Meet Our Neighbor: Jeff Heimbuch

The Disney blog-o-sphere has grown tremendously over the past few years with the addition of quite a few talented bloggers, researchers and enthusiasts. It can be confusing to peruse all of the different sites and to try and place a person with a site. Andrew and I decided that we wanted to highlight our good blogging buddies and ask them to answer a series of precise and predetermined questions. Andrew and I spent years in a Disney think-tank perfecting the questions presented below. For this Meet Our Neighbor segment, we asked Jeff Heimbuch to cope with our questions to see if he could make it through to the other side. You can find Jeff at quite a few places on the web, but he is most prolific on The Disney Dispatch. Jeff is a kindred soul and we often discuss the intricacies of Disney theme parks and the Imagineers.

Don't forget our other Meet Our Neighbor posts:

• Michael Crawford from Progress City USA,
• AJ from The Disney Food Blog,
• Greg (DOC) from Disney Obsession,
• Ryan from Main Street Gazette,
• Doc Terminus from Passamaquoddy,
• Glenn from Passamaquoddy,
• Dave from Davelandblog,
• Foxxfur Chapter One, Chapter Two and Chapter Three from Passport to Dreams,
• Richard Harrison from Photos From the Parks,
• Jeff Pepper from 2179 Hyperion,
• Ray from Grumpy's Hollow and
• My eight year-old son. (He's twelve, now--but answered the questions when he was eight!)

What is your earliest Disney memory?
Lucky enough for me (and maybe you, now!), my earliest memories of Disney were captured on film THROUGH THE MAGIC OF VHS!

I distinctly remember BOTH of these two memories, and it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I rediscovered the VHS tape with them on it.

Anyway, this first one is of my by the Tiki statues in Adventureland. Before they went on "Pimp My Tiki" to get their sweet new paint jobs and water spitting effects, they were just plain old Tikis, playing music. This is a short video of my discovering them.

This second memory is of meeting Dreamfinder and Figment...I LOVED the ride as a kid, and was absolutely delighted to see these two characters I was just introduced to on a ride as living, breathing things outside. I remember Dreamfinder taking the time to talk to everyone, giving them extra attention. You don't get that too much anymore in the parks nowadays!

But, yeah, these are my earliest, and quite possibly my favorite, Disney memories.



What is your single favorite attraction?

Of all time? Without a doubt, The Haunted Mansion. For as long as I can remember, I *always* make it the first AND the last ride I go on during my Walt Disney World vacation. I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 7, but Im going back the end of June, and I'm 100% certain this tradition will carry over to the original park as well.

But, park by park, currently it would be:

• Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion, with Jungle Cruise as a close second
• Epcot: Living with the Land circa
• Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Midway Mania
• Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest

What is your favorite Disney and non-Disney movie?

Disney is The Three Caballeros and Lilo and Stitch. My love for Jose Carioca knows no bounds, and Stitch is just a fantastic movie. Go ahead and hate, haters! Pete's Dragon is up there too.

Non-Disney movie is a tie. Army of Darkness holds a place in my heart, because as silly as it is, that's the movie that made me want to get into filmmaking as a kid. It's cheesy, it's terrible, but I love it. My other favorite is Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

What is your least favorite park?

Hollywood Studios...it just falls short of what it is supposed to be. If anything, Hollywood Studios should be considered the half day park...sure, there are some great attractions, but as a park that celebrates the art of making movies, it just falls flat. I don't hate it by any means, but it's my least favorite of the 4 at WDW.

What is your favorite park?

Growing up, it was always Magic Kingdom, and part of me still says that. But my older, wiser self says it's now currently Epcot. I never fully appreciated it as a kid. Now that I'm older, I find myself enjoying it (specifically, World Showcase) much more.

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Jose Carioca! Come on, a cigar chompin Brazilian Parrot with a sweet hat and umbrella? How can you go wrong?! Seriously, I love him...he's a huge star in foreign countries, still, but he just doesn't get the same respect and love that he should over here. I'm going to start at Jose Carioca Appreciation Society. The JCAS...anyone want to join?

Coming in right behind him is Oswald. He obviously has a loooong history with the company, and Im glad he's finally coming back into the fold. Epic Mickey was a great way to re-introduce him to the fans, and I really hope the becomes a fairly regular character again.

What is your favorite Disney song?

From the movies, I don't think it will surprise anyone that I say "The Three Caballeros." It's catchy, it's got a great message, and it's just great.

From the parks, it's a tie between "Grim Grinning Ghosts"  and "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow". Trying to choose between a song by Buddy Baker and X Atencio or The Sherman Bros is like asking my to pick my favorite child.

From the games, it's definitely Oswald's Theme from Epic Mickey, by Jim Dooley. He's one of my favorite composers, and it's just a great piece. It tells a complete story of Oswald, right in the music, and it's not even something he planned out. A friend of mine did a short little animation for it, too. It's fantastic, and very fitting for the piece! If give me a minute to plug her work, you can see it:

If you could switch places with any historical or living Disney employee, who would it be and why?

That's a tough question. I'm sure a lot of folks would say Walt, but I wouldn't want to BE Walt. I would, however, love to see him in action. So, I suppose it would be one of the Imagineers from the older days. Not to sure which one, exactly, as they all did wonderful and creative work...But just to see that whole atmosphere during that time would be a great experience.

If I REALLY had to pick someone, it would be Michael Eisner. He literally had the keys to the kingdom, and he mucked it up. I would love to have been him, and made some RIGHT decisions for the company. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and I'm sure, at the time, he thought what he was doing WAS right. But if I could go back and be him with the knowledge of what his actions would do, I would most definitely do it.

What is your must eat food at WDW?

Dole Whip. Don't be ridiculous.

Jeff on the Disney Dream.

Favorite place to stay at WDW?

I'm going to get crap for this, but I love Pop Century. It's affordable, it's got great, tacky decor, and I like it. Sure, the buses are terrible, and the lines to get back are always crowded. But so what?! Coronado Springs is another favorite of mine, too.

I've never stayed, but I love the Poly. I've been exploring there numerous times, and I love the whole motif of it. I can't wait to stay there one day.

What is your favorite place to be at WDW?

The easiest answer to this question is "everywhere." I'm at Disney, my favorite place in the world, how could I not love every minute of it?

However, I doubt that is acceptable. So, I'll go with in the Magic Kingdom, at night. It just takes on a whole other look and feel. Very photogenic. I love it. That, and World Showcase at any time.


What is your favorite restaurant?

The Yak and Yeti. Delicious food, and even better drinks!

What is the first thing you want to do on your next trip?

Go on the Haunted Mansion, duh!

Seriously, though, since the next trip is my first time back to Disneyland in 20 years, the first thing I want to do is step through the main gates, and just take it all in.

What is your favorite fireworks show?

You can't go wrong with Wishes. I can't even remember how many times I've seen it, but I love it.

Where did you develop your love of Disney?

My mother and my grandmother. If it wasn't for them instilling a love of all things Disney in me at an early age, I doubt I would be doing this interview right now. So, thanks Mom and Nana!

If you had to choose parks or movies, which would it be?

The filmmaker side of me says "Movies, ya dummy!" but the other part says parks. That's a tough choice, but ultimately, I'd probably end up on the parks side. Sorry, movies. I still love you.

Which character do you associate with the most?

Out of the Fab Five, I'd say Goofy. Because I have long ears and constantly wear a hat like his.

OK, I made that up. But I'd still pick Goofy.

Does any forensic evidence exist linking you to the Kennedy assassination?

You know, a guy makes ONE MISTAKE in a time traveling DeLorean, and he's never forgiven for it. Geez...

Would you make any major changes to the current design of any of the parks?

From a "we need something to do here" standpoint, I'd update the hell out of Hollywood Studios. A few more attractions, with stronger ties to making films, tv, and entertainment wouldn't hurt. Also, you know, remove that frickin' hat!

What is the most significant architectural feature of WDW?

Sorcerer Mickey's Ha...BWAHAHAHAHA.

Yeah, right. There is no way I could have gotten through that one without laughing.

I think the design of Animal Kingdom is amazing, from an architectural standpoint. They nailed the looks and features of all of these countries quite well. I know Epcot did it years before with World Showcase, but I think some of the areas of Animal Kingdom outdo it. Asia, for example, amazes me every time. The entire area around Everest is just incredible. You feel like you're in a Nepalese country. It's because of that area that I want to go to Nepal one day.

From a cultural standpoint, Cinderella's castle is the most significant architectural feature. It's almost instantly recognizable to anyone in the world. It's iconic.

What is the weakest Epcot country?

Denmark.

I keed, I keed. But the Outpost is pretty weak, since it's practically a permanent placeholder and not a real country. Italy is close behind it. Beautiful to look at, but really nothing to it.

What is your favorite Disney guilty pleasure?

Despite my hatred of it, I would ALWAYS go see Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management. There were bits and pieces of the old show that still remained that shone through every so often. Also, I was a sucker for Uh-oa. She was a great character stuck in a terrible show. I would sit through the entire show just for that part. So sue me.

Where do you spend most of your time online when in the Disney-sphere?

Imaginerding, of course! Just one of the many, MANY sites I visit on a daily basis. Obviously DisneyDispatch.com is constantly on my screen, too. But I also spend a lot of time at imagineeringdisney.com, longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com, Progress City, Main Street Gazette, Mouseplanet, and tons more. My Disney bookmarked links list is ridiculous, really.

You are the CEO and you have to cut one division: film, animation, parks, music, ABC, or ESPN.   Where do you start cutting?

Cut everything and start from scratch!

In all honestly, that's an incredibly difficult question. Each one has its own perks, and is profitable for the company. They're all money makers, and I enjoy something from each category, no matter how far removed some of them may be from the core of the company. If I absolutely HAD to choose, Id say music. And now I will go hide before Miley Cyrus comes after me.

Do you have any money we can borrow or have?

At a 5% interest rate, I do offer incredible deals.

What do you consider the most historically significant or defining moment in Disney history?

So many things have lead to the success of the company, so its really hard to pick just one moment. Walt losing Oswald, leading to the creation of Mickey is definitely a top one. Walt picking up and moving to California to pursue his dreams is another.

A defining moment certainly doesn't have to be a good thing, either. Clearly the untimely death of Frank Wells turned the company around in a lot of ways, but not for the better.

How do you feel about Disney's stance to remove Song of the South and other period specific pieces from its association?

Ridiculous. They make such a huge deal out of keeping the movie away from the public, but then go and base a ride on it? Come on now, you can't tell me that isn't just crazy. The film, for what it is, is good. Are there some slightly racist undertones in the film? Absolutely. But is it a milestone film, not only for the company, but for entertainment in general? Yes, I believe so. Their refusal to even let people acknowledge its presence is ridiculous. I think they're making it MORE into a huge deal by not releasing it than anything else. We all know the story. But the main aspect about the story isnt about racism, its about acceptance. They keep forgetting that part.

That, and the digital removal of some things in their older cartoons bother me. Taking out smoking and drinking sharpens their family friendly image, sure, but it ruins the old classics. Walt didn't have an issue with it. We shouldn't either. Kids can see much worse just by turning on the news.

If you could change one thing about a Disney Movie, what movie would it be and what would you change?

The Haunted Mansion, and practically everything. For a movie based on the attraction I love the most, I was surely let down by it. It's a massive misfire on their part, and I anxiously await del Toro's version (amongst his 50 other upcoming projects).

Which Disney Hotel could you live in for the rest of your life?

The Poly. I would live on the beach if they let me!

What is your favorite Disney book?
South of the Border with Disney: (Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948) by J.B. Kaufman...I love the whole "Good Neighbor" portion of the Disney company, and their trips to South America. Not only are their stories fantastic, but I love the films that came out of it. Plus, again, Jose Carioca. Without that time period, he would have never existed.

The book goes into some really fantastic and in depth details about their many trips. For a huge Disney nerd like me, especially about that time period, it was like a holy grail. Fantastic book, and great insights into how that dark time during the Company (during the strike) was made better by these trips!

Thanks, Jeff! Make sure to tell Rolly that we said, "Hi!"

Meet Our Neighbor: Michael Crawford!

The Disney blog-o-sphere has grown tremendously over the past few years with the addition of quite a few talented bloggers. It can be confusing to peruse all of the different sites and to try and place a person with a site. Therefore, Andrew and I decided that we wanted to highlight our good blogging buddies and ask them to answer a series of precise and predetermined questions. Andrew and I spent years in a Disney think-tank perfecting the questions presented below. For this Meet Our Neighbor segment, we asked Michael Crawford from Progress City, USA and the Progress City Radio Hour to muddle through our questions. Michael is an early EPCOT Center curmudgeon (meant in a nice way) and he is never one to mince words. Michael has an amazing sense of humor and finds the most amazing tidbits about Disney history to share at Progress City and on Twitter. Michael is also one of the founding members and officers of the Chummery.

Don't forget our other Meet Our Neighbor posts:

• AJ from The Disney Food Blog,
• Greg (DOC) from Disney Obsession,
• Ryan from Main Street Gazette,
• Doc Terminus from Passamaquoddy,
• Glenn from Passamaquoddy,
• Dave from Davelandblog,
• Foxxfur Chapter One, Chapter Two and Chapter Three from Passport to Dreams,
• Richard Harrison from Photos From the Parks,
• Jeff Pepper from 2179 Hyperion,
• Ray from Grumpy's Hollow and
• My eight year-old son. (He's eleven, now--but answered the questions when he was eight!)

What is your earliest Disney memory?

My first memories that can be dated are vague impressions from going to the movies to see Cinderella, which Wikipedia tells me was re-released in 1981 (I would have been four years old). I definitely remember seeing Fantasia, which was re-released in 1982. I think my Uncle Bob took me. My first park-related memory is also from 1982, in October, when we went to WDW for the first time. We stayed off-property, but the night we got there we drove to WDW to see what we could see. I remember we drove around the ramp onto Epcot Center Blvd. and you could see a lot of Future World all lit up. I remember thinking that the building that was actually The Land had to be Universe of Energy - I had seen the renderings of the dinosaur scenes in the preview book so I figured the giant glass building was shaped like a volcano. I was five, ok??

What is your single favorite attraction?

All time? Horizons.

Existing? Probably the WEDway Peoplemover.

Break it down by park? Glad you asked.

MK: Peoplemover followed by Mansion.
EPCOT: Spaceship Earth followed by Living with the Land or American Adventure.
Studios: Great Movie Ride followed by One Man's Dream.
DAK: Kilimanjaro Safaris followed by catching the bus to EPCOT.
Disneyland: The Enchanted Tiki Room followed very closely by Pirates.

What is your favorite Disney and non-Disney movie?

Non-Disney: Probably Lawrence of Arabiaat the moment.

Disney: Hmm. Hard to say. It's so dependent on mood. Since Rocketman is probably too obvious, I'm going to have to say... All-time faves are Fantasia (animated) and The Parent Trap (live-action). There might be others that are "better", but that is just infinitely rewatchable. Of course, taking Pixar into account I might have to say Ratatouille. So many choices.

What is your least favorite park?

In Florida, it has to be Studios. There's actually more to do there than at DAK, but it just falls so incredibly short of what it should be - and even of what it once was. Once you get past Hollywood and Sunset, that park is a disaster. And don't get me started on the dreaded Hat...

But overall, and I haven't even been there, it's the Walt Disney Studios in Paris. That park is a humiliating disaster for anyone even remotely associated with Disney. Six Flags would be ashamed to put their name on that park. It's the ugliest, most poorly-thought-out, blight of a theme park in Disney history.

What is your favorite park?

EPCOT Center, pre-1994. But today it's probably Magic Kingdom. I typically still default to EPCOT, but when I'm in the park I realize that I pretty much skip over Future World entirely anymore.

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Scrooge McDuck ftw.

What is your favorite Disney song?

I'm tempted to just say Digging in Dinoland and see what people say, but lately I've been rocking On The Front Porch pretty hard. My favorite overall piece of music has to be the original EPCOT Center Main Entrance Medley.

If you could switch places with any historical or living Disney employee, who would it be and why?

It's certainly tempting to pick someone who worked closely with Walt, but I'd have to say Eisner. He had, for a time, the power to do whatever the heck he wanted to do in any division of the company. Sadly, he wound up using his powers for evil instead of good. But think of what could have been done and almost was done... in his shoes, one could have made ANYTHING happen. Westcot. Port Disney. Disney's America. Continuing the original plans for EPCOT. No Pop Century. To have had that power and used it wisely would have changed the entire face of the company. As long as it wasn't like the One Ring and just automatically turned everyone evil in the end...

Roy E. Disney would be another good choice, because he got to work with Walt and be influential later. Nunis, too. Still, no one had the power Eisner had. Then again, you could just take Card Walker's place and there would never have been a need for Eisner. He had plenty of leeway to do big things, he just tended not to. Maybe if you took Walker's place and did things right on the Studio side, there would have been no need for Eisner. And you could built WRE. [Ed. Note: Western River Expedition.]

What is you're must eat food at WDW?

SCHOOLBREAD

Favorite place to stay at WDW?

The Polynesian, although I never get to stay there.

What is your favorite place to be at WDW?


I hope you realize this is impossible to answer, but I'm going to say strolling around World Showcase - after park closing - during the holidays.

Also: Rocking chairs on Main Street; sitting at Main St. station watching the park empty; relaxing on the WEDway or WDW Railroad; having a tasty beverage in the Tambu Lounge back when they had live entertainment; kicking back on the back seat of a water launch on Bay Lake; sitting at the Fort Wilderness campfire, preferably watching The Apple Dumpling Gang. The old-timey lounge at Boardwalk is pretty sweet too.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Yeesh. Probably Ohana. I mean, obviously, Victoria & Albert's, but c'mon...

What is the first thing you want to do on your next trip?

Win the powerball and meet Christina Hendricks. [Ed. Note: Yowza!]

What is your favorite fireworks show?

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth with the Holiday tag at the end. Wow. Never stops being awesome.

Where did you develop your love of Disney?

It was always there. It's like asking where I developed my fondness for oxygen. I would probably say, though, that ground zero for my addiction was EPCOT in the early days.

If you had to choose parks or movies, which would it be?

Hrm. Parks, I guess. But I wouldn't be happy about it.

Which character do you associate with the most?

If I knew the names of any of the other Disney pixies I'd pretend I was trying to choose one of them. But I think we all have to identify with Mr. D. Duck now and again. I find him the most relatable. It would be funny if my answer was Chernabog.

Does any forensic evidence exist linking you to the Kennedy assassination?

None that exists, silly. Do you think I'd make that mistake again?

Would you make any major changes to the current design of any of the parks?

Oh, lord. Um, yes? I'm not kidding when I say I'd literally clear-cut at least half of Studios. As in, bulldozed completely to the ground. That park needs a massive conceptual and physical overhaul. And yes Disney, I am available for consultation. DAK doesn't really need any changes, it just needs additions badly. It has plenty of room for expansion if they'd use it wisely. EPCOT needs expansion, of course, and Future World needs a more-than-extreme makeover. The whole area needs to be re-thought from the ground up. Magic Kingdom needs a lot of repair work as well; the removal of the Magic Carpets and restoration of Adventureland is crucial, as is the return of the real Tiki Room. Tomorrowland also needs most of its attractions replaced and a complete renovation. And the Fantasyland expansion needs to be more extensive than we've been led to believe it will be. AND the Rivers of America need a massive rehab and upgrade as well.

What is the most significant architectural feature of WDW?

The castle is probably what most people would think of, but the image of the monorail passing throught the Contemporary was so crucial early on to selling the concept of the resort as more than just a park. It also underscored themes so important to early WDW - innovation and new systems and techniques for transportation and building. The Contemporary appeared in promotional material just as much as the castle in those days. And it's still impressive today!

What is the weakest Epcot country?

Pizza or no, it's still Italy. How a country with such history, landscape, architecture, art and literature could have such a shabby little pavilion is beyond me. The UK isn't great, either.

What is your favorite Disney guilty pleasure?

Probably some of the goofy live action movies from the late 60s and 70s. Things like The Ugly Dachshund.

Where do you spend most of your time online when in the Disney-sphere?

I used to constantly read so many blogs but much of my time these days is sucked up trying to write stuff myself. I usually do a daily check on the WDWMagic forums, but most of my Disney mingling is on Twitter these days because I can do it on the go. [Ed. Note: Michael told me he was too embarrassed to mention Imaginerding directly.]

You are the CEO and you have to cut one division: film, animation, parks, music, ABC, or ESPN. Where do you start cutting?

That's tough, because I can see how an argument could be made for any of these things. ESPN is probably the farthest from being a "core" Disney element, but it's also insanely successful. ABC is a distraction and a drain, but if they actually used it right it could be a great outlet for Disney material. If I had to cut, that's where I'd start, but I'd rather just make them work as they should be working.

A lot of the most absurd things - the sports teams, all the magazines and weird cable channels, have already been sold off.

Do you have any money we can borrow or have?

That would require me having money in the first place, so no.

What do you consider the most historically significant or defining moment in Disney history?

Beside Walt's birth? I hate to be obvious, but probably getting Oswald stolen and the subsequent creation of Mickey. Not only did it finally give him the money that really started things rolling, but it also defined the way he ran his businesses for the rest of his life. He would be in control, and he would have final say. I think that was probably THE defining moment.

The other would probably be the events of 1994, which started the collapse of everything.

How do you feel about Disney's stance to remove Song of the South and other period specific pieces from its association?

It's absurd. First, the film is inoffensive. Second, it's a symptom of Disney refusing to realize that they actually do have fans over the age of 12. If they don't think it's "appropriate" for kids then they don't have to release and market it as a kids' movie. Just release it and let those who want to buy it, buy it. Make it a mail-order exclusive. Whatever. Just let us give them our money, that's all we're asking. There are many, many "classic" films far more offensive in their outlook or stereotypes than SotS could ever claim to be, and no one pickets them. Disney has allowed this to become a huge deal, and if Disney hadn't stigmatized it by acting so secretive and ashamed about it, no one would care. If people were actually allowed to see the film they'd realize there's nothing shocking or forbidden about it.

If you could change one thing about a Disney Movie, what movie would it be and what would you change?

I think some of the late-era cult classics like Black Hole and TRON, if given snappier scripts and a little more polish, could be real classics. TRON is much better than Black Hole overall, but could still have used a little more zip.

Which Disney Hotel could you live in for the rest of your life?

The Poly.

What is your favorite Disney book?
It's gotta be the big EPCOT book by Richard Beard. [Ed. Note:Walt Disney's Epcot: The New World of Tomorrow.] That was my bible as a kid. I can't imagine how long I spent poring over it.

Meet Our Neighbor: AJ from the Disney Food Blog

The Disney blog-o-sphere has grown tremendously over the past few years with the addition of quite a few talented bloggers. It can be confusing to peruse all of the different sites and to try and place a person with a site. Therefore, Andrew and I decided that we wanted to highlight our good blogging buddies and ask them to answer a series of precise and predetermined questions. Andrew and I spent years in a Disney think-tank perfecting the questions presented below. For this Meet Our Neighbor segment, we asked AJ from The Disney Food Blog to muddle through our questions. AJ has a passion for dining at Walt Disney World and her blog is always full of tantalizing and tempting photos of mouth-watering eats.

Don't forget our other Meet Our Neighbor posts:

• Greg (DOC) from Disney Obsession,
• Ryan from Main Street Gazette,
• Doc Terminus from Passamaquoddy,
• Glenn from Passamaquoddy,
• Dave from Davelandblog,
• Foxxfur Chapter One, Chapter Two and Chapter Three from Passport to Dreams,
• Richard Harrison from Photos From the Parks,
• Jeff Pepper from 2179 Hyperion,
• Ray from Grumpy's Hollow and
• My eight year-old son. (he's ten, now--but answered the questions when he was eight!)

What is your earliest Disney memory?
Standing in the roped off, outdoor queue line for Journey into Your Imagination during Spring Break in unbearable heat. I don't know WHY my parents did that to themselves.

What is your single favorite attraction?
Space Mountain, but only when riding in the front of the car!


What is your favorite Disney and non-Disney movie?
Disney: Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Non-Disney: White Christmas

What is your least favorite park?
In Walt Disney World, I'd have to say DHS for atmosphere. It feels patch worked over there; I never know what I'm supposed to be experiencing from one section to the next. Maybe it's because the themeing is subtle in some areas; I'm just not keen enough to catch it.

What is your favorite park?
Again, in WDW, probably Epcot. It's a nostalgic thing for me. It was always my favorite as a kid -- World of Motion and Horizons were my favorite rides in Disney World. I actually don't remember much about visiting Magic Kingdom as a kid, but Epcot will always be a fond memory.
Now, walking into the park and hearing that beloved Epcot background loop soundtrack makes me feel like a kid every time.


Who is your favorite Disney character?
Mickey Mouse. I really wanted to answer something else, like the Evil Queen or Pinocchio. But that wouldn't be true. Every time I see Mickey Mouse my heart starts beating faster. And I'm a sucker for the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I already miss Wayne Allwine.


What is your favorite Disney song?
I'll have to go with nostalgia again on this one! My dad always bought park soundtracks on vinyl and somehow rigged up a way for us to listen to them in the car on the drive between Buffalo and Florida every year, so the themes from American Adventure, World of Motion, O Canada, and the other Epcot rides were burned into our brains. I was always a fan of Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit, but I'm pretty sure that's because I'd lobbied pretty hard to get a plush version of the mariachi tomato.

If you could switch places with any historical or living Disney employee,who would it be and why?
I'm not sure about this one, so I'm going to say the first thing that popped into my head: Julie Andrews. She counts as a "Disney employee," right? I want to be Mary Poppins.

What is you're must eat food at WDW?
One!? You know I write the Disney Food Blog, right?! My "must eat" changes every time I eat at a new restaurant. Dole Whips, Tonga Toast, Mickey head rice crispy treats, Yachtsman steak with garlic butter, ooey gooey toffee cake from Liberty Tree Tavern, Mickey waffles...I think today my answer is going to be the Potato and Leek Soup from Rose and Crown. That's what I'm most looking forward to on my next trip.

Favorite place to stay at WDW?
I love all of the Disney hotels, but I feel most at home at Wilderness Lodge. Though walking to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary and to Epcot from the Beach and Yacht Clubs and Boardwalk is pretty great...

What is your favorite place to be at WDW?
The Carolwood-Pacific Room at the Wilderness Lodge Villas when it's cold outside.


What is your favorite restaurant?
Jiko, California Grill, Citricos, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Casey's Corner, Le Cellier, Liberty Tree Tavern, Cinderella's Royal Table, Beaches and Cream, and the Pop Century Food Court.

What is the first thing you want to do on your next trip?
I've really had a hankering to ride the Haunted Mansion. All of the 40th Anniversary news made me excited to see things I'd never noticed before.

What is your favorite fireworks show?
Christmas Illuminations. They just go on forever with that finale! It's amazing. I'll never forget snagging a table on the Rose and Crown patio and just staring at that display. WOW!

Where did you develop your love of Disney?
My parents took us to the parks as kids. While I loved the Disney movies, I loved the parks more. As I mentioned -- Epcot had a certain hold on me. I just loved that place, and when I got older, I started booking trips while in college. I'd never stayed at the Disney resorts before, and staying for a long weekend at the Animal Kingdom Lodge while in grad school (free upgrade to savanna view) just knocked it out of the park for me. I've been hooked ever since.

If you had to choose parks or movies, which would it be?
Probably parks.

Which character do you associate with the most?
Which character is a bit confused, kind of slow, and likes to eat? Ah! Pooh Bear!

Does any forensic evidence exist linking you to the Kennedy assassination?
No comment. And the fact that I live very close to downtown Dallas means nothing.

Would you make any major changes to the current design of any of the parks?
This is a tough one. If I were to change anything, I'd hire a bunch of really smart people (like Imagineers) and tell them to do something new with DHS.


What is the most significant architectural feature of WDW?
Significant? Cinderella Castle. My favorites? The lobby of the Wilderness Lodge, Mary Blair's mural in the Contemporary, the Morocco Pavilion, and Norway's Stave Church.


What is the weakest Epcot country?
Italy. Include a gallery in the back of the pavilion. Have TWO restaurants, PLEASE! It's ITALY! I've traveled to several of the countries represented in Epcot's World Showcase, and Italy is by FAR the least well-represented. There's so much that could be done with that pavilion.

What is your favorite Disney guilty pleasure?
Besides writing the Food Blog? :-D The two things I love to do in Disney World are stay in nice hotels (definitely a guilty pleasure) and eat. We schedule our theme park activities around food. It's true. And while we exercise regularly while we're there, that's only to clear some space in our stomachs for the next meal.

I'm not kidding.

Where do you spend most of your time online when in the Disney-sphere?
I lurk and post on all of the major message boards and websites, but I spend lots of time over on http://Dismarks.com (Disney social news website) and http://www.WDWforGrownups.com (info and forums). I also spend a LOT of time writing and maintaining the blogs and websites that I run.

You are the CEO and you have to cut one division: film, animation, parks, music, ABC, or ESPN. Where do you start cutting?
The live-action films of late have soured me on that division. Honestly, I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's true. Please remind me of some good ones, because I'm feeling pretty rotten about this answer.

Do you have any money we can borrow or have?
Yes, just give me your bank account number and authorization codes, and I'll have it transferred.

What do you consider the most historically significant or defining moment in Disney history?
I have no idea why, but I really feel like moving into 2719 Hyperion was a massive moment in Disney history. Walt had already had a roller coaster career, and putting roots down must have been gratifying.

How do you feel about Disney's stance to remove Song of the South and other period specific pieces from its association?
Sometimes we try too hard to make everybody like us.

If you could change one thing about a Disney Movie, what movie would it be and what would you change?
Remove Dwayne Johnson from the Disney payroll.

Which Disney Hotel could you live in for the rest of your life?
Again, I'd have to pick Wilderness Lodge. They have the best jogging trail. And s'mores are readily accessible over at Fort Wilderness next door. Plus they have duck races every day. Who else has duck races?


What is your favorite Disney book?
Peter Pan Little Golden Book. Again, nostalgia. As an adult, though, I love the Behind the Scenes Imagineering books of the WDW parks.

Meet Our Neighbor: Greg (aka DOC) from The Disney Obsession

Occasionally, we ask one of our good blogging buddies to answer a series of precise and predetermined questions. Andrew and I spent years in a Disney think-tank perfecting the questions presented below. For this Meet Our Neighbor segment, we asked DOC (also known as Greg) from The Disney Obsession. Greg always writes from the heart and it is apparent that he is obsessed with Disney. One of my favorite features of his site is his Where in the World section. He has baffled me quite a few times with his "trick" photography.

Don't forget our other Meet Our Neighbor posts:

• Ryan from Main Street Gazette,
• Doc Terminus from Passamaquoddy,
• Glenn from Passamaquoddy,
• Dave from Davelandblog,
• Foxxfur Chapter One, Chapter Two and Chapter Three from Passport to Dreams,
• Richard Harrison from Photos From the Parks,
• Jeff Pepper from 2179 Hyperion,
• Ray from Grumpy's Hollow and
• My eight year-old son. (he's nine, now--but answered the questions when he was eight!)

What is your earliest Disney memory?

I am old enough to remember Uncle Walt on Disney’s Wonderful World of Color so those have to be my earliest memories of Disney. I remember Tink adding splashes of color over Sleeping Beauty Castle to open each show.

What is your single favorite attraction?

This is one of those questions that I hate to answer because there are so many to choose from and each one is special for its own reasons. But I am somewhat nostalgic. So, I am going to go with Peter Pan’s Flight. My first adventure with Pan was in 1972 and nothing can replace that first flight over the city of London. No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without at least one Flight. In October ’07 a cast member gave me a Magical Moment of five FastPasses. I used them all immediately and on one ride through the ride stopped. My ship was over London. Talk about magic.


What is your favorite Disney and non-Disney movie?

The Jungle Book is my sentimental favorite! I love the music, especially The Bare Necessities and I Wan’na Be Like You. But most importantly it is because I remember my dad taking me to see it. What is my favorite non-Disney movie? Man, this is a tough one. I am big fan of the Marx Brothers films, Greta Garbo and others of that by-gone era, but I suppose I am going to go with The Music Man starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. In the days before VCRs I would stay awake at night to watch this film. Again, it all harkens back to nostalgia and sentimentality for my childhood.

What is your least favorite park?

This will have to be Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I am open to the possibility of this changing. I like the art deco aspects of the park and it has a few rides that I enjoy, but somehow it doesn’t do for me what the other parks do.

What is your favorite park?

As special as the Magic Kingdom is, and most every trip begins with a walk down Main Street U.S.A., my favorite park is Epcot. That is where I renewed my love for Disney as an adult. The icon is like no other. The moment it became “the” park was when I first heard the sub-woofers kick in during Saint-Saëns “Organ” Symphony in Impressions de France. From that moment on…

Who is your favorite Disney character?
Mickey Mouse would be the obvious choice and my office at home is filled with Mickey. But my favorite is Peter Pan. I have done fairly well at eluding growing up. Just ask my family. I have this ongoing war of words with my youngest nephew over who is The Pan. He claims he is. I have been trying over the past year to explain to him that in order to be The Pan one must first have the opportunity to grow and then refuse to. He has not had that opportunity. Pretty pathetic isn’t it?

What is your favorite Disney song?

There are so many great Disney songs to choose from and my iPod is loaded with them. But I have say that “Feed the Birds” would be my favorite. It means so much to me because I suppose it meant so much to Walt. It can, for a moment make me think that I am standing there with Walt in those last months of his life while the Sherman Brothers played and sang it for him. The song is art.

If you could switch places with any historical or living Disney employee, who would it be and why?

There are so many to choose from, but instead of rushing to some of the more obvious choices, I think I would like to switch places with John Lasseter. He started his career with Disney as skipper on the Jungle Cruise and worked his way through the ranks. He is pioneer in his own right and embodies, I believe, the spirit of Walt. Somehow though, I doubt he wants to switch places with me. It would be fun to hang out with him for a day though. Can you arrange this?

What is your must eat food at WDW?
Really? Again, so many choices. A Dole Whip comes to mind, but honestly, I have to have a couple of Egg Rolls from The Lotus Blossom in the China Pavilion. Not the best in world, but when you’re touring fast and loose, these will hit the spot. And with a healthy helping of Chinese mustard you can also clear your sinuses.

Favorite place to stay at WDW?
This would be the Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s moderately priced, small and intimate. The food court is reasonably good and being the first stop on the Port Orleans bus loop doesn’t hurt either.

What is your favorite place to be at WDW?
There is just something special about walking down Main Street U.S.A. It is like, coming home! I am also particularly fond of walking around and soaking in the atmosphere of the World Showcase.

What is your favorite restaurant?
I feel fairly sure that this answer is about to change. But as of this writing it is the Yachtsman Steakhouse. What? No Le Cellier? I haven’t been able to get in there over the past few years.

What is the first thing you want to do on your next trip?
Ride Toy Story Midway Mania! Is it going to be the first thing? No, my flight arrives after all the FastPasses have been distributed for the day. But, that doesn’t change my answer; it is still the first thing I want to do.

What is your favorite fireworks show?
Man! Okay, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The music! The music simply takes you to another place for 12 minutes. Where? It’s different for every person. I do have to add that I am a fan of the earlier versions of Illuminations and watch them on video every now and then.


Where did you develop your love of Disney?

It is a simple answer, Main Street U.S.A. and the World Showcase.


If you had to choose parks or movies, which would it be?

I love the movies and often have one playing somewhere in the house; they, like Disney music, make up the “white noise” in Doc’s Domain. But I choose parks! The parks are immersive. The parks are anticipated. The parks are magic. The parks are my happy place. The parks are home.
Which character do you associate with the most?

The Pan!

Does any forensic evidence exist linking you to the Kennedy assassination?
Those records will be opened in 2038, I believe. I am afraid I can not comment on that subject until then. I did almost miss a connecting flight to London in DFW once.


Would you make any major changes to the current design of any of the parks?

I would consider a more thematic or “land” approach to Disney’s Hollywood Studio. I like the idea of a LucasFilm area, the continued development of Pixar Place, and so forth.

What is the most significant architectural feature of WDW?
In my opinion, the geosphere; Spaceship Earth. Castles abound, and they are spectacular, but there is only one geosphere.

What is the weakest Epcot country?
Italy. While it is architecturally beautiful, there is not much there to entice me to linger. You see it once, you’ve seen it. But, I still walk through it on each trip just in case something catches my eye.

What is your favorite Disney guilty pleasure?
Dole Whip. But I have recently joined a support group. Did you know that Dole Whips can be used as currency, in that you can usually pay for favors by offering a minimum of one Dole Whip.

Where do you spend most of your time online when in the Disney-sphere?

Imaginerding! Did I get that right? Oh, and I also frequent the Main Street Gazette, Passamaquoddy, the collective Those Darn Cats sites, Lou’s endeavors, 2719, and a handful of others. Oh, and there is this little thing called The Disney Obsession that I am fond of. If you want news, reviews and other timely items visit the former. For Disney and life, visit TDO.


You are the CEO and you have to cut one division: film, animation, parks, music, ABC, or ESPN. Where do you start cutting?

Bye-bye ABC. I don’t watch television as a general rule, but I can’t survive without the others. Yeah I know, ESPN is television. Well, I am Tennessee Titans season ticket holder so I have a passing interest in football. Sometimes ESPN can be useful.

Do you have any money we can borrow or have?

Yep. Did I mention that Dole Whips can be used as currency?


What do you consider the most historically significant or defining moment in Disney history?

For me it is the loss of the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit which necessitated the creation of Mickey Mouse. As Uncle Walt said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” Everything that we have come to know and love stems from the creation of a mouse.

How do you feel about Disney's stance to remove Song of the South and other period specific pieces from its association?
I disagree. While it may be considered culturally insensitive in our time, it was relevant to the period it portrayed; as were many other films. But it is an honored film in the Disney canon and should remain part of that canon.

If you could change one thing about a Disney Movie, what movie would it be and what would you change?
While I enjoyed the film, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets would have been a better sequel. For me personally, the first film sparked a renewed sense of history and a desire to revisit our history. The second film didn’t do that for me. To go back and read about the signers of the Declaration of Independence and read our historical documents interest me. Finding Cibola does not. I know, it is not much of an answer, but then, I am not a film critic.

Which Disney Hotel could you live in for the rest of your life?
Easy, The Grand Floridian! It is dream of mine to stay one week, heck, one night in the Walter Elias Disney Suite there. So if anyone from Disney is reading this, you may consider that a HINT.
What is your favorite Disney book?
Thanks to George, my Disney library has expanded considerably in the last year. All in all, I would say Walt Disney Imagineering by the Imagineers is my favorite, but is followed very closely by Designing Disney by John Hench.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Greg! Don't forget to stop by The Disney Obsession and leave him some Disney Geek love!

Meet Our Nieghbor - Ryan from Main St. Gazette

Ryan has been blogging, rhapsodizing and reminiscing at Main Street Gazette for over 9 months. That makes him a blogging grandaddy in the Disney blog-O-sphere! When I approached him about doing the Meet Our Neighbor inquisition, he responded with a resounding yes!

He never ceases to entertain and my favorite posts are always the ones about his experiences at Disney with his family--especially the heartfelt stories about his dad. He has created a series about a personal interest for himself. See, Ryan is a pre-school teacher and he has created a running segment called the Young Adventurer. Ryan presents the different areas of the parks on a level that younger children (and their parents) will take to and hopefully inspire them to learn more (and enjoy the parks more).

So, before I make Ryan blush any further...on with the show!

Don't forget our other Meet Our Neighbor posts:

• Doc Terminus from Passamaquoddy,
• Glenn from Passamaquoddy,
• Dave from Davelandblog,
• Foxxfur Chapter One, Chapter Two and Chapter Three from Passport to Dreams,
• Richard Harrison from Photos From the Parks,
• Jeff Pepper from 2179 Hyperion,
• Ray from Grumpy's Hollow and
• My eight year-old son.
  

What is your earliest Disney memory?
This is always a tough question for me. Since I lived in central Florida, and my first trip to Walt Disney World was when I was about ten months old, I don't have that first memory that many other children get to cherish. However, I do remember being very young and camping at Fort Wilderness with my dad when a hail storm came through suddenly and we had to take cover in our van. After it had passed various Cast Members (security, managers, etc.) began making rounds through the loops to make sure everyone was okay and if we needed anything. It may me feel very safe to not only have my dad there, but to have Disney looking out for us.

What is your single favorite attraction?
Hands down, this goes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It was my favorite as a child, and the layers of story and detail that I continue to discover only continue to amaze me as an adult.

What is your favorite Disney and non-Disney movie?
My favorite Disney movie is an argument in my house. My wife says I act so much like Peter Pan that it must be my favorite movie, but I have always had special places in my heart for both Fantasia and Fox and the Hound. When pressed, I always go with Fox in the Hound; the friends who don't yet realize they come from two different worlds, the conflicts that arise from their friendship, and how you really feel for these characters as individuals really grabs me. Plus, who can resist the soulful voice of Pearl Bailey.
As for non-Disney movie, this one is easy, Dead Poets Society. I've always been a literary sort, and to feel as if I were one of the Captain's boys and to find that people somewhere understand the emotions of words has, and will always, impress me.

What is your least favorite park?
Ouch, this one is tough! Even though it was my favorite park from the time it opened into my young adulthood, I have to go with Disney's Hollywood Studios. I feel as many people feel in the community, that the loss of the actual studio elements was a traumatic blow to this park. From that point on I feel that it truly lost its identity and has yet to fully recover. Don't get me wrong, it has some great attractions, and I think it is gaining back some of the original spirit with the introduction of Pixar Studios, but it still has a long way to go.

What is your favorite park?
The Magic Kingdom. Epcot and Animal Kingdom have tremendous places in my heart, but the Magic Kingdom is full of stories, both obvious and obscure, and it has always been the one park I must visit no matter how short my time in Walt Disney World is.

Who is your favorite Disney character?
Okay, time to cheat a little. I actually cannot get enough of the cartoons where Mickey, Donald, and Goofy share the screen. They all have wonderful personalities on their own, and work well with other characters like Pluto, Minnie, or Chip and Dale, but they all really shine when they have to interact with one another.

What is your favorite Disney song?
Cruella de Vil. For one thing, it takes a special kind of villainess to have her very own theme song. Mostly though, the song has just enough word play, mixed with a dash of jazz, to keep me humming and tapping my foot all day long.

If you could switch places with any historical or living Disney employee, who would it be and why?
I feel like this is going to sound self-absorbed, especially in light of recent events, but it would have to be Ollie Johnston. I actually haven't talked much about Ollie since he passed away, and I couldn't even find the words needed to express my heartache at his passing on my site, but he has meant so much to me. He designed, animated, and oversaw some of the scenes I idolized growing up, and then as an adult to realize that they all came from the same man truly touched me. Beyond just his animation, however, he was one of Walt's Nine Old Men, and those interactions would be memories to cherish. As well, I share his love of trains, his loyalty, and his sentimental nature, so a switch would seem natural, except I can't draw. My wife is fond of telling me that, in all of the Disney history I have introduced her to, and all of the animators, Imagineers, and characters, she sees more of me in Ollie Johnston than in anyone else. I suppose that explains my affinity for him.

What is your favorite spot at WDW?
The benches along the wooden walkway in Frontierland, just down from the Frontierland Shed, is the spot where you can catch more than a fair share of magic. You can see and hear all of Frontierland, most of Liberty Square, watch the mill on Tom Sawyer's Island, and along the far end of the bend is the Haunted Mansion. If you wait here long enough you can catch the whistle of both the Walt Disney World Railroad and the whistle of the Liberty Belle. To me, this is the perfect spot to take it all in.

What is you're must eat food at WDW?
The Raspberry Schuss at the Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot. This is the perfect sweet treat filled with layers of raspberry preserves, light cake, a creamy custard/mousse, and just a hint of chocolate. Uh-oh, I'm getting hungry now.

Favorite place to stay at WDW?
Port Orleans: French Quarter tends to be the favored spot to lay our heads recently. Not only is it meticulously themed, with a meandering river, and some tasty dishes, but French Quarter is also very secluded and quiet, making it the perfect hideaway for a preschool teacher.

What is your favorite restaurant?
I always have to stop in at Columbia Harbour House. The home of my once favorite chicken strips, Columbia Harbour House has some of the best views available to any restaurant inside a theme park on its second floor. A second floor that, surprisingly, very few people know about.

What is your favorite place to be at WDW?
Anywhere, so long as I have some family, friends, or both with me. After all, that's what it is all about, right?

What is the first thing you want to do on your next trip?
Check out Toy Story Midway Mania. This attraction appears to be right up my alley, and I cannot wait to take it out for a spin.

What is your favorite fireworks show?
Wishes, just listening to the soundtrack is enough to choke me up. Standing on the walkway to Adventureland, just before the bridge, and allowing the entire experience to wash over me pulls me in every time. Yep, I'm a sucker and a sap!

Where did you develop your love of Disney?
I've talked before about how my dad has taken a lot of heat over my love of Walt Disney World from the rest of my family, but to be fair, my dad was selling the parks and my mom was selling the movies and I was buying all of it. It may sound corny, but the stories, the adventures, the music, all of it has always spoken to me and I cannot get enough.

If you had to choose parks or movies, which would it be?
I would have to choose the parks. The movies have great stories, but they are not all immersive, and eventually the credits roll and the lights come back on. On the other hand, the parks never cease to have unexplored elements, no matter how hard we try to uncover them, and as you move through the parks you actually become part of the stories if you allow yourself to.

Which character do you associate with the most?
Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. I spend my days exploring and having adventures with preschoolers, I pretty much am the boy who never grew up.

Does any forensic evidence exist linking you to the Kennedy assassination?
All that I am legally able to disclose is that I have been to the Fort Worth Airport once.

What is the weakest Epcot country?
I'm torn between Italy and Germany, but Italy has a spectacular viewing location, when it is available, for IllumiNations. So, I will go with Germany. Unlike other pavilions which lack an attraction, Germany lacks a certain depth. The gardens of Japan, winding streets of Morocco, and the garden paths behind the United Kingdom give each pavilion something more than dining and shopping, which is all Germany, in my opinion, has to offer. Although, I do love the model trains when they are running.

What is your favorite Disney guilty pleasure?
That would have to be what my wife has deemed the Pop Princesses and Phil. I try to stay away from generic pop music, but no matter how hard I try, eventually the Pop Princesses like Hilary Duff and Miley Cyrus get under my skin and I start singing their songs, which usually leads to me embarrassingly purchasing an album (Thank goodness for iTunes now). Also thrown into this group are the soundtracks from Tarzan and Brother Bear, as penned by Phil Collins

What is the most significant architectural feature of WDW?

Spaceship Earth, or more specifically the geodesic dome. It is a modern marvel in and of itself, but to then make the interior a functional environment is truly remarkable.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess?
Belle, for four reasons. One, she is French. Two, she is a brunette. Three, she loves book as much as I do. Four, she is feisty, and I adore that in a woman.

Where do you spend most of your time online when in the Disney-sphere?
The Main Street Gazette has taken away a lot of the time I used to have to free to wander around the Disney-sphere, I didn't realize what a dedication a blog was when I started, but it also give a lot back to me too. Yet, I still manage to check-in with my favorite bloggers (you know who you are), the message boards at both Netcot and Disney World Trivia, and DisFriends every day. (Sorry, Ryan...the correct answer is Imaginerding--all day, all night!)

Would you make any major changes to the current design of any of the parks?
I don't think I have enough knowledge in any specific design element to be able to say what should or shouldn't be changed. However, I think it would have been an intelligent move to have created some sort of temporary path around Mickey Ave. when it was closed, rather than just funnel everyone through Echo Lake to Streets of America, and then over to the Backlot Tour, even if only to assist with the crowd control issues.

You are the CEO and you have to cut one division: film, animation, parks, music, ABC, or ESPN. Where do you start cutting?
Ugh, do I get paid the big bucks for making this decision? I'd have to say music, if only for the reason that I couldn't do without, whatsoever, any of the other categories.

Do you have any money we can borrow or have?
I'll let you know when the check comes in from cutting the music division.

What do you consider the most historically significant or defining moment in Disney history?
Any of the times that Walt had everything tied up in a venture. From Snow White to Disneyland, if any of the endeavors had failed we wouldn't have what we all know and love today. A lot of these were, and still are, called Walt's Gamble, but I take offense to that. He knew exactly what he was doing, and precisely what the public wanted/needed, and gave it to them like no one else was doing. These 'gambles' were the brilliance that led to the ability to create worlds-upon-worlds of magic.

How do you feel about Disney's stance to remove Song of the South and other period specific pieces from its association?
As an educator, I think there is always room to find a way to teach a subject. Song of the South is no different. There are appropriate manners with which to broach these subjects, just as was done with the insensitive cartoons that were sectioned off with a special introduction in the Walt Disney Treasures. Today, with the release of such classics like Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros I feel like perhaps there has been a change in thought internally at Disney, and I am cautiously optimistic that we will see Song of the South and other period specific films released in some form.

If you could change one thing about a Disney Movie, what movie would it be and what would you change?
It would be the Haunted Mansion. I love the effects and story of this movie, but I think the tone, a funny-scary movie, is what hurt this film. If this film had been made strictly as a dramatic adventure, using the same general story, I think it would have been a fantastic feature.

Which Disney Hotel would you like to live in for the rest of your life?
The Grand Californian. I love the elements of the Wilderness Lodge, but the fact that I have to board a boat, bus, or car to get into the parks is the one feature that bothers me, at Wilderness Lodge and Resort-wide. However, if I could take the Wilderness Lodge details, which the similar Grand Californian has, with the ability to stroll at my leisure down to the parks, I could stay there permanently. Not to mention, Disneyland has a much more laid back atmosphere, which I would love to have in my neighborhood.

What is your favorite Disney-related book and why?
The answer to this question is really kind of a cop-out on my part, but I have my favorite Disney-on-Disney book and my favorite unofficial Disney book.

For Disney-on-Disney I have to go with the Imagineering Field Guides. 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.

As for unofficial Disney books, I have to go with David Koenig's Realityland. This has to be the most comprehensive history of the whos, whats, whens, wheres, and hows of Walt Disney World I have ever encountered in one tome. It not only shows the complexity of the construction, upkeep, and expansion, but also shows more than enough of the human elements that make Walt Disney World so, well, Disney.

Thanks, Ryan!

Don't forget to stop by his site and tell him how awesome George and Andrew are, ooops...I mean how great Main Street Gazette is. Yeah...that's the ticket!