Accept no substitutions.
Okay, it has been a while. Today I opened the closet and put on the Cranky Pants.
A few weeks after a recent trip to Anaheim, something began to annoy me. Specifically, the term “Disney Parks”.
I get that there are certain economies that can be called upon. But let us be honest. Disneyland in Anaheim is now and will always stand alone, apart from all other Disney theme parks around the globe. It will never be, just another park.
This is where it all started. Yes, it is the only park that bears the direct imprint of Walt. But that is not where it ends. Having been to Florida once, and having visited each of the theme parks on that property, I can say that I have seen the difference first hand.
Disneyland is more intimate than any of the other parks. Including California Adventure. The way the lands are laid out around the hub and how some buildings enjoy a facade on one side and a different one on another tells how the designers made use of space to create an illusion. Such as Main Street’s Plaza Pavilion and the Tahitian Terrace. Or how two attractions share the same real estate. Mister Toad and Alice in Fantasyland. In Florida, the luxury of space was made use of. In Anaheim, that was not an option.
Sure, I may be picking at small details here. But when all of the little things add up, they manage to become something more. Disneyland needs, no… demands to be something more than all the parks that came after. And that is why something as simple as beverage cups should say “Disneyland”, not “Disney Parks”. Even the simple rain poncho should proudly say “Disneyland”, not “Disney Parks”. And plain unmarked napkins made of recycled? Bad show. The kind of thing found at the local fast food emporium, maybe. But that is not what Disneyland is.
Sure, the Accountanteer’s get off on keeping the numbers down. But as many napkins and beverage cups that Disneyland goes through in a day? You have to be kidding if somewhere you can’t get a break from a manufacturer sufficient to allow Disneyland instead of Disney Parks to be emblazoned on these items. This is the kind of thing Walt would never have approved of.
Let us call this what it is. Cheap.
With Annual Passes at an all time high price, along with everything else at the Parks, is it too much to ask to keep Disneyland as a brand? Does having these items really cut into shareholder value so much that giving it the heave ho makes any sense?
Just like the title says. Accept no substitutions. Quality will out. And guests do notice.
Disneyland always was and always will be an original. Not just another one of the Disney Parks.
No matter how hard some folks want it to be.
Memories made daily.
Walt Disney had some great thoughts behind the concept of Disneyland. One of the best was that it could be a place where families and friends could share in experiences. And it may be that this is the greatest gift we can all take away from the Happiest Place On Earth.
I am blessed in that I have many fine memories from many great visits to the Park. Family, friends and friends to be, all played their part in creating those memorable moments.
Sadly, an increasing number of those people are no longer with us. I use the term “sadly” in that these folks won’t be there to share any new moments. Yet, without them, those treasured memories would not exist. Be it a shared moment of Disney magic or just the pleasure of their company, all are a part of something special. Special in a way that Walt wanted it to be for “all who visit this happy place.”
So, to honor them, think back on your own special times at a Disney park. Remember the people who made magical times for you and yours. Smile and thank them for being there to share.
At this time of the year, it is a fine gift.
Lest we forget.
I have only been to Hawaii once. A visit to Oahu for five days in 2003.
Yet, I could not have felt that visit complete without a stop at the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
Here, within several hundred yards of each other are the ships that represent the beginning and the ending of our nation’s involvement in World War II. The USS Arizona and the USS Missouri. The Arizona, with 1,102 still entombed aboard, giving rise more than 70 years later to oil from her bunkers. As if to shed a tear for all aboard who lay at rest. The Missouri, upon whose deck the Japanese formally surrendered, ending the loss of life on all sides. Both battleships now rendered obsolete among the fighting navies of the world. Poignant and moving indeed.
The view above was taken during that brief visit. The remains of one of the turrets of the Arizona.
Debate if you like the question of our national involvement in what was to be a global conflict. But you cannot do so without acknowledgement to both the men and women who fought and died to protect our many freedoms – such as that right to debate such questions. For if they had not answered the call, we would not enjoy what we do.
So, today, 71 years later, remember those men and women. All who have and who continue to serve our country. In war and in peace.
Lest we forget.
I think that I shall never see…
With apologies to Joyce Kilmer, today offers a quick look at some of the trees encountered about the Disneyland Resort last weekend. See? It was not raining all the time!
I always enjoy a stop at the Grand Californian Hotel. A visit to the Story Tellers Cafe and you see this tree outside on the lawn in front. Something more seasonal? Okay, how about this?
Yes, that’s more like it. You can even find Santa here in the lobby at various times throughout the day.
And California Adventure does not disappoint either! This one features some great theming with the train and vintage ornaments to match.
Could have sworn the Red Car was by here only a few minutes ago.
Meanwhile, over at the Disneyland Hotel…
Yes, it is Southern California and that is a palm tree. And yes, thank you, there are plenty of seasonal trees about the hotel, too.
Disneyland still has it’s magnificent tree at the aptly name Christmas tree point. Wasn’t it a pumpkin only a few weeks ago?
And speaking of trees. why not a mobile tree? I mean one that moves under it’s own power. Like this!
It is after all the Christmas Fantasy parade.
And finishing off today, what would a seasonal to Disneyland visit be without a living tree? From the rain shortened Candlelight Processional, Saturday night:
Great as ever.
So with that, I think it is past time to make like a tree and …
It’s begining to look…
For a number of years now, the first weekend in December has found me in Anaheim.
The main reason being to enjoy a performance of the Candelight Processional at Disneyland. That has meant one of four, being at 5:30 and 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Weather permitting. A bit different than that offered at Epcot, on a series of nights through the month.
2012 sees Disneyland take up the challenge by offering 20 nights of the performance. The first two were to be for invited guests and not even publicized as part of the events. Actor Dennis Haysbert (you may recognize his voice as he is the commercial spokesperson for Allstate, but I will never forget him as Pedro Cerrano in “Major League” – ” Is very bad to steal Jobu’s rum. Is very bad.” ) was to be the guest narrator for these performances.
Traditionally, Disneyland’s Candelight was a way to say “thank you” to the local communities around the Park. Various people would be invited to view the performances. And it was also an opportunity for Disneyland to welcome back some of it’s more illustrious retirees. As an example, former Disneyland President Jack Lindquist is one who I have seen at many of the performances, including last Saturday night.
Another tradition of sorts is the variable Southern California weather. You name it, we have had it. This past weekend was no exception with just enough liquid sunshine, a.k.a. light rain, to stop some of the performances if not outright cancel others.
While I have not heard personally, anyone complain about this, I know that people have in the past made their way to City Hall and done just so. Always strikes me as odd in that this was an event, not publicized by the Park, held in an open air venue, and yet people complained if the weather forced the cancellation. At best, the safety of the people performing should come first. Not the inconvenience of guests. But, after all, this is Disneyland! Why can’t they control the weather?
A few folks might remember that there was one year where Candlelight was held in the Fantasyland Theater. It was not the perfect venue for the event, but it was under cover. Traditionally, it has been in front of the Main Street Station, in the Town Square. With it’s small town feel, the location may have made sense in an emotional vein. Logistically, it has grown to be a nightmare at the choke point of entry and exit for guests. But I think that the Park and the cast members do a great job in getting things ready and keeping everything (and everyone) moving throughout the performances.
2013? Well, it might be that Candlelight moves to another location. The Fantasyland Theater is under construction from the Princess experience back to a theater. And there is always the Hyperion Theater, home to the guest favorite “Aladdin” show. Either one would make a good choice for these seasonal performances.
Disneyland and the Christmas holiday is a big part of the lives of many guests and cast members. Trust me, Disney as a company “gets” this. No Scrooge here. The special time for family and friends here is treasured and shared. And no, it does not hurt that there are plenty of opportunities to help with the profit margins either. What business does not look to maximize potential income? Can’t fault this one for doing it’s part.
So, as I dry out from last weekend, I can report that despite the misty weather, it was a good time in Anaheim. And I will be sharing a few more photos from the weekend with you, loyal readers, right here in the next few days. So stay dry, stay warm and enjoy as we all get into the “spirit” of the season.