From the Jungle Cruise to Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent

At the opening of Disneyland, the crowning achievement on the attraction roster was the Jungle River Cruise, the centerpiece of the new park's lushly beautiful Adventureland. By any measure. Walt Disney was justifiably proud of his newly christened Imagineers for this calm yet thrilling ride through the exotic and dangerous waters of the world. This beautiful piece of concept art depicts headhunter country. It's now a taboo subject, but back then, this brought some thrill along with the fear factor. 

There was nothing like it! Groundbreaking in its theme and execution, Disneyland visitors immediately got in line for the attraction and have never stopped. With all its changes and tweaks, the Jungle Cruise is a long time favorite with corny jokes from skippers with just the right playful, irreverent attitude. Tokyo Disneyland may be flashing about plans to remove it at their park, but what a mistake that would be!

The significance of the attraction goes far beyond opening day and its continued popularity. You could make a strong case that this attraction had the most to do with then CEO Michael Eisner giving his blessing to build Disney's Animal Kingdom. Sure, Michael's competitive nature was also driven by Busch Gardens' success down in Tampa, but I believe it was also the public's love of the attraction- and Joe Rohde's clever tiger in the boardroom stunt- that tipped the scales in favor of a brand new wild animal kingdom.

Today, the newer Jungle Cruise inspired park is not the out of the box success the suits hoped it would be. Yet. Long story short, the team working on the Encanto and Indiana Jones / Tropical Americas project had better make it a huge success- or more heads are gonna roll.

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

Mysterious Halloween Imagineering Art

Every few years on Halloween, I post this pic of rare concept art and ask if anyone knows anything about it. Years back, the Disney Parks Blog highlighted a piece of Imagineering concept art as a banner on the site dated October 31, 2016.  I've never seen this. If I had to guess,  I'd say it is for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland or Disneyland Paris' Phantom Manor. Perhaps its was for Tokyo's villains themed walk through- Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour. Maybe it was part of a plan for something entirely different that Imagineering had cooked up. Anyone know more?

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

And I Think to Myself...

Sing with Mr. Louis Armstrong here, "What a Wonderful World". From our "all of the family finally together" portraits in Fall of 2017, this photo captures a sweet moment between my lovely wife and I. What a gift from God she is and continues to be. Year after year. Decade after decade.

 

Musings on Disney's Hollywood Studios Now & Then

There have been many, many changes at Disney's Hollywood Studios since its opening as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. But one thing that hasn't changed since the first time we visited the park is my love for the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater.

Opening in 1991, it was several years before we were finally able to get in to this very popular eatery. Life was busy, and the wallet was light, so a trip to Disney had to wait a bit. (And we thought Disney was expensive back then!) That was then, and things have changed a bit. What about Sci-Fi now? Take a look at our most recent visit:

Dine or Ditch Sci-Fi now?

Do you just love Disney's Hollywood Studios? If you do, check out my article. This mega post on the history of the park has tons of concept art, information on unbuilt attractions, my now vintage photos as far back as 1989 and more. Check it out here.

Farm Days

What is it about Anderson Farms? This family friendly place is known for its HUGE pumpkin patch and corn mazes. But there's so much more. It's really just a great excuse to connect with friends and family and detach from on line life and responsibilities. It was supposed to rain, but instead we got the perfect day. So fun to finally revisit a family tradition that was lost for a few years due to the busyness of life and schedules that wouldn't match.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

And The Winner Is...

The Themed Entertainment Association released its 2025 annual report. Each year, it essentially pits The Walt Disney Company against Universal Destinations and Experiences. With the opening of Epic Universe, how will the numbers change and how does this affect what each company will do in the future? Instead of telling you what I think at this point- which is essentially, we're seeing the reason Disney is upping their game in Orlando- you should read the report for yourself. Get it here. 

 

TRON Lightcycle Power Run Lights Up the Night

It is perhaps the shortest E Ticket attraction ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. At just about one minute long, TRON Lightcycle Power Run is over just after it begins. But boy, oh boy, doesn't it make for an incredible piece of eye candy! 

The Tomorrowland thrill ride looks best in Shanghai Disneyland than it doesn't in Florida. In China, there's no Space Mountain next door to compete for visual effect, and the multi-level land creates stunning photo opportunities. 

For the most beautiful on line tour of Shanghai Disneyland, go to this video from Document Disney right here. 

 

More Epic Universe Concept Art

A few articles ago, I looked at the design detail for Universal's new restaurant at Epic Universe, the Atlantic. Well, today, here's a look at the concept art. It's pretty nice! Now, is it just my imagination or is Universal Creative upping their game in the concept art arena as well? I think so! As a lover of concept art, this makes me very, very happy. Charm is harder to convey in a photograph, but in concept art, colors of the water and sky can create something very enchanting- and this does. 

(Art work copyright Universal Creative.)

"Q; The Autobiography of Quincy Jones"- A Genius' Sad Story

Quincy Jones was such a brilliant man, but he had a sad personal life filled with broken relationships, deep pain, and career setbacks. Q's story covers a lot of territory from back in the earlier days of American jazz to his superstardom with Michael Jackson, recording We are the World, a superb album with George Benson, and beyond. You only get a glimpse of him in the film bio of Jackson, but don't miss this book. Any lover of music will find this well worth your time.

Something Old from the Disney Gallery

Something new here, you say? Well, very old actually. It's The Mickey Mouse Club Theater by Imagineer Bruce Bushman. Seems the man did many renderings for park attractions that never were built, but this one was. 

Above is a very simple pencil concept for the theater in Fantasyland, Walt Disney's park, Anaheim, California. My photograph isn't the greatest, but I'm glad I snapped it years ago. I haven't seen the piece since, so I guess that now makes it a rarity. Love those Disney Gallery presentations!

Bob Chapek Was Right About This One Thing

For my money, it's Michael Eisner over Robert Iger, and it's Josh D'Amaro over Bob Iger, and D'Amaro definitely over Bob Chapek- with Walt Disney above all of them. But that doesn't mean that the short lived former Disney CEO everyone loves to hate got everything wrong. He didn't. In fact, I'd venture to say he got one thing very, very right.

When the mandate came down that Marvel absolutely had to go into Disney California Adventure, Chapek put the screws on. Whatever it was, it had to go in fast, under budget, and still be excellent. He had determined that the artists inside theme park attraction development took way too long to get it together and were next to reckless when it came to budget restraints. 

Imagineering's Joe Rohde was tasked with pulling off the transition of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Fans groused about the change, but it was coming like it or not. The result: Fans loved it! And to make things even better for the sharp pencil boys, the revised ride came in on time and under budget.

So here is where Chapek was right- Imagineering can in fact pull it off when it must. Perhaps, just perhaps, theme park fans won't have to see attractions based on beloved films come decades after their release. Maybe Imagineering can play the fast, under budget, and high quality game when they must. Maybe. I mean, a decade later, Guardians of the Galaxy remains the second most popular attraction in that park, right next to Radiator Springs Racers. Was Chapek right? In this case, yes, yes he was.

Lazy Afternoon at Disneyland

It's time for a true confession on the Insights and Sounds blog. When it comes to Disneyland, the sweet little Main Street U.S.A. does not get the same amount of love here as does the incredible New Orleans Square. Not that anyone would blame me! But this doesn't mean the land is without charm and design detail. Now showing in the Opera house is Walt Disney- A Magical Life in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. It's a one two punch with Audio-Animatronics of the main men that you have to see for yourself. Don't just rush from one E Ticket attraction to another when you're here. Time time to see both shows if you can, avoid the crowds and enjoy some air conditioning with the memorable shows. You'll be glad you experienced a taste of old school Imagineering at its finest.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Beloved is the Real Thing

My wife gifted me with this 2025 book by Francis Chan with Mercy Gordon. Chan remains my favorite author due to his consistency with the truths of scripture and the ability to represent God's heart toward humanity. Beloved is just not the title- it's the very essence of how God feels towards all of us. If you're confused about who He is, read this book!  

The Tavern Articles at Beak and Barrel

Design detail abounds at The Beak and Barrel in Adventureland. This Pirates of the Caribbean themed bar is stuffed with more to see and experience than Oga's Cantina!  It's more on par with Trader Sam's Grog Grotto or the original and shorter named Disneyland Hotel location. The Tavern Articles shown above are a clever and quirky way to communicate the rules of engagement. Too bad it doesn't mention the high prices or the 45 minute rule!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Happy Birthday Mr. Carpenter!

Happy Birthday today to Mr. Richard Carpenter, one half of the much beloved Carpenters musical group. He and sister Karen Carpenter created a distinctive sound and a very impressive string of hit A&M Records singles and albums on the Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World charts. 

They're beloved all over the world, but especially in Japan where Karen's long lost solo album is finally being released on vinyl in November. 

Every sha la la la still shines as we sing along to Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, Goodbye to Love, Only Yesterday and I Need to Be in Love- each one composed by Richard with longtime songwriting partner John Bettis. Of course, these are only the hits Richard wrote. They go on and on when you add songs like Close to You, We've Only Just Begun, Superstar and Rainy Days and Mondays to the list. Rumor has it that a new website is being built. Perhaps there's a new compilation to reintroduce the world to the duo's incredible talents. 

My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:

Offering / Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters 
A Song for You 

Now & Then

The Singles 1969 - 1973

Live in Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974 - 1978

Christmas Portrait

Karen Carpenter- The Solo Album

Music, Music, Music

Made in America (Part One)

Made in America (Part Two)

Voice of the Heart (Coming soon!)

My Initial Reviews of the albums:

Offering/Ticket to Ride

Close to You

Carpenters

A Song for You

Now & Then

The Singles 1969-1973

Live In Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974-1978

Christmas Portrait

Made in America

Voice of the Heart

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Time (Richard Solo)

Lovelines

Karen Carpenter (Solo)

As Time Goes By