Changes to the Magic.

I Miss my Colorful Friend.

Time has passed since most of the streets of America have been torn down to make way for Galaxy's Edge. I lamented the loss of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights when I learned that it would not return to Hollywood Studios.  I made peace with the loss of the Dancing Lights some time ago because of anticipation for the New Star Wars and Toy Story lands that were to occupy the land that this icon of the holiday season formally sat.  I wrote a post about it some time ago.  Change is inevitable and required for the most magical place on earth to remain the relevant and entertaining place it is today.  I miss the dancing lights and was lucky enough to see them one last time before they closed in 2015.  Two years have passed and work is proceeding on Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story. Both come closer to completion.  The plans for both these area's look exciting and appealing.

Now, our friends at Disney have released another round of closures and changes that span almost all the parks.  In the Magic Kingdom, Disney will build the Tron Coaster in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. The Tron Coaster is to be built where the Tomorrow Land Speedway currently sits.  In Epcot, Ellen's Universe of Energy will be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, and The Great Movie Ride will be replaced by a New Mickey Mouse attraction.  All of you are probably already aware of these changes and there are much better sources than my blog for changes at Walt Disney World.

* (I have since learned that Tron will be built behind the Tomorrow Land speedway next to Space Mountain.)

I welcome change for the most part. However, I have to admit to some sadness that the Great Movie Ride has ceased operations.  No more will we hear Robert Osborne praise some of the greatest movies of the 20th and 21st century.  We have had our last glimpse of Gene Kelly swinging form the lamp post in Singing in the Rain or Boggie sending Ingrid Bergman off to safety in Casablanca.  From Dorthy and the Munchkins to Sigourney Weaver and the USCSS Nostromo, I will think fondly of the Late Great Movie Ride. I will even miss the cheesy performance by the cast members in the middle of the attraction.

Replacing the Great Movie Ride particularly is saddening to me because of how Disney plans to replace it.  I would love to see an attraction dedicated to the Mickey.  After all, Walt said that it all started with a mouse.  But the current iteration of Mickey Mouse doesn't sit all that well with me.  I suppose the animators are trying to recapture some of the feel of Walt's old Cartoons.  But, well, for me it just doesn't work. I'm not fond of how these iconic Disney characters are portrayed.  Some may love the newer Mickey cartoons.  I am not among them.

I usually accept changes.  In all most all cases Disney has replaced attractions with more exciting or more entertaining attractions that the ones removed. I guess I will wait and see what happens with the attraction that replaces the great movie ride.

Pretty Happy Bunch of Folks.

One picture that is taken most at Disneyland.

After reading a few of my past blog posts,  a reader might get the impressions that I'm very unhappy every minute I'm away from the Disney Parks.  Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.  I will admit some ennui when I face some of the vast expanses of time between my visits, but for the most part and maybe more than average, I'm a pretty happy guy.  I have a great family and a good career that affords me the ability to support my family with enough extra to slip down to the happiest place on earth from time to time.  I was able to provide both my children a collage education and while my son may be off to a slower start, both are happy and terrific people. I have the love of my family and the friendship and respect of the people I work with. So, yeah, I'm a pretty happy fellow.

Imagine, if you will, how much more happy I am when I get the opportunity to go to Walt Disney World.  Sure, like many of you here and for lack of a better word, I am obsessed with the land of the mouse found in Florida.  I do enjoy, perhaps more than many, the fireworks at the end of the day or a great meal served after full day of magic and fun. I particularly enjoy combining the two with a Dinner show reservation.  Revisiting the lands at Walt Disney world gives my happiness that is layered on top of my already blessed life.

At Disney World I find magic above and beyond the happiness I have at home.  Who doesn't need more magic in their lives in these times?  Even when we have a good attitude our we know our world has many issues with which to contend. Today, we are faced with Global Warming, Strange Politics and a new found distrust of science that I find almost impossible to explain. We cannot ignore what is going on around us.  We have to face each issue and do our part to be part of the solution. I do my best to combat these hard issues and the problems of our world both big and small can threaten to overwhelm us.  Yet, I am very grateful for the opportunity to escape  time to time into  a immersive trip to Walt Disney World.  I know the issues will still be there when I get back but, well I can come back recharged to face them after a few days away.

This blog is a part my Disney escape.  Each time I talk with you in the blog, I know I'm speaking with like minded people.  No matter your politics, or your stance on Global warming, I know all of you love Disney.  From our Leader, Bill and his lieutenants, Randy and Carol, Mark, Arthur, through the countless others that contribute to this page, I can be back at Disney world in an instant.  I know my writing isn't perfect.  I know I'm pretty much a hack when it comes to putting words to electronic paper.  But I'm pretty sure that doesn't really matter.  You won't judge me too harshly and

you are kind enough not to be overly critical in your comments. I hope you enjoy some of what I write.  At least I hope it makes you smile or think a little from time to time.