THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE
When it first opened, Epcot was the future. “The 21st Century Begins October 1, 1982,” was more than an opening day marketing slogan. It was a vision. This vision for tomorrow was first found in the front section of Epcot,…
Disneyland’s Decibels
Have you heard of DisneylandForward? It’s Disney’s ambitious plan for expanding its footprint in Southern California and includes proposals for new lands, new attractions, plus new shopping and dining experiences. Every Disney fan is eagerly awaiting the details, but little…
Feed the Birds
Like many other Disney fans, I was sad last Saturday when I heard the news that Richard Sherman had passed away. Fortunately, his legacy will live on through the unforgettable songs he and his brother, Robert, crafted for so many…
Blaine, Trains & Automobiles
Years ago, a friend of mine boarded a plane in San Francisco flying east to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her son was a chaplain in the Army, and she was excited to spend Christmas with him and his family. She was…
How Does Disney Do That? by James Warda
I’m guessing you love Disney. Or, if not “love,” then at least in a somewhat committed relationship. Maybe with matching “BFF” bracelets. How do I know? Because I’m in love with Disney, too. Couldn’t quite tell you when it happened,…
Busy Isn’t Always Best
Have you ever had your own words come back to haunt you? It happens to me all the time! The worst is when there is a record of your words, i.e., a book or a blog that clearly states, in…
The Grandmother Lode
Last month marked the nine-year anniversary of finally finishing The Wisdom of Walt. After hitting “send” to my editor, I left for a walk. I still remember the strange sense of relief I had that night. On my walk, I…
Sonny Eclipse and the Path of Totality
In case you missed it, and I doubt you did, we had a major celestial event last week. The U.S. experienced a solar eclipse. It wasn’t a huge deal here in Southern California, only 55 percent. But millions of others,…
“Most Improved”
Years ago, I had a student show up in my office asking if he could get his test back. The day before, I had returned the second of three major exams to the class, but it was a class he…
Resurrection Monday
Twenty years ago, I received a devastating phone call on Easter Sunday. Jack, a close friend in his early fifties, had passed away. The caller had no other details. No cause of death. Jack was just gone. Shocked, I…