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,…
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,…
The Way to Get Started
Earlier this month, I came across a quote I want to use as the focus for this week’s WEDnesdays with Walt. “Ideas don’t come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to…
It All Started with a “Morse”
Have you ever wondered what Walt Disney would think of social media? From Facebook to Instagram, Snapchat to TikTok, it’s hard to imagine Walt having to deal with today’s technologies. But he did. At least in his own way. Earlier…
Winnie-the-Pooh and Which One Are You?
Pooh Bear turns fifty this month! No silly bear, not A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. His birthday isn’t until August. August 21 to be exact. Deena Annette’s Pooh Bear! Deena is my “little” sister, and her birthday is this Friday, March…
Disagreeable Disney Part 3
Following the success of Steamboat Willie in late 1928, Walt set the standard for animators, animation studios, and short cartoons. It was one story after another—all filled with farm animals, gags, and belly laughs. Soon enough, Walt hated it. What…
Disagreeable Disney
I’m wrong. I’ve been wrong for years. This year marks the ten-year anniversary of me teaching, speaking, and writing on Disney. I’ve been reading and researching for more than thirty. All this time, I’ve had this image of Walt as…