Day 115 - 217: YouTube, evolution, and biographies

June 9th, 2024

Dear Disney,

Darling and I have been discussing the evolution of this blog. We want what is best for our family and our audience. It has taken some time, as you can tell by the 102 days between posts, but it is now time to discuss our newest evolution of Dear Disney.

On our last trip to Disneyland, I came across Walt Disney’s Biography. I picked it up, read the preface, and decided I wanted to know more about Walt.

Darling and I took a film class in college on the Disney Company and the long term effects the company had on the entertainment industry. We watched some movies and talked about marketing and some of the business aspects of the company, but we did not address Walt’s life.

Disney+ has some documentaries about Walt, but they focus on a specific movie, or Disneyland, or the Wonderful World of Disney and the “Uncle Walt” persona. But who was Walt Disney really?

The biography, Walt Disney: An American Original, by Bob Thomas, is the only official, Disney-approved, biography. Darling and I decided that not everyone has the chance to read the biography (anecdotally, I looked in our local library system and the book was not in their collection.)

Coincidentally, Lady was starting to get interested in the source material of all the Disney classics. So, Darling and I have decided to start a YouTube channel, @DearDisney365, where I am reading Bob Thomas’s Walt Disney: An American Original. I will also read all of the original Disney source material, the ones that are in Public Domain or Creative Commons, and then at the end Darling and I will summarize our thoughts on the material and how Disney changed the material in order to meet the needs of the company.

Today we posted our first video, all of the Forwards and Prefaces. Walt touched the lives of many and, therefore, many want to be a part of his memory.

Remember, today’s moments are tomorrow’s memories.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear

Day 108 - 114: French Sci-Fi Master and Disney

January 19th, 2024

Dear Disney,

Recently, Darling and I were scrolling through Disney +, like many of us do, when Darling came across the older live action movies. We noticed that many of these movies were taken from Jules Verne novels, well at least 3 of them: In Search of the Castaways, Around the World in 80 Days, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

As a boy, I loved Jules Verne, still do. Jules Verne’s adventure novels opened up my imagination to the depths of the oceans and the unknown core of Earth. The mystery and the use of fanciful technology brought to light expectations of the future that have never been fully realized.

There is not much information I can find regarding Walt’s feeling about Jules Verne, but I imagine he thought them to be marvelous displays of futurism. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was one of Disney’s arguably best live-action adaptations ever created. The movie spurred on one of the original rides of Disney World, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage. Currently, the Disneyworld version is no longer operating, but the Tokyo DisneySea is in all of its Victorian Steampunk glory.

I remember putting the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea record into my grandparents record player and listening to Kirk Douglas sing “Whale of a Tale.” I thought it magical. Seeing Maurice Chevalier in In Search of the Castaways opened my mind to other cultures and humor. Lastly, watching one of Darling’s favorite martial arts actors, Jackie Chan, in Around the World in 80 Days was what brought all of my memories back around.

Basically, Jules Verne, Walt Disney, and the Disney company share the same realty in my mind: always looking forward with amazement and wonder. The future is scary: when the Nautilus was battling the giant squid, that was fear. When the rescue team in In Search of the Castaways was chased down the mountains of South America, that was fear. When Finneas Fogg believed that he had failed his quest to circumnavigate the world, that was fear. Yet each of these scenarios show how Verne, the adaptors, and Disney worked to bring hope and courage out of fear and uncertainty.

I hope that the current Disney Company remembers that the future is a place of wonder and awe. I want them to lead us into that brave new world like Jules Verne’s heroes and anti-heroes did: not with bravado, but with courage in the face of fear. Walt Said, “We seek to estimate the future and it’s bearing on our existence.”

Until next time.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear

Day 101-107: Memories are more than Merchandise

January 14th, 2024

Dear Disney,

Memories are more than merchandise.

Taking this concept, memories are more than merchandise. Disney leadership has recently stated that due to differing turnout at the movie theater, merchandise sells have dropped. These sells represent a part of the company’s bottom line. Without a sound bottom line, companies falter. I understand this concept, but I must push back. Disney is not merchandise, Disney is memories.

My first movie theater experience was watching The Land Before Time. My first Disney Movie Theater experience was watch The Little Mermaid. My family was living in a small town in which there was not a Movie Theater any longer, it closing in the early 1980’s. In order to watch the movie, my father put us all in an old Buick and drove 50 miles to the next town to watch the movie. When we got to the theater, I was so excited by the lights and sounds of everything that I do not remember whether I enjoyed the movie or not. This movie going experience did not make me into a Disney fanatic, it did not even make me into a movie fanatic.

The first experience that made me a Disney Fanatic was watching at home, with my sister, Sleeping Beauty. I remember falling in love with the bejeweled book and the sound of the narrator’s voice. The artwork intrigued me. As a young man, the illustrations of knights and dragons enchanted my mind. As I am reflecting on all of this, I realize that Sleeping Beauty changed the way I think and want and desire. To this day, I have never seen Sleeping Beauty in theaters, yet the core memory regarding watching and re-watching this movie is more important to who I am then any Disney Theatrical release to date.

Bringing this back to that fact that memories are more than merchandise and Disney Executives compare the Theatrical experience with selling this merchandise. I am not in habit of telling Disney Executives what to do, but if I were I would tell them to stop worrying about Theatrical successes and start worrying about creating core memories. Sleeping Beauty was a theatrical disaster, almost bankrupting the studio, yet here we are today, with it being one of the best, in my opinion, Disney Classic movies created.

We do not know what tomorrow brings, so stop worrying about it. No one can know what the someone’s memories will be what and will make someone a Disney fan-for-life. Treat each opportunity as the best opportunity and everything will work out in the end.

Until next time,

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 62 - 100: 100 Year of Wonder…Over

January 7th, 2024

Dear Disney,

The 100 Years of Wonder Celebration has been completed! And what a celebration it was!

On January 27th, 2023, Disneyland Resort opened the celebration with a new parade and World of Color Nighttime spectacular, remodeled Toon Town with the, much anticipated, “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway” Disneyland Debut, and so much platinum decor.

In the fall, Disney World continued the celebration with a new fireworks show at Epcot and a return of “Happily Ever After” fireworks and entertainment at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney Animation put together an almost 9 minute short called “Once Upon a Studio.” This short brought the magic of the last 100 years of Disney storytelling into the present, bringing back the voices of as many characters as possible and using archival footage and dialogue to bring to life those who could not, like Robin Williams as Genie and Pat Carrol as Ursula.

For Darling and I, the 100 Years of Wonder celebration was both exciting and daunting. October 2022 was the beginning of Dear Disney as a company and experiment, bringing our thoughts and feelings about Disney Magic and nostalgia to life.  We continue to hope to bring together a positive community that embodies the best of us as we believe Disney should be doing. 

In early January 2023, we were able to participate in the celebrations at Disneyland. The platinum decor throughout the park glittered in the winter air, and the feeling of excitement was giddying. We could not wait to come back and enjoy the celebration in its entirety. 

So, in July, we went back to Disneyland. The celebration was in full swing! At Disney California Adventure, the re-imagined World of Color One was everything this nostalgia lover could want: the music was inspiring, the lights and sounds made us awestruck.  Watching World of Color One, I would find it difficult for anyone to find complaint in this Disney Magic.

At Disneyland, the newly remodeled Toon Town was everything that Jim Jr. could ask for.  He loves trains and was looking forward to “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.” For weeks before we left, he was watching the ride on youtube, eagerly anticipating his chance to be in those seats, watching Mickey and Minnie and Goofy! The ride was worth the wait.  The whole family, Darling, Lady, Jim Jr., and myself marveled at the design of the queue and the ride itself. 

Darling and I do not like watching parades, they have a tendency to be crowded and hot, but we found a spot near Town Hall and settled in to watch “Magic Happens.” Lady and Jim Jr. had an impromptu bubble party, and Darling and I took a moment to watch the parade and our children.  The juxtaposition of the parade music and the laughter of our children is really what makes magic happen.  

These moments are what Disney is all about.  I think, in the hustle and bustle of our modern world, with worries about money and time and politics, we forget the small things: a partner's smile, a child's laughter, a moment in time that will never be forgotten.

The events at Disney World appear to be magical, but, having no first hand experience, I can only say what some of our friends told us after coming back. Disney World continues to be breathtaking, and the 100 Years celebration only added to the experience.

Finally, the last real 100 Years of Wonder celebration event was the production and release of the Walt Disney Animation Studio short, “Once Upon a Studio.” The short, telling a quick story of all of the major characters coming to life in order to take a photo for the 100th Anniversary is a little lacking in plot, but what it makes up for is the emotional connection we have with these characters.  Watching Mickey and Minnie, Robin and Little John, and all of my childhood favorites interacting with each other for this short was everything I did not know I wanted.  Hearing Robin Williams’ voice as Genie and Pat Carrol as Ursula again, however quickly, brought a smile to my face and a tear in my eye. I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

However, everything has a beginning and an ending and we are now at this ending.  I do not know what is in store for the Disney Company's next 100 years, but I cannot wait to experience it.

Until next time,

Sincerely yours,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 32-61: Builders of Dreams

Dear Disney,

The month of November has come and, nearly, gone.

Over the last month, Darling and I have begun working together to make our lives better. Each of us have our strengths and weaknesses. It is important to us that we recognize what those strengths and weaknesses are, isolate our weaknesses and highlight our strengths.

This can be very difficult at times, but I believe that we are making great strides forward.

These letters are part of how we are trying to make our lives better. We want to continue to focus on the better things about our life and the lives everyone who enjoys what Disney means to each of us. Disney means different things to all of us. But to me and Darling, Disney is what could be.

Together, Darling and I will continue to make what could be. Walt said that “…whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.” For me that means each of us, not just Darling and I, or Lady, or anyone here at our residence, but anyone that is a Builder of Dreams is responsible for our accomplishments.

As we move into the Winter Holiday season, I hope that each of us looks at our dreams and realizes that they too can come true.

Until next time,

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 16 - 31: Disney, Bradbury, and The Halloween Tree

October 31, 2023

Dear Disney,

Happy Halloween!

Darling and I routinely talk about what our posts are going to be about. Sometimes in general terms and others in specific. Sometimes topics are near and dear to one of us more than another. This is one of those topics.

When I was a young lad, I grew up very poor. I fled my circumstances by diving into imaginative worlds and far-off places. Disney helped me do this in the form of its visual media, but others helped in the form of their written words, the like of Tolkien, Jordan, and Lackey.

In 1993, I found something that crossed the lines of visual and written format, the 1993 Hannah-Barbara adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree. A story about friendship and history, The Halloween Tree adaptation inspired me to find the original book.

I read it, loved it, and devoured Bradbury’s other works, short stories and novels alike. He was amazing.

You may be wondering why, in a letter about Disney, do I brink up another creator with works from another studio?

Ray Bradbury and Walt Disney were friends, as Mr. Bradbury states in an interview on how they met:

“It was 1964…I was Christmas shopping and I saw a man coming toward me, loaded with Christmas presents. I said, ‘That’s Walt Disney!’ I rushed up to him and said, ‘Mr. Disney?’ He said, ‘Yes?’ I said, ‘I’m Ray Bradbury, and I love your movies.’ He said, ‘Ray Bradbury! I know your books.’ I said, ‘Thank God!’ And he said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because I’d like to take you to lunch sometime.’ And Walt said, ‘Tomorrow?’ Isn’t that beautiful? Not, ‘Next month.’ Or, ‘Someday.’ Tomorrow. Walt was spontaneous. The next day, I met him at his office and we had lunch—soup and sandwiches on an old card table. I told him how much I loved Disneyland, and he was thrilled to hear it.”

Over soup and sandwiches, a lifelong friendship arose, if you can believe Mr. Bradbury. From that meeting, Bradbury and Disney began the conversation regarding his new Florida project, Disneyworld. They discussed how some things never die. In the interview, Mr. Bradbury talks about how Disney was talking about the 1965 World’s Fair, but, in hindsight, I wonder if Disney didn’t have an inkling about his own mortality as he would be deceased within the next two years.

Mr. Bradbury, already a fan of Disneyland, love the idea of Disneyworld. He called it a “Schweitzer’s centrifuge,” named for Albert Schweitzer who once said, “Do something wonderful; people may imitate it.” A Schweitzer’s centrifuge is a place where you can spin a person imagination in such a way that it inspires them, ignites their curiosity, and creates within them a desire build brand-new worlds and dreams.

Disney and Bradbury continued working with each, throwing ideas and concepts back and forth, with imagineers, writers, and artists, until the day Disney passed.

After Disney passed, Bradbury was asked to help with Epcot’s design, specifically Spaceship Earth, where he wrote and narrated the original script.

Over the next thirty years, Bradbury would routinely talk with imagineers about the direction the parks were going. He would offer advice and thoughts, never requesting payment. During the opening of Disneyland Paris (Euro-Disneyland) in 1992, Tomorrowland was dedicated to the minds of science fiction authors Jules Verne and Ray Bradbury.

Lastly, in 2007, the oak tree outside of Frontierland, across from the shooting gallery, was decorated with hand-drawn Jack-o-lantern’s in celebration to the final realization of Ray Bradbury’s Halloween Tree. Bradbury himself was there to ignite the tree in one fell switch.

According to Brad Kaye, Creative Entertainment art director at Disneyland, “For the first year, Tony Baxter, Kim Irvine, and I sat in front of the Golden Horseshoe late one night and ‘magic-markered’ all the pumpkins.”

On June 5th, 2012, Rad Bradbury died at the age of 91.

In 1981, at the 10-year anniversary, Mr. Bradbury wrote, “We rarely think that just one man can shake and move a history of ideas and the world that grows from them. But let us think the unthinkable.”

Disney and Bradbury are linked, intrinsically, in my mind, and on this Halloween I hope you enjoy your own Halloween Tree.

Till next time,

Sincerely yours,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 2-15: The Haunted Mansion Review

October 15th, 2023

Dear Disney,

Last year’s 30 Days of Halloween was a lot of fun, but I believe we exhausted all of the Halloween movies that Disney has put forth in the last 100 years. We could look at all the sitcoms that Disney has produced and watch the Halloween episodes, and we may sometime in the future, but not this year. Lady and I are taking it a little slow regarding one of my favorite time of year. We have decorated for Halloween inside the house, with the Disney Halloween Countdown calendar and pin, but we have not decorated the house outside. We have not watched many Halloween movies or specials this year, but we did watch the 2023 movie, The Haunted Mansion.

The Haunted Mansion(2023), is a supernatural horror comedy set sometime in the relative present. The movie tells the story of six different people and their relationships to each other and to the Mansion itself. Although there is not one main protagonist, the audience follows the viewpoint of Ben Matthias (played by LaKeith Stanfield). Other members of the cast include Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, and Chase Dillion. The movie is very tightly put together, so much so that any further details would spoil it for others and I do not want to do that.

At first I had a difficult time deciding what the movie is about as there are many sub-plots and, arguably, no main protagonists. It truly feels like an ensemble production, unlike the 2003 version which was a story about a workaholic Real estate Agent, who lost touch with his wife and family, and through some misadventures with ghosts, remembered what being a “family man” was all about. The 2023 movie follows 6 individuals through as series of trials and tribulations where each one finds something that they are missing.

I really enjoyed the 2003 version of The Haunted Mansion, but the new one is even better. The casting is wonderful. After watching the movie a few times, in preparation for this article, I can see where it would have been very easy for each of the cast members to upstage each other, but they never do. The relationships they build with each other feel real. Time is given for each actor to have their own, mini, heroes journey.

If you liked the 2003 version, you will also like the 2023 version. Furthermore, if you did NOT like the 2003 version, you probably will like the 2023 version as the story and direction are significantly different.

Until next time.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Dear

Year 1, Day 1: Anniversary

October 1, 2023

Dear Disney,

A year ago, Darling and I started these letters in order to share our experiences, hopes, and dreams with others.

This last year has been filled with many memories. Lady had her show at California Adventure, we spent a week at Disneyland and California Adventure, and we are planning our next trip.

Disney has also undergone some exciting events: the opening of Tron at Disney World Magic Kingdom, the closure of Splash MountIn at Disneyland and Disneyworld, and opening of a new land at Tokyo Disney Sea.

In the following year, Darling and I hope to continue to grow our community. There are some things that we would like to try.

Thank you for a wonderful year of Disney Memories.

Until next time,

Sincerely yours,

Jim Dear

Day 113: Change

September 24, 2023

Dear Disney,

It has been a while since our last letter. The last 3 months, Darling and I took a well needed Summer Break. We have much to share, and those letters will be coming soon, but today I wanted to bring up “change.”

Manny people fear change. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt find themselves wiggling into the minds of each of us. “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” This quote is how I believe most people think about change, something to overcome.

It is easy to feel this way. Over the last few months, I have found myself stuck in the mind frame of fear instead of opportunity.

I am not sure, but I believe that Walt, being a futurist, change as a welcome opportunity. Two of Walt’s quotes come to mind:

“Progress is impossible without change.”

And

“We can ill afford to rest on our laurels, even to pause in retrospect. Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future."

I hope to consider change an opportunity for progress and less a fear to be overcome.

Until next time,

Sincerely,

Jim Dear

Day 112: Mental Health

May 24th, 2023

Dear Disney,

My life isn’t always the happy Disney version I strive to be. There are rainy days, crummy days, and just get through today days. I’d like to write to you about your characters that aren’t always sunny and bright and that’s okay. There is one that sticks out in my mind that you had a hand in creating and there are others that were imagined after your time.

The first character I want to write about is Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. To me, Eeyore is the quintessential gloomy character. And it’s not only him being sad, it’s really how his friends act around his sadness. It’s not a detriment to them at all. They don’t berate or think he’s less than because of his depressive state and I truly value these characters. They take him for who he is and accept his way of thinking and don’t ask him to change. That is such a wonderful and simple thing to do when someone is feeling depressed. When I’m feeling this way, Jim Dear knows how to help me create a ‘comfort nest’ with a blanket, heating pad, water, snacks and a favorite movie. There are other times when I just need to cry and he respects my space. Winnie the Pooh and his friends are still a very relevant source for children to learn about different characteristics and how to respond in a kind way.

The next character who is a pretty obvious pick is Sadness from Inside Out. Sadness seems like a sort of updated version of Eeyore, but with more sass and melodrama. All the emotions in this movie do have a lot more sarcasm, jokes, and quips than the more simple setting of Winnie the Pooh. I do enjoy the humor, but the underlying message happens at the crux of the movie. Riley can no longer pretend to be happy about her family moving. It’s new, different and downright scary to live in a completely different state for her father’s job.

The five main emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust) are no longer enough for Riley to articulate what she’s feeling and she breaks down in front of her parents confessing that she misses her old life. To her surprise both her parents admit the same. This is a tried and true coming of age story and ends with Riley building new and more complex emotions to progress and grow. There are absolutely times when I can see Lady struggle with new and different emotions that resonate with how I felt during middle school. I do make a lot of the same mistakes Riley’s parents make when I see or hear something radically different that what I’m used to seeing from Lady. I have to continue to support and be there for them and trust that we raised a bright, kind, and beautiful person who will find their way on their own time.

The next character doesn’t seem like they would have any problems with depression, but by golly does she ever have a power ballad of her own to sing through it. I’m talking about Anna in Frozen II. She’s in a dark cave and she’s lost her sister and Olaf. She is truly alone again like she was in the first movie, but now she’s completely lost in an unfamiliar and frankly scary place. Here are some lyrics that can articulate some aspects of depression that really stand out to me:

This is cold, this is empty, this is numb

the lights are out

Hello, darkness, I'm ready to succumb

This grief has a gravity, it pulls me down

Can there be a day beyond this night?

I don't know anymore what is true

I can't find my direction, I'm all alone

And yet.

And yet this song pulls you to your feet and lifts you up:

But a tiny voice whispers in my mind

But you must go on

And do the next right thing

Just do the next right thing

Take a step, step again

It is all that I can to do

The next right thing

I won't look too far ahead

It's too much for me to take

But break it down to this next breath

This next step

This next choice is one that I can make

So I'll walk through this night

Stumbling blindly toward the light

And do the next right thing

And with the dawn, what comes then

When it's clear that everything will never be the same again?

Then I'll make the choice

To hear that voice

And do the next right thing

I wasn’t really thinking about this song when I came up with my own mantra that is similar to ‘and do the next right thing.’ The one that I came up with for myself is Get Through Today, Just Get Through Today. Sometimes I write the initials GTTJGTT or even just GTT to remind myself it’s just one day. I can make it for 24 hours and then I can make it through the next day. And perhaps it won’t be as bad as it is right now. And it hasn’t failed me yet.

I know these letters my husband and I write are whimsical letters to Walt Disney reminiscing about the legend and stories that have touched our lives. This letter is for everyone and anyone who is reading this and might need some help. There is some information below that you can use or just keep in mind if you know anyone else who needs some help. 

Know that you are wanted. You are important. The world needs you here and you make a difference.

If you are having trouble or need assistance you can call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org any time day or night.

Till next time,

Darling

Day 111: Think of a Wonderful Thought

March 18, 2023

Dear Disney,

During our trip in January, Lady and I got to ride Peter Pan’s Flight. Jim Dear stayed with Jim Jr. who was passed out and could not be woken up for anything. As always, the line was long, but we took a chance and stepped in line. Even though it didn’t seem long from the outside, we had a little while to look around the queue. Jim Dear and I usually rush through, but it was nice to notice little details on the ride queue. Lady was content to wait silently so I played a little game with myself to see how many carved symbols were hidden in plain sight that had to do with the movie, Peter Pan. From memory I can recall the pirate ship, a teddy bear, a toy wagon, and a top hat. It could be a fun game of I Spy to play to keep yourself and your group occupied until your turn comes.

When Lady and I stepped into our pirate ship we were off to Neverland! The ride was like falling into a memory. All the dark rides in Fantasyland are like that for me. Memories of being with my parents, on choir tour, on my honeymoon and anniversaries superimpose into the actual moment of the ride. Lady and Jim Jr. haven’t watched as many Disney movies as Jim Dear and I have. We were raised during an amazing renaissance period of animated films (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Hercules, and Mulan to name a lot), so it was refreshing to see it through their eyes and answer questions for them during our time at Disneyland. I am so happy to be able to share this world with them and have the same excited feeling when I see the castle, smell fresh churros, or hear a piece of music, but it’s even more profound to see it all with my children and make new memories with them.

After riding the attraction, I asked Jim Dear about Peter Pan’s Flight. Jim Dear stated that to him, Peter Pan’s Flight was one of Disney’s earliest innovations regarding theme park attractions. Unlike most of the original Disneyland attractions, Peter Pan’s Flight is not a reimagining of a classic carnival ride. From the attraction vehicle to the use of forced perspective, Peter Pan’s Flight brings the consumer into the world of Peter Pan wholely and completely. From the very beginning, Walt planned on having an attraction based on Peter Pan and monopolizing on the newly branded Tinkerbell from his 1950’s television show Disneyland.

Disney’s Imagineers considered all sorts of ride vehicles, including riding on the back of Peter Pan himself, but settled on the Pirate ship as the vehicle of choice. The Imagineers used a conveyer system previously used for carrying materials around warehouses to move the vehicles through the air allowing the guests to feel like they were flying. Some of the original plans included going under a rainbow and through skull rock, but the course changed during construction and again during the 1983 Fantasyland remodel.

That being said, Jim Dear said that Peter Pan’s Flight, as well as the movie itself, creates conflicting feelings in Jim Dear. We both has a dear friend who loved Peter Pan and personified the idea of Wendy herself. A few years ago, she passed away and the feeling of loss never truly goes away. Peter Pan and Peter Pan’s Flight fills Jim Dear with melancholy, so when Jim Jr. was passed out, it was a little bit of a relief for Jim Dear. Sometimes a person does not want to feel certain feelings; remember certain memories.

Peter Pan was a great inspiration to Walt Disney. Walt recounts that when he was 8 or 9 he and his brother spent all of their money on tickets to see Maude Adams in Peter Pan at the Marceline Playhouse. He said, “For two hours, we lived in Never Land with Peter and his friends. I took many memories away from the theater with me, but the most thrilling of all was the vision of Peter flying through the air.” It is obvious from the directions he gave his imagineers that this event never left his mind.

A story that I heard was that when the imagineers that designed Peter Pan’s Flight brought the designs to Walt he would say, ”Couldn’t we fly the pirate ship over the backyard? And could we have the dog, Nana, float up in the air like she does in the movie?” If the designers ever said no, Walt’s frustration would be felt. It is told that the designers, Claude Coates and Herb Ryman quickly learned that only answer to Walt’s questions were “We’ll find a way.” I am unsure if that is true, but I know that Jim Dear and myself would never want to tell Mr. Disney “No.”

In Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, consider the amazing and innovative attraction, Peter Pan’s Flight, the next time you go to Disneyland. The line is long, and it always is, but it goes fast, and experience what it is to like to be a lost boy.

Till next time.

Sincerely,

Darling and Jim Dear

Day 110: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

March 12, 2023

Dear Disney,

It has been a while since we last spoke. Darling and my personal life continues to be busy, but we think about how you touch are lives.

Before our trip to Disneyland, I started to talk about the 100 Years of Wonder and started to highlight the different rides in Disneyland specifically. In many ways, these attractions portray more than the moments of the day waiting in line and then actually ride them. These attractions are physical representation of engineers and imagineers, artists, painters, animators, and storyboarders. These attractions, unlike many other rides of the era that they were originally build, are story driven. The designers not only want to invoke the feeling of being on a car, train, boat, or other apparatus, but also the feeling of the characters that inspire us.

The fantasyland rides do exactly that! From the ambience created by the sights, sounds, and smells around the attraction to the attraction’s story itself. I will admit that, especially early on, this was not always a success. However, no one can deny that today’s highlighted attraction, Mr. Disney, met every hope and dream.

I have stated earlier, back in October, that one of my favorite movies growing up was the package film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Admittedly, the Ichabod story was more awe-inspiring to childhood Jim then Mr. Toad, I have grown fonder of Mr. Toad’s story as I have aged. The child-like abandon that Mr. Toad throws himself towards with every new mania is relatable. I too want to shirk off the responsibilities of adulthood and traverse the contryside in a cart, car, or plane. Alas, that cannot be except in the 2-minute experience that is Disneyland’s “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.”

For those of you who have never participated “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,” this attraction, unlike other dark rides, is not a retelling of the movie, but rather a “what-if” experience. What if you, the rider, were Mr. Toad experiencing Motor Mania? You traverse the countryside in a Motor-car, running through Toad Hall, the early 19th century English Countryside, and Hamlets. Your car causing damage and catastrophe that leads to being sent to trial and finally hell itself! It’s quite the “wild ride!”

Mr. Disney, your imagineer’s original design was ambitious, with the rides outward appearance being one that resembled Toad Hall itself, but alas, that was not meant to be. When Disneyland opened, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and all of the original Fantasyland rides had a “Medieval Fair” theme. I was not around to see the original designs, but the 1983 Fantasyland remodel took the old drawings and brought new life to them.

The modern “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” shares the pavilion with “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Alice in Wonderland”, whose attraction actually sits on top of “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.” The line queue meanders through Toad Hall itself and is a wonder of design.

Mr. Disney, I think you would really like what your imagineers have done with this attraction. Now if only there was a Ichabod inspired ride.

Till next time.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 109: January 2023 Disneyland Trip!

February 22, 2023

Dear Disney,

We rope-dropped Disney California Adventure our first day and with Radiator Springs Racers closed for refurbishment, my personal favorite at DCA, we went straight to Goofy’s Sky School. Ugh. I am not a fan of stomach dropping roller coasters, but Lady and Jim Jr. love to hear my terrified babbling and high-pitched screams. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to motion sickness I wouldn’t recommend it for the first thing in the parks, but we were able to walk on and boy, did that wake us up more than a triple shot of espresso.

Jim Jr. and myself declined a second go around, so Jim Dear and Lady hopped on again after a minute or two of waiting. I found a quiet spot by the ride which featured another beautiful Lunar New Year arch and a place where you can write wishes for the New Year. When you rope drop the parks, especially in DCA in my experience, you can find a few deserted places for a peaceful moment of reflection.

What we learned from our first Disney trip, and what works for our family, is that each person gets to pick one or two things they would like to do at the park each day. It could be a ride, a meal, a snack, merchandise to buy, a character to meet. We make those choices the priority of the day and we plan our day around those choices accordingly. Anything else we do is icing on the cake. Lady wanted to ride The Incredicoaster, Jim Dear and I wanted to hang out at Avengers Campus to see the characters, and Jim Jr. wanted to ride Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree as many times as he could. He ended up riding it 3 times that day.

I knew Lady had a dance workshop on the first day and her performance the following day, but I still felt torn seeing her walk away with her ballet group and our quartet was down to a trio. (I’m channeling Timon here.) Seeing your children grow up to be their own person is the end goal as a parent and hope you raise them to be kind, thoughtful, independent, and hardworking, but it does hurt your heart a bit to see them leave you so easily. She did wave goodbye and sought us out the moment she was released, so it hurt less.

This Disney ballet tour included two-day park hopper tickets, which Jim Dear and I have never tried before. It was kind of fun being able to go back and forth from Disneyland and DCA. Park hoppers especially help if you find yourself with limited time to spend at the parks. I could tell that the novelty started to wear off for us all from all the walking though.

We ended our first night with the World of Color Dessert Party. We were treated to a pre-show story about a little lantern finding its way home. It was a really nice touch to add to the Lunar New Year celebrations. Jim Jr. was adamant we go to the World of Color show again because he fell asleep when we attended in July. It was really chilly and that may have aided in him and Lady staying awake. Depending on the size of the party and how much you are able to fit into your budget The World of Color Dessert Party is worth trying once. It does have a steep price, about $89 per person ages 2 and up. You have a choice of a high top or table to sit at with a pretty prime view, a bevy of non-alcoholic and adult beverages, a plate full of grapes, a few types of cheeses, crackers, and of course, desserts. You do have to queue up by the Eureka Watermill for a little bit prior to the show, so that does cut into some time you can spend doing other things at the park. After a full day of walking, sitting at that table with my family, snacks and drinks to nibble on and an awesome view of the show was worth every penny to me. Seeing the World of Color show reflected in the shiny eyes of our children was absolutely magical.

The second day we took it easy and got to the parks around 9 am. We hung out at Avengers campus and I hid my giddiness as we saw several Marvel characters including Captain Marvel, Iron Man, and The Falcon (who I guess is Captain America now) just walking around talking with guests! We watched the Dora Milaje teach park goers some fighting moves right below the quinjet. Jim Dear snagged a photo with Ant Man while he engaged us with introductions and small talk. Lady took a great picture leaping over the black and white tiled illusion picture spot and Jim Jr. got to high five Spiderman after his show on the rooftop. The Avengers campus is by far my favorite spot at DCA for character interactions. I haven’t been able to see my favorite character Loki yet, but hopefully we’ll bump into him soon.

We were also lucky enough to ride the Haunted Mansion with The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay! It was a bit disorienting boarding the ride since it wasn’t quite the same, but seeing Jack and Sally and the other characters in the movie right at home in the graveyard and dance hall was great to see. With all the new characters interacting with the old it felt like an entirely new ride. That could be a possible direction the Disneyland parks are going since the park property is so limited now. ‘Updating’ old rides with different overlays. It would take a lot of work, but an interesting new direction to give temporary new life to older rides.

I will be forever grateful to Jim Dear for indulging the children while I stood in line for Rise of the Resistance. This ride…this ride is so unbelievably good that the 75-minute wait was well worth it. This chance almost didn’t happen. Jim Dear was even going to spring to buy me a Lightning Lane for it, but the ride was down for most of the day and Lightning Lane was not available. I had seen walkthroughs on YouTube of the ride, so I knew what to expect, but seeing it in real life, and being in the thick of it, was an entirely new thing altogether! The queue had some fantastic elements while you waited. When you’re outside you hear some chatter and large footsteps rumbling about in the bushes. In the actual cave system, there are props and miscellaneous things shoved into corners, carved out seating areas in the stone caves, maps lit up on acrylic boards, even locker cages filled with resistance fighter pilot jumpsuits, helmets, and prop weaponry. On a few cargo boxes I saw QR codes, but I didn’t want to hold up the people behind me, so I hustled to keep my place in line. When we were captured and made to go into the Storm Trooper room, that area pulled a ‘Holy God’ from me. I am not one to swear in public, but that room is so impressive and awe inspiring.

I’ll keep the spoilers to a minimum, but the cast members operating the lines and the ride were outstanding! They stayed in character the whole time and just made that part of the ride that much more immersive. I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. This ride with all the different elements captivated me in a way I think, Mr. Disney, you always had in mind. I was completely invested in the story. I was thrilled, excited, and totally wanted to line up for another chance to experience this ride!

Thank you for creating such a fabulous place for families and friends to find wonder and believe in magic. And thank you to all those people who work tirelessly for the Disney company and continue to elevate and reimagine Walt Disney’s dreams. Onto the next dreaming and planning of our next Disney trip!

Sincerely,

Darling

Day 108: Majestic Garden Review, Darling Edition

February 21, 2023

Dear Disney,

The owner of the ballet studio also picked the weekend of Lunar New Year. What absolute luck! Jim Dear and I have only ever experienced Disney Parks during the summertime (June-September) and once in May for a family reunion. **Packing tip: If you are visiting during mid January, pack cold weather clothing accordingly. When the sun is up you could probably get away with a light jacket and jeans, but once the sun was gone, the air turned quite bitingly cold**

We also got to stay at a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, The Majestic Garden Hotel. The hotel itself was really charming, really leaning into the medieval fantasy and magic aspects with authentic knight's armor on display, Jim Dear and I both agree that knights were actually a lot shorter than portrayed in movies, a Princess that protects the castle/hotel, does story times and meet and greets, lovely ponds and manicured courtyard gardens, and the hotel boasts actual castle turrets! The room we had was very spacious. For families with younger children, there is plenty of room for strollers, cribs, and playpens. Our room window faced the pool courtyard and we managed to catch the back end of the evening fireworks show at Disneyland our first night there.

Jim Dear and I really wished we could explore the hotel more, but Lady needed to be at the parks both days for her workshop and performance, so we only spent time at the hotel to rest and get ready for our outings. We did check out the deli a couple mornings and they had an impressive collection of Disney merchandise on one side of the store, the other side was the deli with sandwiches, pasties, fruits, and drinks for purchase. I will also say that the free shuttle to and from the park has spoiled me and was a really nice treat to be able to wait for a shuttle at the end of the day when my feet were protesting the miles and miles we walked. We had a terrific bus driver one evening that played Disney music and encouraged singing and actively joined in on the fun.

Some things in the hotel room were in need of an update, but I’m hoping with time those will be solved. When we plugged in our electronics to charge the plugs didn’t feel secure in the outlets, the bathroom was very compact, the room’s fixtures were outdated, and with all the lights and lamps on the room still seemed very dim. Jim Dear likes his showers HOT, and felt like it never got warm enough for his liking, but I didn’t mind it so much. Minor issues when all we needed was a place to rest and recharge and shower.

Sincerely,

Darling

Day 107: Lunar New Year Celebrations at Disney California Adventure Part 2

January 31, 2023

Dear Disney,

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure was a very special experience for me. It was only celebrated and decorated at DCA. I saw lots of women wearing traditional Cheongsam or qipao dresses in bright and beautiful red. Several fellow Disney fans were in red too and it was delightful to see. I wore my Turning Red ears and a pastel hoodie with ‘4Town 4Ever’ embroidered on the front. I was ready to celebrate!

During Mulan’s New Year Procession, we stood next to a baby girl wearing a crocheted version of Mulan’s outfit. She was absolutely adorable and Mulan smiled and waved at her when she noticed her dress. I recorded the entire parade and I teared up a little when I saw that all the performers were Asian. To be able to see people that look like me proudly representing a holiday of their culture as a Disney cast member is indescribable. The flower dancer’s dresses flowed during their choreography so smoothly and exquisitely, the dragon and lion costumes were crisp, bold, and bright. The handlers of the faces made the creatures come alive and play with happy parade watchers. I can only say, thank you to every single person at Disney involved with the creative planning process and execution for cultural celebrations at the parks. It is so, so appreciated by many Disney fans like myself.

We, of course, got the two Lunar New Year celebration pins featuring Walt Disney’s original character Oswald, who also made an appearance during the Lunar New Year parade. I’ve known this from our honeymoon trip to Disney World years ago, but Jim Dear has finally come to the realization that he has a Disney pin addiction. Lady actively encourages his newfound fervor and they both went wild with pin buying on this trip. We are currently searching for a nice pin display board so we can see all the pins we’ve collected over the years. The one thing I regret not being able to experience were the many food carts lined up in the main thoroughfare. The food looked amazing, but the lines were long and the area super crowded. Jim Jr. and Lady were more interested in riding as many attractions as possible. Waiting in line was not the top priority for them.

Jim Dear already commented on our hotel and stay, but tomorrow I will tell you my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Darling

Day 106: Lunar New Year Celebrations at Disney California Adventure: Part 1

January 28, 2023

Dear Disney,

Darling and I have been to Disneyland more than a dozen times between the two of us, but we have always gone during late Spring through Mid-Summer. However, this year we found ourselves at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure during the Lunar New Year Celebration. Darling and I were very excited for this new experience. Darling and I have two different perceptions of the Celebration, so we are going to write two different letters. This first letter is going to be from me, and the second will be from Darling.

Disney California Adventure is a fun park, and it is our children’s favorite. As stated, we recently had the chance to enjoy two-day Park Hopper tickets and we started each day at Disney California Adventure. We decided previously that we would rope drop each day, stay until the mid-afternoon and transfer over to Disneyland for the remainder of the evenings.

I knew that California Adventure had the Lunar New Year Celebrations, and because of the very limited time this event occurs, I was really excited to go and experience this unique event. Coming into the park, I had assumptions I would be seeing of Lunar New Year decorations throughout, but I was incorrect. At the gates and throughout Buena Vista Street, the streetlights had the “100 Years of Wonder” buntings on them, not the Lunar New Year buntings. As you head further down Buena Vista Street and towards the Pacific Wharf, you start to see the decorations for the Lunar New Year. This year, being the Year of the Rabbit, the decorations highlighted Oswald the Rabbit.

Finally, the decorations unfold into a series of food vendor locations around Pacific wharf and Paradise Gardens. The food vendors sold Asian inspired drinks, desserts, and entrees. From Teriyaki Turkey legs to Pepperoni Pizza Bao Buns, the food was eclectic but fun. There was lots of merchandise for the event: pins, ears, and clothing. Loving pins, I bought both of the varieties they sold.

Throughout the day, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession would travel down Hollywood Boulevard and end at Pacific Wharf. There were Flower Dancers, Dragon Dancers, and Lions, meandering through the street and interacting with the crowds. Later in the evening, right before the World of Color show, there was a short water show about a lantern trying to find its way back to his family. The short was called “Hurry Home” and it was beautiful. The Academy Award®-winning composer Tan Dun wrote the score.

Participating in the Lunar New Year celebration was a lot of fun. The event only lasts a few weeks, so being in the park felt special. Watching the parade and seeing the decorations left me feeling happy. Because of how limited the event timing is, there was a problem with crowds. At one point, the crowds were so extreme that my daughter and I could not cross the street. We did not eat any of the event specifics food items due to the length of the queues.

Overall, celebrating the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure was something that I never thought I would be able to do. I strongly suggest going during the Lunar New Year to participate in this event. However, have realistic expectations. There will be crowds and there will be queues. Just take the time to rest your feet and contemplate the year to come.

Until tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear

Day 105: Good Neighbor Hotel Majestic Gardens

Majestic Gardens Hotel Anaheim, California

January 25, 2023

Dear Disney,

We have been quiet the last few days because we find ourselves getting ready to go to Disneyland in 2023. For various reasons, Darling, the children, and myself were able to make the adventure to Disneyland in January 2023 and staying, for the first time, at the Good Neighbor Hotel Majestic Gardens Anaheim.

Going into the trip, I had done some research on the hotel. There is a great history of the hotel on the hotel’s blog, but to summarize, the hotel was opened in 1969. It has been owned by a number of companies and seen a few firsts, like the inaugural World Hockey League draft that created the foundations of the the current NHL. The Majestic Gardens has stayed true to being a top hotel partner with Disney.

When we got to the Majestic Gardens I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the decor in the vestibule and lobby were. The Majestic Gardens has a Fantastical Medieval European theme and carries that theme throughout, with suits of armor and pictures of dragons and knights artfully placed along the wall. I am not sure of the events schedule, but while we stayed the Princess of the Hotel gave daily storytime performances for children of all ages. It was very cute.

We checked in, got our keys, a map of the campus, and instructions on how to use their shuttle system. After that, we made the trek to our room. And it was a trek. The hotel is huge and labyrinthine. We finally found our room and entered.

The room was spacious and clean, but old. It was remodeled in 2015, but some things were better than others. The room was dimly lit, with no overhead lighting, one floor and table lamp, and one moderately-sized window. The window let in some light, but not nearly enough. The beds were soft and warm. The pillows too soft for my liking, but plentiful.

The bathroom very tiny, but serviceable. Our bathroom door would not close because of latching issues. The water never got hot enough for my liking and I like my showers scalding, but Darling did not seem to mind.

Due to its age, the hotel is relatively noisy. We heard our neighbors comings and goings. This did not bother us as we mostly used the hotel as a place to sleep, keep our clothes, and shower, but others may find it bothersome.

The best part about our room was at 9:35, the Disneyland fireworks display, Mickey’s Mix and Magic occurred and our room had a nice backseat view. It was magical to see Darling and the kids looking out of the window, over the hotel’s pool, and watch the fireworks light up the inky black sky.

A great addition to the stay was the Dream Shuttle that took us from the Majestic Gardens Hotel to Downtown Disney. The drivers were kind. The shuttles were always punctual and welcoming after a long day at the parks.

Overall, Darling, the children, and I were happy with our stay at the Majestic. I Darling and I strongly suggest staying at the Majestic Gardens if you ahve the chance.

Till tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

• Darling and I are not sponsored by the Majestic Gardens and our views are our own.

104: Have You Ever Seen an Elephant Fly?!

January 13, 2023

Dear Disney,

Whenever a person thinks of Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom either that person thinks of the mountains or they think of that marvel of aeronautics: Dumbo the Elephant ride.

Darling does not like the Dumbo the Elephant Ride. The up and down motions of the flying elephants cause Darling to have some motion sickness, but the Dumbo the Elephant ride is a classic. Dumbo the Elephant was one of the original Disneyland rides. The ride was expected to be available on opening day, but do to a flaw in the ride, was opened a few weeks later.

The original concept designs were not the One and Only Dumbo, rather 10 pink elephants from the movie Dumbo and the song “Pink Elephants on Parade.” Thankfully, the Imagineers decided against that choice and settled for the ride to be filled with Dumbos. The decorations of the ride has evolved over time. Timothy the Mouse was missing from the top of the attraction for the first two years. Once there, Timothy held a whip in his hands. The Dumbo rides are very similar between the six parks, but Timothy is different. In Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, Timothy continues to hold a whip in his hands. At the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong, Timothy hold Dumbo’s feather.

Originally the Dumbo ears were hinged and would flap, but, after a remodel in the 1960’s, they were changed to be static. Additionally, the ride was expected to have a complete overhaul in the 1970’s, but was eventually cancelled. During the 1980’s Fantasyland remodel, the Dumbo ride was given a “toy maker” aesthetic that has been remarked by Tony Baxter, Imagineer and Genius, to be akin to one of Geppetto’s inventions.

The Dumbo the Elephant Ride is a ride fit for all ages and the feelings it brings to the hearts of Disney Adults is delightful. If you go to any Disney Park, ride all the rides, but if you can only ride a few, I suggest any ride that transports you back to an imagined, happier time.

Till tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 103: I think I can, I think I can…

January 12, 2023

Dear Disney,

There are parts of Disneyland’s Fantasyland that I had always passed but never knew how to ride. I would pass the Storybook Land boats and watch the other Guests sit on the boats and enjoy the canal boats. I would watch the boats get swallowed by Monstro and wonder where the queue was, then I would get distracted by a dark ride or a friend wanting to go on the Tea Cups or the Matterhorn. Bu there was one ride that I never saw, but heard frequently, Casey Jr. Train Ride.

Casey Jr. Train Ride is one of the original Disneyland rides, sort of. Casey Jr. Train Ride was available on opening day but was closed the following day. The ride was reopened after a couple weeks. I do not know if it is apogrypha, but I was told that the engines were too light and the coducters had to ride on top of the engine to weigh them down. I’m not sure if that is true or not, but the mental image of conductors riding the Casey Jr. Train like a bronco is amusing.

Whether it is true or not, the ride was re-introduced after a few weeks and has brought smiles to the hearts of young and old ever since.

Casey Jr. Train Ride is the train that pulled the circus in Disney’s Dumbo. Casey Jr. is a named after Casey Jones, a famous train engineer from the 1900’s. The book The Little Engine the Could is based off of the train and the ride and you can hear the engine say “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” as it climbs the last hill.

The constantly present song “Casey Junior”, written by Frank Churchill and New Washington, can be heard throughout Fantasyland.

Darling and I came to this ride later and life, but it quickly became a favorite of ours. Next time you are in Disneyland, enjoy the short, quirky Disneyland original, Casey Jr. Train Ride.

Till tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling

Day 102: The Oldest Ride at Disney!

January 11, 2023

Dear Disney,

When I was younger, I loved carousels. The colorful animals, the pipe music, the brass poles, the movements made me smile with joy. As time does, it marched on, and when Darling and I were old enough to go to Disneyland on our own, the carousel was no longer interesting to us. It was not as interesting as the other rides, not as fast, or shiny. Then we got older still, had children, and once again the love of carousels came back.

King Arthur’s Carousel is the oldest ride at Disneyland, and therefore, the oldest ride in all of Disney. The carousel started its life in another park, Sunnyside Beach Park in Toronto in 1922. The Disney Parks Official blog reports that some aspects of the carousel could date back to 1875, but there were no official records before 1922. After the park closed, the carousel was bought by Disney, shipped to California, and remodeled.

As one of the original opening day rides, King Arthur’s Carousel was the first ride a guest saw as they went through Cinderella’s Castle, directly in front of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

IN 1982, Disneyland’s Fantasyland began one of the largest remodels Disneyland had ever seen, and has ever seen. Since that remodel additional lands have been added, but individual lands have not been remodeled causeing the entire land to be closed. The remodel took over a year, and in May on 1983, the Carousel had a new home, in a more central location of Fantasyland.

In 2003, the carousel was given an paint job, a new motor, and a new canopy.

In 2022, Mickey’s Toontown closed for renovations and remodel. This remodel is the second largest Disneyland remodel, at least in time.

As Walt Disney only wanted jumping horses, the imagineers replaced every non-horse animal with a hand-carved antique horse. In all, there are 72 leaping horses, 1 chariot bench, and a wheelchair grip. (Although there are 72 horses, only 68 are currently on the carousel due to ADA compliances. The other horses can be uses as replacement horses if any get damaged.) The chief horse, Jingles, and is painted with a gold harness. In 2008, Jingles was dedicated to Julie Andrews, for her role as Mary Poppins, and her initials “JA” were added to the horse.

King Arthur’s Carousel is now, and may always have been, the central feature to Fantasyland. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the gate to Fantasyland, but the carousel is its heart.

When you go to Disneyland, take a moment to remember what it is like to be a child, and ride the carousel horses. You will not regret it.

Till tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling