Tasty food

Meals on the go are a staple the world over, in fact they’re so popular Epcot has dedicated an entire festival to them. For those of us who love street foods, however, we aren’t limited to only six weeks a year, or even one park for that matter. Grab and go items are available throughout Walt Disney World, and none is more mouth watering than the elusive egg roll. After some strenuous research the Gazette’s dining team has compiled a list of locations where these fried treats can be found.

Epcot
Lotus Blossom Cafe: Egg Rolls (2) 3.99

Magic Kingdom
Adventureland Egg-Roll Wagon: Pork and Shrimp Egg Roll 2.50/Vegetable Egg Roll 2.00
Sunshine Tree Terrace: Pork and Shrimp Egg Roll 2.50/Vegetable Egg Roll 2.00
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station: Vegetable Egg Roll 1.89

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Safari Egg Rolls (near Flights of Wonder): Pork and Shrimp 2.29/Vegetable Egg Roll 1.89
Yak and Yeti – Anandapur Local Food Cafes: Pork Egg Rolls (2) 3.29

It should be mentioned that the Adventureland Egg-Roll Wagon and Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station operate seasonally, which makes obtaining an egg roll tricky in the Magic Kingdom. While not often publicized, when the Egg Roll Cart is not operating, egg roll enthusiasts can get their fix at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.In the battle for title of Best Walt Disney World Egg Roll, both Lotus Blossom Cafe and the sites in Adventureland have put forth some amazing fried dough and vegetables. However, the crown must go to the Pork Egg Rolls available at Anandapur Local Foods Cafes. They are the perfect combination of a crispy exterior, while still maintaining a slightly chewy dough and hot, flavor-filled, vegetables and pork.

As for pricing, the best dough for your dollar also comes from any of the egg rolls found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station when it is available.

What shocked our researchers most? It was, in fact, that there are no egg rolls, or egg roll carts, available anywhere within Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This seems a shame, since San Francisco Street, a part of the Streets of America, features the perfect location for a cart. The China Bowl Restaurant sits at the corner of the Streets of America and San Francisco Street and would be the perfect stop to grab an egg roll and listen to the sounds of the city.

Wherever you find your egg rolls, they are the perfect meal for those in-between mealtimes.

Visual intrusion

Visual Intrusion – Any outside element that makes its way into a scene, breaks the visual continuity, and destroys the illusion. WDI works hard to eliminate visual intrusions.

--The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, p. 13

The look of Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland was designed to blend in with the saccharine sweet flavor of Fantasyland, from where it could occasionally be seen. Prior to the installation of Space Mountain, the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland had the Contemporary Resort and incoming monorails as its backdrop. The transition from Main Street U.S.A. to Adventureland hinges at the corner of the Crystal Palace where Victorian-era influences can be felt in both lands. These are just a few of the cases in which the Imagineers crafted brilliantly disguised skylines and stories and kept the visual intrusions at bay.Another tool in the Imagineers bag of tricks is the layering of areas, creating a feeling that there is more depth to a space than is actually available. A key example of this is France in World Showcase, with the Eiffel Tower some distance away, it appears that the side-streets will, eventually, lead us to the Paris icon. Another application of this tool comes from Morocco.

While I have been unable to confirm this story through any official source, there is a story that is told about the design of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. In this tale it is said that the Imagineers realized that due to the building’s height it would be able to be seen from a few locations around World Showcase in Epcot. Once these sightlines were established, and indicated that it would be seen rising up behind Morocco, the Imagineers went to work piecing together a structure that would be reminiscent of the height of Hollywood glamour and still maintain an architecture and color scheme that would add another layer to the space and story of the Morocco pavilion.Whether or not this is actually the case, the illusion is maintained as the Hollywood Tower Hotel blends into the spires and Chella minaret of Morocco. Casting your gaze to the other side of World Showcase, back towards Future World, guests are met with a large airplane hangar overtaking the rocky cliffs of Canada. While I would not give up Soarin’ for anything, and understand the vast amounts of space needed for such an attraction, the visual intrusion of the hangar seems to go against everything Imagineering has worked so hard to create.

I don’t believe the Soarin’ shelter should have been covered in rockwork, but I do believe there are small fixes that would have reduced the amount the hangar intrudes into the surrounding views. For instance, rather than the blue color, meant to mimic the color of the Florida sky, perhaps the structure should have been painted a rusty brown. This would have been in keeping with the aeronautics feel and given a brown backdrop to the brown crags of the Canada pavilion.While visual intrusion is inevitable as Walt Disney World is developed, guests are at least given fewer undisturbed vistas than those who frequent Disneyland. Thankfully, no matter where you hang your Mouse Ears, the Imagineers do phenomenal work in keeping a story cohesive wherever you choose to look.

Heart of Tomorrowland

The Magic Kingdom at dusk creates some of the most stunning scenery. Whether it is due to the architecture, effects, or the composition of the lighting, some of the most fantastic images can be capture during the magical hour at the Magic Kingdom. Today’s desktop image, from Tomorrowland, illustrates just how well all of the elements can come together to generate a wonderful moment.

640x480

800x600

1024x768

1280x1024

One way only

Advertising for the motoring masses can be seen daily on the side of buses, bus stop benches and posters, taxi cab lights, and the ever-present billboards. While novel, none of these techniques could be considered original as streetcars have been used in advertising since the early part of the 20th century. Is it any wonder that the vehicles of Main Street U.S.A. prominently display promotions?In keeping with the feel of a small town on the rise, and making its way through the turn of the last century, the vehicles of Main Street all come equipped with ad cards on their exteriors. While some of these advertisements promote sponsors, such as National Car Rental’s announcement on the back of the jitney, a majority of these ads promote attractions found within the Magic Kingdom. The most prominent of these cards are at eye level on the omnibus (which is, coincidentally, my favorite way to travel down Main Street).Walt Disney World’s ad cards were originally the handiwork of artist Paul Hartley. Yet, as the years have marched ever onward, a variety of artists and styles have begun to be showcased on the vehicles. These additions also include many of the attractions that were not present during the early years of the Magic Kingdom, such as Splash Mountain. But no matter their source or subject matter, it is always nice to see a theme, such as the early 20th Century, carried down to even the minute details.

Known Issues

I have received quite a number of emails from readers concerned about the ability to search through the Gazette for information they know is available, as well as the inability to reach the site if they locate it through Google’s search engine. I have, along with many others, made Blogger aware of the problems. Here is the current information they are providing:

A small percentage of Blogger users have experienced error messages this afternoon as the result of what appears to be an ongoing distributed denial of service attack aimed at multiple services across the web. Google has a variety of systems in place to help counteract these types of attacks, and we believe the majority of affected users can now access their blogs. We're continuing to work to minimize the impact to affected Blogger users. No other Google products have been affected.


Searching from the navbar is currently returning incomplete data for some users. We're investigating our search functionality and will hopefully have a fix out shortly. As a workaround, you can use search operators on Google.com to search for content specifically on your blog.

For those of you wishing to search for specific content, please use the following search parameters: site:www.mainstgazette.com KEYWORD

I will keep you updated on the status of the fixes, as I am given information, and I am sincerely sorry for any inconvenience.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

In case you have been living under a rock somewhere or, more appropriately, buried there, today is the fortieth anniversary of the Haunted Mansion. I am sure there will be articles galore, many much more detailed than this one, and accounts of the day’s festivities at Disneyland, but here are just a few words to consider the next time you encounter your friendly neighborhood Ghost Host.

Today’s Back Issue is not a full article, but rather an excerpt from Les Perkins’ Disneyland Diary (Part Two) entitled Things That Go Bump In The Night. It was originally published in the Summer 1985 issue of Disney News.

In 1969, after much anticipation, 999 ghosts we at long last gathered from around the world to inhabit the “Haunted Mansion” in New Orleans Square. Though the exterior of the attraction was completed in 1963, the house lay “vacant” for many years.

Plans for some sort of haunted house actually appeared on the 1957 Disneyland Souvenir Map (drawn by artist Sam McKim). The eerie abode was to be tucked into a corner of Frontierland.

Ken Anderson created an ominous-looking rendering in 1959 that is very close to how the mansion’s façade was actually built. A show which offered a “host ghost with the most” providing a tour of the sea captain’s dilapidated home was “mocked-up” (temporarily created in full-scale) at the Studio around 1962.

Ken recalls that he senses Walt had concerns about the limited movement of guests through that version of the show and whether it promised enough repeat enjoyment. Probably because the New York Fair projects were becoming so active, Walt waited before pursuing the Haunted Mansion idea any further.

With the development of the “Omnimover” vehicle-system created for Adventure Thru Inner Space and advancements in Audio-Animatronics technology, designers where [sic] able to work out the guest flow problems and embellish their earlier ideas. And so, the Haunted Mansion “opened its crypts” August 9, 1969.

Trivia buffs will be interested to know that the organ featured in the enchanted ballroom scene, was transplanted from the “20,000 Leagues Under the Seas” attraction.

Ryan's Death Scene

I’ve talked before about my experiences with becoming an extra in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. During my latest guest appearance, on Disney’s Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary no less, I was given a larger role as an extra in a scene called “Ryan’s Death Scene.” Okay, sure, I knew it wouldn’t be a recurring role, but it was a step up from my usual character. I was told to use as much of the stage as possible, and to make as much noise as possible. Check and check. In fact, I took so long, and took up so much space, that the eventually had to use the machine gun to get me to stay down.

The only problem with the scene? Apparently, as the photographs below clearly demonstrate, I had way too much fun dying. Wait, what’s that, do I hear calls for a reshoot? I think that sounds like a great idea!

A magical plan

Over the past couple of weeks the speculation surrounding the “leaked” Fantasyland plans has reached a fevered pitch. With nothing official to report, the Main Street Gazette has kept its distance from entering the rumor arena. But one piece of this plan appears to have slipped through a lot of radars, perhaps intentionally, which causes me a great deal of strife: The cannibalization of Mickey’s Toontown Fair.According to the plans circulating through the online community, the Toontown Fair Train Station will indeed become the Fantasyland Station, complete with restrooms. Where the restrooms are now, also known as Pete’s Garage, along with Mickey and Minnie’s Country Houses, the Judge’s Tent, and County Bounty will now become Pixie Hollow, complete with a playzone and a meet and greet area, and the dueling Dumbos. The Fantasyland Railroad Station, also a part of the expanded Dumbo area, would also occupy the space currently home to Donald’s Boat, otherwise known as the Miss Daisy.

Without hypothesizing about the whats and ifs too much, I can say that any and all of the planned additions to Fantasyland would have my stamp of approval. I love Snow White, Dumbo, The Little Mermaid, Winnie-the-Pooh, and especially Peter Pan as much as anyone, but the Walt Disney Animation canon is so large and there are so many stories without a home in Fantasyland that I would adore seeing the love spread around to more films and features.That said, I would hate to see Mickey’s Toontown Fair disappear almost entirely. It is true that Walt Disney World’s Toontown has never been as animated as the Toontown of Disneyland, but the charm presented, and character details provided, by the various areas of the land have always made it a place deep in the history of Disney and a must visit. If the current plans are true, then only Goofy’s Barnstormer would survive the axe, which makes sense as it is the only actual ride in the area, but I can only imagine the sting that seeing this reminder could bring to guests who have fond memories, and a lot of joy, of Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

I suppose it is worth noting that of the seven lands in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, previously known as Mickey’s Starland and Mickey’s Birthdayland, is the only land that was not a part of the original Magic Kingdom. This has made it malleable to redesigns and the most likely candidate for removal. In fact, Mickey’s Toontown Fair Train Station doesn’t even garner mention on the Walt Disney World Railroad poster near the tunnels of the Main Street Station.Going forward, I would love to see Mickey’s Toontown Fair plussed, bring more animation and stories to life. It is, after all, the home of Mickey Mouse. However, if it must become an extinct land, then I shall cherish the grand times I had there, and embrace the regal and royal residence that move in from Fantasyland.

The Walt Disney Family Museum - Part IV

The Walt Disney Family Museum has released some amazing material to date, and yet they continue to provide more as we inch closer and closer to the October 1 Grand Opening. With everything we’ve seen so far, I wish I could find some way to get out there for the opening, but it looks like it will have to wait another year or so. For those of you wishing for a first-hand experience, the museum has begun selling tickets, as well as pre-orders for their book The Man, The Magic, The Memories (which is a must have in this household), on the Walt Disney Family Museum website. They are recommending approximately two hours for viewing all of their galleries, but, if pushed, I imagine I could spend all day within those halls.

I hope you enjoy, as much as I do, this week’s selections. Thanks again Andi!

Gallery 4 – The Move to Features: Snow White and the Seven DwarfsHaving redefined the art of animation, Walt dares to produce a feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. During the four years that it was in development, Disney and his brother Roy secured six-figure loans – each loan enough to finance an entire movie – time after time, and skeptics called the film “Disney’s Folly.” Disney brought in an art instructor to work with his team and insisted that the animators study live models and animals. The studio created a Character Model Department, which constructed small sculptures of characters which let animators study characters in the round. Snow White premiered on December 21, 1937, and Disney won a unique Academy Award™ for the innovative movie: a standard-sized Oscar™ and seven miniatures.Original art from Snow White, three-dimensional model figures, magazines of the period, audio clips, and a wide array of related 1930s merchandise will help recreate the story of Disney’s pioneering effort to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The Texas Deck

“Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle, I’m your Captain, Horace Bixby. And my pilot with me here on the Texas Deck is a young cub that goes by the name of Sam Clemens.”

Those of you who frequent the Liberty Belle have probably heard these words dozens of times, and you probably know the trick to this terrific piece of script. Sam, or Samuel, Clemens is the birth name of Mark Twain, the king of Mississippi River literature. While the Liberty Belle may be one of two attractions narrated by Mark Twain, the other being The American Adventure, the pilot’s identity is not the biggest secret hiding in this quote.

The Captain, Horace Bixby, did indeed ply the waterways of the Mississippi, and spent more than one occasion on that river with Mark Twain. Born in 1926, Bixby was actually the man who taught Twain the ways of the river. In Life on the Mississippi, Mark Twain recounts his first meeting with Bixby:

“One day, on board the Aleck Scott, my chief, Mr. Bixby, was crawling carefully through a close place at Cat Island, both leads going, and everybody holding his breath. The captain, a nervous, apprehensive man, kept still as long as he could, but finally broke down and shouted from the hurricane-deck:

‘For gracious' sake, give her steam, Mr. Bixby! give her stream! She'll never raise the reef on this headway!’

For all the effect that was produced upon Mr. Bixby, one would have supposed that no remark had been made. But five minutes later, when the danger was past and the leads laid in, he burst instantly into a consuming fury, and gave the captain the most admirable cursing I ever listened to. No bloodshed ensued, but that was because the captain's cause was weak, for ordinarily he was not a man to take correction quietly.”

Old men and rivers have a fond way of remembering one another after they have spent so much of their youth and years together, and so goes the Rivers of America, the Liberty Belle, Mark Twain, and Horace Bixby.

A sheltered cove

On June 20, 1976 Disney’s original water wonderland opened to the public. River Country, at the intersection of Bay Lake, Cypress Point, and Fort Wilderness, was a dream come true for every child who ever swam in a river. Water slides, sandy shores, and zip lines only tell half the tale. The creak of the boardwalk’s aged boards, the warmth of the rocks, and the moss slowly stirring from its resting place in the cypress branches all made this dream all the more real to the boys and girls who came to splash and play.Of the natural elements presented to guests of River Country, only the rockwork had been manmade. Thinking back, if those hills, crags, and outcroppings looked familiar, there is cause for that. The rockwork was created by Imagineering’s “resident rock expert,” Fred Joerger. He constructed the mountains of Disneyland and Walt Disney World Big Thunder Mountains, as well as both locations Jungle Cruise rocks and boulders, and the Polynesian Resort’s gurgling rocky waterfall found in the lobby.With the progression to Typhoon Lagoon, and the Blizzard Beach, Walt Disney World’s original swimmin’ hole was shuttered on November 1, 2001. Though it remained available for private events for years, time and decay eventually began to settle in and around the watery grounds. Today, gone but not forgotten, as guests are ferried to and from Fort Wilderness, they can still catch a peak of the White Water Rapids, the boom swing, and the creaking boards of the Cypress Point Nature Trail.

Coming to my kitchen

We spoke a little about food and little about their signs this morning, and I thought that the signage in Walt Disney World, while often extraordinarily crafted to blend in and catch-the-eye at the same time, is often disregarded. Within Imagineering the group that is tasked with fashioning these signs are the Graphic Designers. According to the Imagineering Field Guides, “Graphic Designers produce signage, both flat and dimensional, in addition to providing lots of the artwork, patterns, and details that finish the Disney show. Marquees and directional signs are just a couple of examples of their work.”In honor of their work, here are several examples of restaurant signage.

Mealtime blues

Near the border of Discovery Island and Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a perfect dining hideaway. Just before the entrance of the Asia bridge is a small shop named Beastly Bazaar. Throughout the year it is a quiet place to stop and shop for a few pieces of clothing, some cookware, and the occasional Christmas décor. What is often overlooked are the small coolers filled with snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and salads.In fact, this location is so overlooked, that Walt Disney World has placed another sign near the sidewalk to encourage guests to stop by and sample the fare. There are several factors that have led to this shop not becoming overrun at meal times. For starters, it is not central to any attraction. It is clear of the hub of Discovery Island, where Flame Tree BBQ and Pizzafari can be found close by It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and clear of Asia’s main action of Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. Secondly, once guests have made it into Dinoland, Asia, or Africa they tend to use the routes that work between these locations, rather than return through Discovery Island. The final piece of the bizarre Beastly Bazaar problem is that it does, in fact, look like a shop not a dining location.

The prices at Beastly Bazaar for a sandwich, such as the Turkey-Chipotle on Foccacia, which looks and taste remarkably like its counterpart at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons, are reasonable. The Turkey-Chipotle on Foccacia, which is a very large slice of sandwich, runs around $7.00. The snacks here, fresh fruit and sliced fruit, in addition to cakes and candy, are all reasonably priced and just as good as any other snack stand on property. Beastly Bazaar also includes a small selection of tables, outside, for diners who are not taking their meal-on-the-go very far.So, the next time you are in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a burger, pizza, or egg roll won’t cut it, be sure to give the selection at Beastly Bazaar a once over. I guarantee that you will be back for more, even if it just to grab the Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie treat!

All there is to be seen

This past week, I once again had the pleasure of jumping in Lou Mongello’s Wayback Machine has he and I reminisced about the history and future of transportation, as seen through the eyes of the extinct attraction, World of Motion. While talking on the WDW Radio Show, we broached the subject of where guests can still see pieces of this retired attraction.

In the ‘carriage without a horse’ scene guests were subjected to one of the first modern traffic jams. A bus, horse-drawn carriage, trolley, and several other vehicles all meet at an intersection where produce and fowl have run afoul of their cart. Once World of Motion ceased to move on down the highway of tomorrow, these chickens found a new life at Wiseacre Farm, in Mickey’s Toontown Fair. As a part of the farm, guest meander through the barn and see the same chickens cooped-up near, what else, a Chicken Exit.When an attraction is refurbished, redesigned, or demolished altogether there is always a chance that it will only ever live on in our memories. Of course, there is always a chance, just like in the case of the World of Motion chickens, that we will see them once again in a place where they can be loved by a whole new generation and offer those of us who remember where they began a moment to reflect on all we have seen and done in Walt Disney World.As always, I hope that you tune in this, and every, week to the WDW Radio Show.

It's your birthday and you're special

Today is the birthday of the Walt Disney World knowledge bank, and all around great guy, Lou Mongello. Since I can’t be in Florida this weekend to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’ in person, like so many of us who would like to, I thought the Gazette would be a wonderful place to wish him a wonderful one. So, I, along with many others, are here to wish Lou a Happy Birthday. Here are some the stories and warm wishes that many in the community have sent to Lou, including the one person in the world who probably knows Lou best.Tim Foster – I remember first meeting Lou at Mousefest many years back, walking around with my prototype book in hand and not knowing anything or anyone. Who would have imagined we would have arrived here! I consider myself extremely blessed to have crossed paths with Lou, and I can't imagine a better partner to have (well, except for the nicknames he bestows upon me from time to time). Lou, you are my inspiration, my Photoshop tutor, my occasional culinary companion, but most of all (and most importantly) my friend.
Happy birthday buddy!

Beci Mahnken – When I think of Lou… I think of…. food… and maybe the need for affordable cloning technology because there is no way he can possibly be one person with all he does on a weekly basis. But! I also think of a very passionate guy with a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in people lives. Whether its sharing the love of a magical vacation with a family or a child in need, he makes himself available to offer a hand.

Lou, I am very thankful that our first little spark of a conversation has blossomed into a great partnership. But I feel very blessed to call you ‘friend’ as well. (even if you force me into eating at really good restaurants and throw unexpected math questions at me now and then.) Happy Birthday!

Pat Whitson – I've been working like crazy on a big auction because some guy came up with this idea to raise money for seriously ill children who wished to go to Walt Disney World. My house is filled with boxes and piles of papers and forms and my computer is covered with sticky-notes of reminders of things yet to do and I think I lost my kids in a box here somewhere. My neighbors thought I had moved out because they haven't seen me in weeks and my husband says I'm mumbling things like "Lot #53 still needs a whoziwhatchits" in my sleep. But it is all worth it because it makes dreams come true - both those of the kids who need the magic, and of the man who had this crazy idea to begin with.

Oh, what were we supposed to talk about again? How Lou has affected our lives? See above :)

Happy Birthday!

Greg Grimsley (Doc) – I recall first meeting Lou. It was on April 20th, 2009, just outside the Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom. A group of us were getting together for a late lunch. I had the humus. Lou was standing outside with Glenn when I walked up. He was showing off his new “man” purse and asking the question, “Do you think this bag makes me look fat?” From that first meeting I have come to appreciate three things about Lou: 1) that he hosts an incredible podcast that I occasionally get to be a part of (hint!), 2) he has a unique sense of humor coupled with an appreciation of equally unique senses of humor, and 3) that he is a friend. Happy Birthday Lou!!!

Lori Schatz Burke – Wow! Everyone is writing such nice things about this Mongello guy. What is up with that?

How about Happy Birthday to the shortest Italian man I know. Or Happy Birthday to my Pepsi drinking, M&M loving friend. Or Happy Birthday to the guy that runs away screaming when he sees me coming down Main Street towards him.

Does April have any good photos of Lou left from when she made the scrapbook for him last year when he turned 40? Now there would be some great stuff there!

Deb Wills – I'm trying to think of the very first time I met Lou in person, perhaps at MouseFest? I got a very warm hug and was thrilled he autographed a copy of his book for me. Lou shows us what it's like to let your dreams take wings. Happy Birthday!

Justin Muchoney – Trying to summarize my thoughts and experiences with Lou into just a paragraph is nearly impossible. From my first interactions with him on the earlier version of DisneyWorldTrivia.com, to my many phone conversations with him, to sharing breakfast on the Boardwalk in WDW, every encounter has been nothing short of uplifting and inspirational. His enthusiasm for Disney is one thing, but his heart and passion for people is really what shines through. He has been one of the most consistently encouraging influences in my life over the past year and I take great joy in knowing that I have a friend who is relentlessly pursuing his dreams. In Lou I've found a great ally, a brilliant entertainer and reporter, and someone I'm very grateful to be able to call a friend.

Now, if that is all too sappy for you, I could also point out that I love the fact that when I'm with Lou I can be guaranteed that I'm not the shortest guy around....

Ryan P. Wilson – There are so many things to say about Lou, and so many stories that I can’t share in keeping with the ‘Code.’ What I can say is that, since the moment I met Lou, he has been supportive of everything I do, from my various projects and ideas that tie-in to Walt Disney World, to checking on my wife, and how my everyday life is treating me. This, I have found, is the way in which he treats every person he comes in contact with, and is just one of the reasons he is a remarkable man. Thanks for everything Lou! I hope your birthday is as special as you are to all of us!

Glenn Whelan – Although I liked the food, Lou embarrassed me in Restaurant Marrakesh. Oh sure, he'll throw the blame my way. Seriously though.. ever since we first met over sushi in Downtown Disney, we have been fast friends... trusting friends... the best of friends...

Proud to call him my brother.

A younger brother. Which by logic means I can beat him up.

Deanna Testai Mongello – I don't think people know this story.
Lou, has always been a writer, when he was a clerk for a judge in NJ he wrote a handbook for the clerks to follow, which I believe is still in use. He also was a DJ back in the day, and wrote a DJ handbook. He just got rid of his turntables... So writing has always been in his blood.

I am so proud of all he has accomplished and what lies ahead for him. I love you, and "keep moving forward".

Hollywood novelties

Advertising can be seen all throughout the parks in a variety of manners. From the sponsorship logos attached to various attractions and pavilions, to billboards and movie posters sprinkled throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and even the signature Kodak commercials on the back of the park guide maps. Like many of the ads, today’s topic is often passed by, overlooked, and even sat upon without so much as a glance in its direction. I am, of course, referring to the benches perched along the curbs of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Like a good portion of benches found in urban areas these concrete and wood beam benches occasionally sport a seatback with a large advertisement. They key to these bench billboards, both inside the park and in real cityscapes, is the ability to not overuse them. In other words, ten benches with ten various advertisements placed on their backs will garner less attention than two ads mingled in with eight regular benches.The benches found within Disney’s Hollywood Studios promote not only sponsored products, such as Quilted Northern who sponsor a bathroom directly across from its bench, but also various dining and shopping experiences throughout the park. These benches illustrations are bright, bold, properly structured, uncluttered and well-placed.Be sure to keep an eye out for these benches, as well as any benches throughout Walt Disney World, you never know what you might be getting ready to sit upon.