent and head back into the old loops and Comfort Stations.

The spirit of rhythm

This week, I again had the honor to sit in with Lou Mongello on the WDW Radio Show. During the show we discussed the pavilions and attractions of the World Showcase that might have been. Venezuela, Russia, Iran, and Australia are among the many people and places of the world that were conceptualized by Imagineers and dissected by Lou and I on the segment.

One pavilion that received a lot of attention, both from us and by EPCOT Center in 1982, is Equatorial Africa. To supplement the podcast, here are a few pieces of Equatorial Africa concept art for your viewing pleasure. And remember to check out the WDW Radio Show this, and every, week.

In the Spotlight: College Musicians

The youth of the world have always been a source of vibrant energy to the theme parks of Disney. From the college program to Magic Music Days, the young people of the world have come in droves to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and they have brought with them a fantastic set of skills, unbridled optimism, and a glimpse into tomorrow. In the Spring of 1981, Disney News highlighted the All American College Marching Band program at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The benefit to both the parks and the young people involved is clear as you read through In the Spotlight: College Musicians.

Lively summertime music and snappy marching routines are part of the entertainment supplied by the versatile All American College Marching Band at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Two spirited dancers accompany the 20-piece bands at each of the themed parks.

There talented musicians have been selected in response to posters and letters set to colleges and universities nationwide.

Students are attracted to the 12-week program not only because of the opportunity to perform live before so many appreciative people, but because of the educational daily clinical workshops… featuring noted guest lecturers. Dancers attend similar workshops.

Disney provides housing and a stipend, plus transportation for the summer program. It’s possible, depending upon the student’s host college requirements, for the student to apply for college credit at the close of the program.

To choose instrumentalists, a series of live auditions are held in key locations. Dancers’ auditions are held in Orlando, Florida and at Disneyland. Applicants must be enrolled in a college as a freshman, sophomore or junior and be 18 or over. They must be able to sight read. Dancers are taught a routine to present.

Dr. Art Bartner, director of bands at University of Southern California, will direct the band this year, and Mike Davis will be in charge of the Florida ensemble. 1981 will mark the 11th year of the college program.

Passamaquoddy: Freedom

We’ve finally been released from our attractions inside of Passamaquoddy. The week Team Piranha spent inside of Buoy Store Minnow Mania had some intriguing results, from muscles to music and flirtations and digestions. Thankfully, Big Blue seems to be a stalwart bunch of competitors. Be sure to watch for news from our first week in Passamaquoddy soon, as well as our first Tribal Council meeting.

The greatest sensational mystery

Harry Houdini, born Erich Weiss, is perhaps the most well-known of all magicians. He is, without a doubt, known instantaneously by name for his skill at escape acts. Successful escapes came from not only handcuffs and shackles, but also straightjackets, prisons, ropes, and chains. It was not uncommon for him to be stripped naked and searched for his performances. It is no wonder that during a thriving tour in Europe that Houdini became known as “The Handcuff King,” much like the early name he had billed himself as, “King of Cards.” To distances himself from handcuff imitators Houdini began more dangerous stunts, such as the Chinese Water Torture Cell, which pulled in audiences with its death-defying nature.

By now, you might be asking yourself what all of this has to do with Walt Disney World. As it so happens, Houdini appears in several locations around property.

In Magic Masters, the magic shop located in Downtown Disney’s West Side, is a small case on a bookshelf displaying several models of handcuffs that Harry Houdini used in his various escapes.










Outside of Magic Masters is a small encased room with promotional posters for Harry Houdini’s stunts and notable tricks. Metamorphosis and the Chinese Water Torture Cell are two posters among the collection.









A smaller version of the Metamorphosis poster can be found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In The Great Gonzo’s locker and living quarters (homage to the Muppets’ residence during The Muppets Take Manhattan), located inside of the Studio 1 store, several pieces of Houdini history along with some cards are visible.












It looks like The Handcuff King has a well-stocked place in Walt Disney World. Perhaps this is fitting, after all, with all of the visual magic and illusion that takes place within the boundaries of Walt Disney World one would expect great magicians, such as Harry Houdini and Walt Disney, to be given their appropriate nods.

Young Adventurers - Bathing Fountain

Along the banks of the Chakranadi River, deep within the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Asia, lies a quiet getaway for young explorers. The waters of the Chakranadi are rough and many of the expeditions will not allow passengers on their rafts unless the meet a height requirement of 38 inches. For those not quite up to the physical challenge of the river, but still the will to get wet, there is a small bathing fountain just outside of the entrance to Maharajah Jungle Trek.Here, water from a fountain springs up for all who venture near the stone structure. While the fountain itself may only hold five bathers, additional spouts and sprays can be found along the exterior of the small building for those seeking refreshment. Though, a word to the wise, there is to be no food, drink, glass, or animals permitting in the bathing fountain while you are soaking your troubles away, as ordered by the crown.

Passamaquoddy: Opening Credits

Not much news tonight from Passamaquoddy, although several of us on Team Piranha are starting to suffer some ill effects from playing Buoy Store Midway Mania so much. For a first peak at the opening credits, which includes a look at all of the Survivors, to Survivor: Passamaquoddy, be sure to check out Jeff W.'s The Snowy Tundra Report. As for me, I am really craving an egg roll right about now.

Movin' right along

Scientific study can be a one of the toughest pursuits in life. It occasionally requires a belief in things you cannot see and touch. Take, for example, the Law of Local Motion. What? You’ve never heard of this law?

The Law of Local Motion was put forth by the Department of Line Engineering and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. Under constant study in the queue for MuppetVision 3-D, the law is intended to prove that it is, in fact, possible to get from here to there. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew goes one step further by providing step by step instructions for any laymen in the queue. Let’s take a look at these instructions and see if it is indeed possible to get to from Here to There according to Dr. Honeydew’s theory.

Passamaquoddy: Abominable

Snow has been piling up around the Gazette offices for the past few days, and the staff were actually given a rare holiday. I suppose this is only fitting, since I’m currently locked away in Passamaquoddy with some minnows and a spud, and not actually in the offices. At least the company is nice, and no one seems to have turned on anyone else,… yet…

Ah well, back home a few of the staffers took this picture of the conditions and sent it to me. At least it looks like they had a friend drop by!

Warrant of Authority

Tucked away on a small wall near the fixin's bar at the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe are a couple of documents pivotal to the safety and settlement of the West.

In Liberty City, Texas on March 24, 1894 Pecos Bill received his Warrant of Authority in Company C of the Texas Rangers. His Provisional Captaincy came along with his occupation, which is listed as Defender of the Defenseless. Additionally, Pecos Bill's faithful companion, Widowmaker, was also granted his Warrant of Authority in Liberty City in March of 1894. Though Widowmaker's Warrant of Authority lists him as an enlisted man and Honorary Member.

Looking a little closer at the Warrants of Authority we see some folds in the papers, causing damage to these priceless papers that seems out of place. As it turns out, these documents were issued by Texas' Adjutant General beginning in 1874 until 1935. In lieu of badges and credentials the Rangers kept their Warrants of Authority on their person, often folding them and placing them in their pockets for safe keeping and easy access.

Upon further investigation, both Pecos Bill's and Widowmaker's documents raise questions. Widowmaker is listed as being an enlistee in the Texas Rangers. Yet, according to Ranger history, Warrants of Authority were only bestowed upon officers, never enlisted personnel. As for Pecos Bill's, his Warrant of Authority is dated for March 24, 1894, while making reference to an “Act of the 27th Legislature of the State of Texas. Approved, March 29th, 1901.” Still, Pecos Bill and Widowmaker were both legends in their own right, and a few inconsistencies can certainly be overlooked.

All in all, Governor Sam Houston and Adjutant General John Reid could not have asked for a finer man or a finer stallion to represent the Texas Rangers than Pecos Bill and Widowmaker.

Survivor: Passamaquoddy

In the seaside town of Passamaquoddy, the television show Survivor has come to town. Yours truly, the intrepid reporter, has been cast on the blue team, TEAM PIRANHA, alongside some of the brightest and best the game has ever seen.We are currently working on our first challenges and, while we aren't suppose to have any contact with the outside world, I thought I would leak the story to my rampant fans. I'm currently locked away in Crustacean Command, and I am convinced there is a story here. I have bonded closely with my teammates, and look forward to Outwitting, Outplaying, Outcasting, and devouring Team Sashimi.

To keep tabs on your favorite Survivor, as well as the rest of the competition, be sure to check out Passamaquoddy.

More to come...

For your safety

This past weekend a guest at Walt Disney World decided it would be proper to climb over the stone stela, the carved artwork that graces to entrance to the Mexico Pavilion, and run up and down the stairs on the exterior of the pavilion. To add to the concern, reports claim that he was yelling about jumping as he neared the top, before making his way back down. You can read about the incident here.

Walt Disney World goes to great length to protect its guests. From restraints and warnings in attractions to the fences and hidden architectural features like Mexico's stela, every attempt is made to see that guests can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. In fact, they are so cautious that there are even warnings about the possibility of dizziness as a result of the CircleVision films, such as O, Cananda. Whenever possible, after an incident Walt Disney World pursues further measures to protect its guests, such as removing a low wall and replacing it with an iron fence.

In the case of this weekend's scaling, the guest had to climb over the stela which, according to Richard R. Beard in Walt Disney's EPCOT, was placed in front of Mexico because it, “effectively discourages children from climbing the stairs to test the will of the gods.” Apparently children and grown men see testing the will of the gods in two entirely different lights.

For my own part, I debated whether or not to report what happened at Epcot this weekend with the sole fear that some teenager may see the photographs and take it upon his or herself to try to recreate the stunt. My fear is that they do not have as easy a time removing themselves from the pyramid and injure themselves. But, as a voice in the community, I felt that something besides the cold hard facts of this story was needed.

All of this is to say that Walt Disney World can only do so much to protect us from ourselves. At some point we must be accountable for our own actions. We must be able to find our own line between what sounds and looks good, and what is actually good for us, those around us, and those watching us. When we find this line, we must decide not to cross it. After all, in Walt Disney World there is plenty of fun to be had without trying to make up our own.

A night like this, forty million years ago

Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Boneyard and Restaurantsaurus fans of background music are treated to a special treat. The background loop for these areas is comprised entirely of dinosaur, caveman, and extinction songs. Across the way at The Dino Institute, instrumental musical of the sort found throughout Walt Disney World keeps the atmosphere mellow. The specific music surrounding The Dino Institute comes from the Dinosaur film score. Yet, where research assistants reign supreme the music has a bit more life to it.

Artists such as R.E.M., Raffi, and Was (Not Was) are all present and accounted for with songs entitled It’s the End of the World (As We Know It), If I Had a Dinosaur, and Walk the Dinosaur. My own personal favorite tune to hear while diggin’ in Dinoland is Jonanthan Richman & The Modern Lovers’ I’m A Little Dinosaur. A majority of the songs come from Barnes And Barnes aptly named album The Dinosaur Album, which is filled with tunes like Ugga Bugga, The Dinosaur Dance, They’re All Gone, and Sweet Dinosaur of Mine, all of which can be heard in either Dinoland or on the iTunes available album. All of these songs build a more laidback and festive atmosphere, and are definitely indicative of the eclectic collections of college students’ music.

Giving the students a radio station may have been a mistake, but it makes for some great listening. So, the next time you have sweat beading on your brow from excavating a mammoth in Dinoland U.S.A., be sure to tune into station W-DIG for humor that is sure to tickle your funny bone and songs of extinction.

A new view of Norway

As far as World Showcase is concerned, Norway is the youngest sibling of the eleven pavilions along the promenade. Yet, of the various pavilions, Norway is the only pavilion with two attractions: a film and a flume ride. Though the more popular Maelstrom has since its inception filtered guests from their boats to the film (in recent years guests have been allowed to bypass the film before it began), the travelogue has always had its own small, yet devoted, following.

In the early part of the new century, plans and discussions between Disney and Norway began to reviewing the possibility of infusing some new life into the Norway pavilion by replacing the film that had been present since the opening of the Maelstrom. A new film could have been ready to go before Norway’s centennial in 2005, but, as is apt to occur in business, the best laid plans fell through.

Kristoffer Rønneberg wrote a terrific article in 2004 that was equal parts history and optimism, with a dash of business thrown in for good measure:

Disney executive Ben May is noticeably relieved when he hears the words. Across the table, in a conference room above one of the most popular attractions at the Epcot Center in Orlando, the Norwegian Minister of Culture is smiling at him. “I think,” she has just told him, “that it’s a good idea to make a new movie.” That little piece of goodwill may put a show on the road for Disney that has previously been kept on ice.

Rønneberg’s A new view of Norway, available on Norway’s official United States site, gives a fantastic glimpse into what might have been. I highly recommend this article to all World Showcase enthusiasts who dare to dream of what might have been.