Disneyland Paris and Collective Art

For a lot of 'serious' art and design people, the idea that a fellow 'serious' art and design person (a grown-ass woman, specifically) could have a serious Disney fixation does not compute. For many, the mega-corporation creates cherished children's films and runs theme parks that are pretty fun.

What is often missed is that Disney is, itself, a serious hub for art and design. I will not delve into the fact that Steamboat Willie was the first 'talkie', that Snow White was the first feature length animated film, that Walt Disney invented the nature documentary genre, but instead share this story (brought to my attention by a friend of mine) that highlights that the Disney company, to this day, engages in art for art's sake.

For me, this is reminiscent of Kusama Yayoi's Polka-dot Sticker Room. I guess it could be argued that this is nothing more than a clever marketing tool to promote the theme parks, but I think that's missing forest's trees.  Just let it in, people :)

Film Friday: Cinderella Fountain

If there's one thing this girl loves, it's a high-detail water feature.  The Cinderella fountain is one the loveliest:

This particular exposure was taken with Instax 'Pandora' film, and by chance had a cute little carousel doodle at the bottom.  So pretty.

Insane animal-related scenes in Swiss Family Robinson

Preparing for my trips to Walt Disney World involves a certain amount of binging on Disney movies, especially those that have a link to the theme parks.  Before my trip last January, I finally got around to watching Swiss Family Robinson, the classic film that inspired the Adventureland treehouse (which miraculously has evaded a re-themeing thus far).

One of the big things that struck me about the film (besides how Gorgeous Janet Munro was!) had to with how INSANE some of the animal scenes were. Check this out! (skip to 1.25 if you don't want to watch the whole thing):

Crazy, yes? Or the part where they had a race whilst riding exotic animals:

I'm pretty sure many of the scenes involving animal could not be shot today due to industry standards, which makes it a interesting watch!

Weird Disney: Mouse Mania

The internet can sure take you to some weird places. Whilst researching covers and alternate versions of Baroque Hoedown (best known for being the piece that The Main Street Electrical Parade uses as its theme), I came across this super freaky and somewhat bothersome stop-motion short.  Animated by Mike Jittlov (most famous for The Wizard of Speed and Time… yeah, doesn't ring any bells for me either), this short was commissioned by Disney for a special celebrating Mickey's 50th birthday.  Of note is that this is the first time that Mikey appeared in stop motion. Enjoy!

Film Friday!: Quotable Disney!

The walls that are put up to cover any construction that goes on have Walt Disney quotes printed on them.  I have taken pictures of a bunch of them… I love anything that is a nod to the man himself!

Asian Goodies from World Showcase!

As a person with taste, shopping at Disney World can be a little tricky.  Much of the merchandise is gaudy, cheap s*@! that you don't really want in your house (although, with the opening of Centerpiece, this seems to be changing).  The huge exception to this is World Showcase.  Here, you can buy authentic world goods (every time I pick up an item, I check the sticker to make sure that it is made in the country in which it is being sold) that don't look like they came from a Disney park.  I wanted to share a few items I picked up last time I was there.

From China, this is the graphic from a bamboo calendar I bought (the calendar portion is the bottom half.)  Once the year is over, the bottom can be cut off and you have this pretty wall hanging.  I think it was like 3 bucks:

From the Mitsukoshi department store, this pretty little plant pot.  The plant is actually a Mickey's Minnie Garden which I bought from the Land pavilion.  Every time I water this little guy I think of Epcot!:

Fun fact, Mitsukoshi is a real Japanese department store chain dating back to, get this 1673!  Hopefully, I'll get to go to a real one someday!:

Little Mermaid's Island!

Although Disney acquired the Muppets in 2004,  the companies' association began long before that.  In fact, Disney came very close to cutting a deal with Jim Henson in 1990.  Unfortunately, Jim passed before the deal was made and thus, Disney and the Muppets parted ways for nearly 15 years.

There were a few things that came of this fleeting relationship between the two creative giants, my very favorite being a pilot for a puppet version of a Little Mermaid television show!  The show was to be called Little Mermaid's Island, and this is all that exists of it on youtube:

What I want to know is how this video only has around 10,000 views!?!  The existence of this concept came to my attention whilst listening to a Disney Dish with Jim Hill episode (where I get all my really good behind the scenes Disney information, sorry Lou Mongello).  Being a huge fan of Jim Henson's non-Muppets body of work, it breaks my heart that this was not made.  Henson's creations have this sweetness and charm to them that is totally unique, and this brief glimpse is no exception.  My short term life goal is to acquire the full episode, which I will of course post when and if I am able!

Film Friday!

For film friday, a detail shot from the snack cart in the Asia portion of Animal Kingdom.  This little monster can eat four ice cream cones at the same time!

Birthday Cake Castle!

There are lots of things that Disney fans love, but near the top of the list is speaking, thinking, writing, and generally obsessing about moments in Disney history they may have, but probably did not, experience.  Given that I have been Disney-obsessed for a relatively short period of time, I do this ALL THE TIME.  I have started compiling a list (Disney fans also love making lists) of attractions, shows, events, etc. that I would visit were I to procure a time machine.

At the top of that list is Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary, specifically this:

Don't get me wrong, I understand why this pink monstrosity may not have been popular with people who were coming down for their once in a lifetime whatever, but it's sooooo amazing.  I don't have many Disney memories from my young life (we only took a couple day trips), but I DO remember being captivated by commercials.  Imagineering would never do something so bold now… it's kind of sad in a way.  Screw the haters, I'm in love.

The up-side is that we live in a world where online auctions allow you to purchase limited merchandise to feed the aforementioned obsessions.  I found this glass for cheap on Ebay:

It was a part of a set of four released by McDonalds (remember when they did stuff like that? Weird…), and is surprisingly cute.  I bought the others in the set but I will save those for another day :)

What attraction/event/celebration would you visit with your imaginary time machine? Let me know in the comments!  Also, babygirl finally got an iPhone, so follow me on twitter… @thedizfizz! 

Disney Mermaids: 'Splash' fountain at the Studios

A lot of people don't realize that the Disney 'fold' extends beyond animation, Pixar, Star Wars, and the Muppets, to include films released by Touchstone Films, a sub-label of the Disney Company, and even Miramax (acquired by Disney in 1993).

The 1984 romantic comedy Splash is one of my favorite live-action Disney films for all it's silliness, fantasy, and Tom Hanksiness, not to mention the little fact that it's a mermaid movie i.e. the best kind of movie!  This, coupled with my love for great water features, makes the Splash fountain one of my favorite little things at the Studios!

An Instax photo I took of the fountain.

The fountain as it appears in the film.

In addition, this fountain as an actual prop from the film supports the waning notion that Hollywood Studios celebrates the process of film creation.  With the inevitable Star Wars expansion, I can only hope this beautiful piece finds a good home where it can be enjoyed for decades to come.

Film Friday

I think we can all agree that the flags in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom are rustic and wonderful and authentic (and that the $8 dollars or so for a short length in the shops is way too much).  Love these so very much, even on what was a very rainy day :).

Disney Bentos!

Oh Disney! Oh Japan! How easy it is to integrate you two into an unhealthy fixation, easily fueled by hours of aimless and effortless tumblr searches.  Amirite?!?

That said, right now I'm obsessed with these AMAZING Disney bentos!:

These boxes were done by Mike Kravanis of OmGiri… check out more of his adorable creations on is Facebook page!: https://www.facebook.com/OMGBento

The Little Orange Bird is my favorite… but which is yours? Let me know in the comments section!

Country Bear Jamboree Appreciation: Big Al

In the realm of Disney Parks fandom, there is an elite handful of very special attractions that occupy sacred ground.  Some are opening day attractions, other have just been there for a very long time.  Alongside The Enchanted Tiki Room, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Jungle Cruise stands The Country Bear Jamboree, timeless and whimsical.

Having come across the original of Tears will be the Chaser for your Wine on a Wanda Jackson album, I realized I knew relatively little about the origin of the music of the Country Bears.  Blood on the Saddle, for example, was originally sung by Tex Ritter (LOVE THAT NAME), country singer and father of John Ritter the actor!  Here is the original:

I always loved Big Al for his very unique vocal style, but it turns out that he was just mimicking the legend!  Very cool.

All the Country Bears have their fans, however, following a 'Country Bears' Ebay search has shown me that Big Al has had the most merchandise (in the past at least, I haven't seen any Country Bear specific merchandise since I became a fan).  When this vintage Big Al bank showed up on my Ebay home page, I just couldn't resist:

It came yesterday and is so cute and charming, and I think of the Country Bears every time I drop a

penny in!