Silent Saturday - A Chester & Hester Christmas (December 2015)

Christmas Wonders

Rocking horses and carousel horses have always been a part of the Christmas tradition for me. Perhaps it’s because my baby ornament was a rocking horse or that I cherished this green, wooden carousel horse and made a point of being the one to place it on our tree every year, but the idea of horses and Christmas are forever linked in my mind. It’s no wonder then that the rocking horse presented in the Magic Kingdom’s various Christmas parades have always captured my attention.

In the early years these rocking horses were part of the Toyland section of the parade and were ridden by the classic Disney toy soldiers. The above photo from 1994 shows them in all of their glory. The rocking horses are classic white chargers, but the manes and ornamentation perfectly compliment their toy soldier riders. As much as I love the toy soldiers from Babes in Toyland, the image of the soldiers with the rocking horses just sings to my heart.

In the current iteration of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the toy soldiers have been replaced. In fact, the rocking horses have been moved from within the Toyland section proper and are now in the transition group of characters between the large Prince and Princess float and the beginning of the Toyland section. Rather than toy soldiers, the horses now carry cowboy elves. While the elves are able to give a more lively performance, there is something to be said for the classic, if static, nature of the toy soldiers.

No matter who their riders are, the rocking horses are tied to some of the most traditional of Christmas iconography. While I may prefer the parade if they were accompanied by the toy soldiers, but it does my heart a world of good just knowing that they are still present during the parade.

Galactic Spectacular

It’s the time of year when we turn our thoughts to our friends, families, and loved ones. As Nephew Fred proclaims in A Christmas Carol, this is “the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.” In other words, it is the time of year when we let others in and don’t think of ourselves first. Although, I’m not entirely sure that’s accurate when it comes to Walt Disney World.

Certainly, we’ve all had the encounters of a nearby parent loudly reiterating that they were all going to have a good time in a tone that implied anything but family fun or the folks who think it’s okay to jump in line, and the pairing of our ankles with ECVs or strollers is never fun when someone thinks that they should have the right of way, but there is something more to the experience of a vacation at Walt Disney World.

Take, for instance, the story of Jeff. Jeff is a longstanding Disney Cast Member whom, when I encountered him back in September, was working the preshow for the Star Wars – A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He piped up to tell guests stories about Walt Disney, the park, Walt Disney World, and his own career, and they were for the most part accurate. He threw out trivia fit for the young and for the more savvy park-goer. He was an exemplary Cast Member, but it was his story of family photos that really got to me.

In this story he talks about how when a family would ask for their photo to be taken in front of the theater that he would ask if it was a family photo. If the answer was yes, which I imagine it almost always was, he would bellow “Family Photo,” and any available Cast Member within earshot would come running and bring whatever guests they could along with them to take a much larger family photo. The numbers of the crowds they were able to get would grow and grow, it would take multiple PhotoPass photographers to capture the event, and it eventually got up to park management what was happening. Did they shut it down? Absolutely not, they challenge Jeff and his cohorts to get even larger crowds, and they succeeded on every challenge.

It’s an awesome story in and of itself, a little bit of fun and a photo the participants will never forget with their new families. But here is where Jeff’s story caught me right in my heart (and in fact I am sort of tearing up just thinking about it now), what struck him about all of these photos is what he saw when he looked through whatever camera he happened to be using at the time. There was an entire world of people smiling back at him. Young and old, of every ability and disability, every color skin from every corner of the globe, they were all there. In that moment it wasn’t about anything more than being one big, happy family and enjoying a moment of spontaneous fun in the parks.

This is how I try to live my life, by being open and caring for my fellow passengers aboard our, pardon the pun, Spaceship Earth. There are times where I fail, spectacularly in some instances, but it isn’t for a lack of want or trying. I didn’t get to find Jeff in the stampede for the exit after the last firework burst, and didn’t see him again before my trip had ended, but he left a mark on me. I’m certain he’s left a mark on a lot of individuals, from his family photos, to his time in the school system, to each and every time he tells his stories. There are times in Walt Disney World where we all come together, knowingly or otherwise, and it isn’t just about our group but us as a people. Something to consider as you open your hearts this week and into the new year.

Twinkling Lights and Holiday Displays

So often when it comes to the holidays at Walt Disney World, we tend to look towards the grand and ostentatious. Gigantic trees, life-sized gingerbread houses, and the larger than life personalities of Epcot’s storytellers. With such rich holiday environments to behold, there are so many wonderful and small details that could get overlooked.

Today, we’re taking a whirlwind photo safari around Epcot’s Holidays Around the World to share some of our favorite little moments. There are pinatas in the garlands of Mexico and lanterns for the Lunar New Year in China, giant peppermint candies affixed to lampposts in France and a collection of marketplace necessities in Morocco, mittens or Christmas crackers in the wreaths of Canada and the UK respectively, and each of these holds a special place in our hearts. From decorative displays to single ornaments, these are just a few of the things that caught our eye and caused us to take pause. Hopefully, as we rush headlong into the height of the holiday season, this will serve as a reminder that we should all take a moment to enjoy the little moments that bring beauty and warmth to our lives.

Silent Saturday - East Center Street Decorations (December 2015)

B-r-r-r-occolli

The snow has already started falling in parts of the country, which means it is past time that we start thinking about winter vegetable gardens. I’m not talking about mustards, collards, or other types of greens, I’m looking at the type of vegetables that grow in Florida, specifically around Blizzard Beach, in the snow, all year round. Are there such vegetables?

As it turns out, there are! They can be found along the slopes of Melt-Away Bay, just across the creek from Ice Gator’s snowy chalet. Ice Gator’s cold can cause guests to be preoccupied as they pass by, ensuring that they aren’t doused by one of his watery sneezes bubbling up from the chimney. They may notice the garden, but may not be as aware of it due to the wet gag that awaits them.

Of course, it would be Disney if the vegetables were straight forward, and so each sign shows a vegetable covered in snow or shaking in the cold. While some of these vegetables retain their original names, there is a definite chill to their variety. As for the rest, some wintery wordplay may have been employed, and we love it. So, what are these snow-prone delights? Snow Peas, B-r-r-r-occolli, Iceberg Lettuce, Sleet Corn, Ice Plant, and Chilly Peppers.

I don’t know about you, but this seems to be the makings of an excellent, if frosty, salad!

Silent Saturday - The First Day of Christmas (July 2015)

A Hippo in a Palm Tree

The Jingle Cruise additions to the classic Adventureland attraction, to my mind, create one of the best holiday overlays since the Country Bears had their Christmas Special. Sailing with the yuletide is terrific, but as your jungling all the way through the rivers of the world, I feel as though you need a carol to help you on your way. Luckily for us, Disney has released a set of pins this season that coincides with the Jingle Cruise. The entire set is a play on the classic 12 Days of Christmas, but with a distinctly Adventureland feel, which means that you can expected a few visitors from outside of the jungles of the Jingle Cruise.

Collecting the entire set just to gather the entire lyrics to the song can really make you frosty, but luckily we’ve worked out a deal with Sam to get a head start. So, as your prepare to get your boat under water (I mean underway!), or are just trying to liven up your holidays back home, why not confound everyone you know by belting out this tune!

The 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me a hippo in a palm tree

On the second day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me two boat loaders and a hippo in a palm tree

On the third day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to m three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the fourth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the fifth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the sixth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the seventh day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the eighth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me eight trunks a squirting, seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the ninth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me nine spears a flying, eight trunks a squirting, seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the tenth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me ten leopards leaping, nine spears a flying, eight trunks a squirting, seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me 11 skippers skipping, ten leopards leaping, nine spears a flying, eight trunks a squirting, seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Skipper gave to me 12 natives drumming, 11 skippers skipping, ten leopards leaping, nine spears a flying, eight trunks a squirting, seven snakes a hissing, six fish a biting, five golden life rings, four tiki birds, three striped horses, two boat loaders, and a hippo in a palm tree

Lost City Specialty

Happy Taco Tuesday everyone! There are a lot of taco options in Walt Disney World, but today we’re going to double up on an order of fish tacos. We’ll start on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon before venturing off to one of our favorite watering holes in Disney Springs.

The Seven Seas Lagoon could lead us to many locales, but if we’re looking for fish tacos, then we could only wash up on the beach of the Polynesian Village. To be more specific, we’re headed in to Capt. Cook’s for the handily named Fish Tacos. This dish includes a generous portion of the fish of the day, blackened, and then placed on a flour tortilla. It is topped with broccoli slaw and served with French fries.

The blackened spices come across as having a distinctly Latin flavor, and provide the fish with a nice kick. While a mayonnaise based slaw is not the typical trimming for such a dish, the broccoli slaw does a nice job with the fish. The slaw is crunchy and brings some new flavors to the party, especially the bitter cabbage type flavor present due to the broccoli. The flour tortilla is nothing special, but does an admirable job of holding the taco together. If anything seems out of sorts with the Fish Tacos, however, it is the side dish of fries. I have nothing against fries as a general rule, but they just seem a bit lost with being included here. Some fresh fruit or couscous seems like a more complimentary addition.

Let’s head down to Disney Springs, and if you haven’t guessed by now that I’m headed for Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, then shame on you! We’ve sung the praises of the Hangar Bar many times over the past year, but today we’ve ventured deep into the menu to procure the Lost City Specialty, the Tanis Tuna Tacos. This trio of tacos starts with a freshly prepared tortilla shell. Seared Ahi tuna, that has been prepared with ancient spices we’ve been told, is next to be added. To the tuna is added Pico de Gallo, cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and each is topped with a different colored slice of jalapeno pepper. On the side is a freshly toasted lime, complete with juicer.

The sear on the tuna is top notch, making certain that the fish is not overcooked, and the spices bring out the wonderful mild and buttery flavors of the tuna. The ancient spices add some heat and give these tacos a sense of place we’re not typically used to with fish tacos. The typical taco toppings of Pico de Gallo, lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream are nice, but aren’t wow factors. The tortilla is puffed up giving it just the right amount of chewiness and crispiness. The real stars however, are the tuna and the toasted lime. Combining the Ahi tuna with the warm flavors of the lime is an amazing duo.

Both tacos deserve to be part of any Taco Tuesday, or maybe a Fish Friday? Either way, Capt. Cook’s and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar have put together to excellent fish taco dishes. If I had to pick just one, the Hangar Bar’s Tanis Tuna Tacos are far and away some of the best fish tacos I’ve seen anywhere, so I would definitely give them a nod. Whichever you choose, you’re definitely off on a culinary adventure!

Where it's Always Jumpin'

When people think of Hilton Head Island, they most often think of lazy summer days. Playing on the shore, or napping beneath the shade of the moss covered live oak trees, maybe even a barbecue or boil going on. It is warm, sunny, and filled with natural wonder and some of the finer things in life. There are people who visit Hilton Head Island, and then there is still life in motion for people who live on the island. Part of that life is the fact that holidays come and go with the passage of time, just as they do wherever you live.

It is worth noting that the people of Hilton Head Island, like many along the eastern seaboard, were dealt a blow this year when Hurricane Matthew came through. The island and it's residence are resilient and have fought hard to regain their sense of daily life. By all accounts Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is back up and running, and looks just as welcoming as ever. we'll be stopping in for a visit next weekend, so we'll be able to report back on just how gorgeous all the holiday trimmings are.

Like all parks and resorts Disney has a hand in, Disney’s Hilton Head Resort revels in the holiday spirit. Guests decorate rooms, there are warm beverages in the Live Oak Lodge, and there is a festive spirit wherever you look. It isn’t the typical time of year when guests are knocking down the doors to come to a beach resort, and there is definitely a chill in the air, but it is one of our favorite times to go. Since most guests won’t ever get to a chance to pay the resort a visit during the winter, we thought we’d do a little photo safari today, venturing back to 2014, and give you a chance to experience one of the most wonderful times of the year through the eyes of Disney’s Hilton Head Resort.

Silent Saturday - Rosemary Tree (December 2015)

A Thirsty Zebra

As Trader Sam would say, “What do you get when you cross a thirsty zebra with a bottle of rum? Yule find out!” Sam has several special concoctions that he whips up during the holidays at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, but today we’re trying our own hand at one of specials, the Red-Nosed Zebra. Let’s go ahead and give you the recipe so that you can follow along.

RED-NOSED ZEBRA

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Bacardi 8 Rum

1 Ounce Agave Nectar

1 Ounce Strawberry Puree

1/2 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1/2 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Crushed ice (for Garnish)

3 cranberries (for Garnish)

2 mint sprigs (for Garnish)’

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, except garnish ingredients, fill half full with ice, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

Strain into a margarita glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a mound of crushed ice, cranberries, and mint sprigs (mint will be two green antlers and the cranberries are for the eyes and nose).

This is a simple and straightforward drink to prepare, speaking just in the terms of the cocktail itself. The garnish can be trying to put together correctly, especially if you don’t have easy access to crushed ice, and can result in losing some of the tasty beverage! If you’d like my advice, the drink does not necessarily need the red nosed creature on top, and your guests will not notice that it is missing if you they aren’t aware of Trader Sam’s version.

Now, everything tastes better when it comes from Trader Sam’s, as I’m sure we’ll all agree, but the Red-Nosed Zebra is an excellent and easy cocktail to make at home. None of the ingredients are difficult to find and the fresh fruit juices and puree work really well with the rum. The agave cuts some of the citrus fruits’ acidity, but only just enough to take the twinge out and leave the tropical flavors intact. If you’re making up a batch for your next Christmas party, I’ll happily await my invitation!

You know, the Red-Nosed Zebra reminds me of another joke; what’s black, white, and red all over? A sunburned Zebra! Yep, definitely sticking to the day job...

Holiday Splendor

The Candlelight Processional is a longstanding Disney tradition and can date back to carolers at Disneyland in 1955. A second version of the show would venture east with the establishment of Walt Disney World, and resided in the Magic Kingdom for more than two decades. In fact, the Candlelight Processional as we know it now wouldn’t come to Epcot until 1994. Does that mean that Epcot didn’t have a holiday showcase during its first decade? Of course not!

Between 1983 and 1994 EPCOT Center was home to Holiday Splendor, a stage show that took place at the American Gardens Theater. Following the well-established holiday show format, the show featured guest narrators and singers that could be changed out regularly. While Christmas was the focal point, the show recognized the park it took place in and emphasized how the holidays were celebrated in countries around the globe. Think of it like Holidays Around the World condensed into a single stage production.

Holiday Splendor ran for approximately half an hour with a live orchestra and a host of dancers and performers accompanying the guest narrators. Children would come out and be introduced as guest performers and then take a seat on stage as if hearing the stories as part of the audience.  The pair of children would occasionally stand up and add to the number being performed by the headlining narrator. The opening number was framed around traditions and expressed the story and traditions of Chanukah. Holiday Splendor then moves quickly between customs and rituals common today but that come from Mesopotamia (Zagmuk), pagan druids (mistletoe), and even Chinese New Year before moving into an entirely 1980s EPCOT Center song about the story of Christmas. A whirlwind of songs more commonly associated with Christmas from around the world follows, with the show concluding with dancers and singers representing all nations coming together on the stage in the finale of Let There Be Peace on Earth.

The show was a massive undertaking, but Holiday Splendor was not presented every night between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. In fact, in 1989, when the above photo was utilized to promote the production, it would only run December 16-17 and 20-23 with two performances per night, and with three performances a night for December 25-30. A grand total of 30 performances for the season, which would be considered a drop in the bucket these days, but it put a definite emphasis on the times when they knew guests would be present.

There have been many holiday performances in the parks over the years, and each has its own tale to tell. The Candlelight Processional is certainly the most storied, but every show has its supporters and those who love it best of all. Yet, I’m certain that Holiday Splendor holds a special place in many hearts out there.

Twinkling Twilight

For some the best part of the holidays is the ability to bring out and put up all of the wonderful decorations. In fact, around my house, I try to see how big of a tree I can get the missus to agree upon and continually try to find ways to decorate the front lawn while maintaining the modesty the missus insists upon. She loves the holidays, but does not share my overzealous glee for some of the finer elements of the season. The folks over at the 50s Prime Time Cafe and Tune-In Lounge, however, completely get me.

Oh sure, we differ on style of tree. I prefer something fresh cut, even if it has gaps and holes, while they go all out with their tinsel tree. It’s the typical Charlie Brown debate. Seriously though, take a look at these wonderful throwback ornaments! They truly set this tree in its own place and time.

Silent Saturday - Peace on Earth (December 2015)

Delights and Indulgences

Food may be the furthest thing from your mind after yesterday, but with the end of thanksgiving comes the true beginning of the Christmas season, regardless of what retailers have been stocking their shelves with for weeks and months at this point. With that in mind, we’re bypassing the Christmas gifts for today in order to focus in on a Christmas treat. On a stroll around World Showcase, tucked away in a corner of Germany, we found a traditional fruit cake.

Okay, now I know some of you think I’ve gone around the bend and have already shut this article down, but what I’m talking about is fruit cake in its traditional form. It’s called Stollen, and it has about as much to do with the heavy, syrupy bricks we know as fruit cake as Christmas has to do with Independence Day. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the slices served up at the Prost kiosk in Epcot.

Let’s start with the Stollen basics. The bread is low in sugar content, and gets its flavor from the cinnamon, cardamom, orange zest, and other spices that are worked in. Don’t get confused, this is definitely a sweet treat, but that sweetness comes from the nuts and candied fruits baked into the loaf and the sugar icing that coasts the outside of the finished fruit cake.

So, how does Prost’s Stollen stack up? It was dryer than I expected, but that may come from the fact that there the only candied fruits in this version were raisins. There were also no nuts to be found. I would have preferred some almonds and candied orange peel, personally, but this was a fine example of how to do a fruit cake right. The sugary topping give the bread all the sweetness it really needs, and the spices are right out of any Christmas cookbook.

The not too sweet, not overly heavy fruit cake from Prost is a win in my book. The Stollen is a great introduction to the more traditional side of Chirstmas baking. I would recommend making sure you have something to drink alongside the fruit cake, to combat the dryness that can be present. Luckily for us, the Prost marketplace has a great selection of beverages fit for the young and young at heart. The next time you think all fruit cakes are the same, just remember that there is a tasty alternative out there, just waiting for you to venture through World Showcase and give it a try!

All Aboard for Birthday Fun

Mickey Mouse celebrated his birthday last Friday with a dance party that spanned the globe. It was just one year in a string of impressive birthday events. Perhaps no birthday, however, has resonated with Walt Disney World guests than Mickey’s 60th. Celebrated in 1988, the shindig expanded the boundaries of the Magic Kingdom and gave visitors a whole new land to explore. That land was Mickey’s Birthdayland, and it had a very special way with which guests could gain access to it.

Guests would jump aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad at either the Main Street, U.S.A. or Frontierland stations. Announcements were made about the special surprise party that was being hosted in Mickey’s honor. As the train left Frontierland and made its way around to Mickey’s Birthdayland, guests could see special signs tucked away in the marsh featured a slew of Disney characters on their way to celebrating Mickey’s birthday. Guests would eventually pull into Duckberg, where the party was being held and the current resident of none other than Mickey Mouse himself.

Duckberg, otherwise known as Mickey’s Birthdayland, filled the vacant three acre plot between the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage and the Grand Prix Raceway.  The town of Duckberg was, for the most part, child or duck sized and came complete with its own gazebo/bandstand. That is to say the shops and storefronts, none of which guests were able to access, were all of the miniature variety. They made perfect photo opportunities for children who wanted to get their picture in from of D. Ducks Candy Shop, Duckberg News, Donald’s Miss Daisy, or even Scrooge’s mansion (as made popular by the insanely popular DuckTales at the time), but adults generally only used the facades as a place to hide from the sun.

Mickey’s house was also here, but was a full-sized, walk through attraction. Those of us that remember Mickey’s house from the Mickey’s Toontown Fair days, may be surprised to learn that the house is not the same one they remember. While the bulging columns and yellow color scheme that are trademarks of Mickey’s residence were there, the house itself was constructed to resemble a house that could have lived in any of our neighborhoods. His car, however, was the giveaway that proved a cartoon character must live here.

Guests could also visit the Party Tent, where the main event and stage show, Minnie’s Birthday Surprise, took place. Minnie had all of Mickey’s best friends, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale, ready and awaiting the arrival of the big cheese himself! The party was capped off with the earworm worthy, We Love You Mickey Mouse. From here, guests could also go and visit Mickey backstage for what was billed as an “unequaled photo opportunity.”

Grandma Duck’s Farm, home to baby chickens, goats, pigs, miniature horses, and, of course, ducks also resided within Mickey’s Birthdayland. The farm was also where Minnie Moo, the cow with a Mickey Mouse shaped spot on her left side, happened to reside for a time.

To leave the land, guests could make their way out a large fence, i.e. gate, and back into the Magic Kingdom near the Mad Tea Party or they could once again ride the rails aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad bound for Main Street, U.S.A. For me, the train ride to Mickey’s Birthdayland was one of the coolest things in the world. It wasn’t a land that was accessible any other way and, even if you happened to leave through the gates at the far end of Duckberg, it always felt like you were in a faraway land. A land where it just happened that none of the doorknobs worked…

Transformed by Adventure

Yesterday I woke up with a giddiness I hadn’t felt in years. I had happened upon Joe Rohde and had the awesome experience of being able to take time to thank him for his work, to listen to his stories about far off places, and get some enlightenment around design elements and principles. I was over the moon about the encounter, and it took quite some time for me to come out of the fog that it had all been just a dream and the things I had seen and learned I either already knew or had made up whole cloth as works of my imagination.

It’s ironic that this happened over the weekend of Destination D in Walt Disney World where Joe Rohde was actually taking time to present to guests. On Sunday, as I am sure you’ve all heard about by now, Joe Rohde took to the stage of Destination D with James Cameron to provide details of the stories that await guest in Pandora when it opens next summer. He also regaled guests with tales from other corners Disney's Animal Kingdom. I have had the opportunity to listen to Rohde in person once, during Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s tenth anniversary, and I am still taking away lessons from that presentation eight years on. I have only met Joe twice in person where, unlike my dream, I stammered through a thank you, received his autograph in a book, and was able to get a quick picture before moving along. That said, I could sit all day and listen to his stories.

You can find large swathes of Rohde’s sketches and notes in a couple of places, namely the book Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – The Journey Begins and in excerpts from the Nomad Lounge menu, more on the latter in a moment. Joe Rohde is also one of those wonderful individuals who gives so much of himself on social media, particularly on Instagram. Almost every post is a miniature master class. From why is something the way it is (because there was space and we had to fill it), the historical and architectural basis for an item, art history lessons, life perspectives, and even a game of “what is it” now and then. Aside from the obvious educational components of these posts, is his willingness to engage with those seeking to pick his brain or have some level of discourse. It is a rarity in this day and age to find this level of education and engagement, and I respect him all the more for it.

These flashes from his Instagram feed, the detail in Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – The Journey Begins, the tenth anniversary talk he gave on Animal Kingdom’s design, as well as the time I’ve already spent pouring over the photographs I took of the Nomad Lounge menu, that I think it is high time that Joe Rohde’s journal was given a place on our bookshelves. His sketches of snow leopards and wit around tracking animals in winter weather, the details of structures and culture found at the base of Everest, or the admiration and respect given to the Balinese artisans which help crafted Disney’s Animal Kingdom lead to an abundance of entries that enthusiasts around the world would love to read more of.

How many of us wouldn’t snatch up a book of his sketches and insights in an instant? Even if it meant creating a series of field guides to the various lands of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in a similar vein to the Imagineering Field Guides, that would be just fine by me. Give DinoLand, Asia, Africa,  and Pandora (once it's opened) each their own guide, and an additional volume as a combination  of Discovery Island, Rafiki's Planet Watch, and Oasis. Each guide would obviously require input from other Imagineers, their stories and artwork, and I’m fairly certain that many of us would go on our  own quests to obtain them.

There are a plethora of wonderful books on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from The Making of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to the aforementioned Imagineering Field Guide and Expedition Everest volume. One of these days I promise we’ll get around to a single article reviewing them all. Until then, I love to dream about what an honest to goodness compiling of Joe Rohde’s journals and sketchbooks would look like. He is a living legend that I know many of us love to hear from and to listen to his stories, and short of special events or impromptu meetings via dreams, don’t have the opportunity to learn from him as much as we would like. A book dedicated to his works would really be a treasure for many of us.

And Joe, if you just don’t have the time to compile everything into a neat and tidy manuscript, which I’m sure you don’t with everything else on your plate, I would love to help you with that!

Silent Saturday - Fountain Pool Gate (February 2015)