If I Were Disney CEO Part 8 - E.P.C.O.T.

"To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

Welcome

Epcot is inspire by Walt Disney's creative vision.  Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."

E. Cardon Walker

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Walt Disney Productions

October 24, 1982

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Those are lofty goals.  And for the first decade of EPCOT's life, the park really lived up to them.   It pioneered a new form of edutainment that inspired dreamers of all ages to reach for new achievements.  Through attractions like Horizons and Journey Into Imagination, millions of guests imagined their future or explored their own imaginations, igniting that spark in future scientists, artists, engineers, and imagineers.  Future World conveyed that sense of exploration of the world around you, while World Showcase encouraged a cultural exchange and appreciation of the people that make up this tiny blue speck.

EPCOT now is in danger of becoming just another theme park.  Thanks to inappropriate tie ins with intellectual property and a disregard of theme and identity, EPCOT has lost that magic inspiration that it once had.  Future World is largely abandoned to a dated aesthetic, with a few primary draws for attractions.  World Showcase, while still beautifully maintained, has become little more than an oversized mall.

EPCOT is in dire need of a re-focusing, to hopefully bring it back to the goals stated in its mission.  To be true to the spirit of inspiration and vision that make it one of the most unique parks ever created.

Primary Goals:

• While the World Showcase is a very solid section of the park, Future World is in definite need of an identity.  There seems to be no central theme for this area of the park, no core identity that is driving expansion and refurbishments.  Revisions and additions must be weighed for appropriateness of theme to the pavilion that they are in and to the overall goal of the identity of Future World.
• EPCOT is in need of attractions.  EPCOT is able to absorb many more people than the Magic Kingdom, but it does not have the drawing power needed to pull people away from the Magic Kingdom.  It is in need of attractions with a large hourly capacity that are proven draws to get people into the park, and potentially away from the Magic Kingdom.  In particular, there are many pavilions in the World Showcase that could use and attractions, and there is a need to add countries to the World Showcase to fill out the guests experiences.
• EPCOT is in need of family or child friendly attractions.  EPCOT has long been thought of as the adult park.  It has tried to add attractions that will draw in younger guests, there is still a lot that could be added.

Unlike the other posts in this series, I will not be adopting a clockwise approach through the park. EPCOT, as laid out, does not really lend itself to this kind of exploration.  Instead, I'll move from Future World to World Showcase, going from Future World West to Future World East, then to the central spine, to Showcase Plaza, and then to Canada around to Mexico in the World Showcase.

Future World:
Future World represented the exploration of human achievement. Through the Sea, Land, and Imagination in Future World West and the future, Energy, and Motion in Future World East, Future World explored the history of human achievement and the possibility of our future.

Thanks to the neglect of maintenance and refurbishments, Future World is currently a little dated and in need of a cohesive identity.  And I think the easiest place to find an identity for Future World is in the past of the company.  Specifically, EPCOT was supposed to represent a continual World's Fair.  And I think doubling down on this identity will pave a pathway forward for the park.  Looking to the 1964 World's Fair for inspiration and specifically Walt's involvement in the fair, can provide a blueprint for what Future World should look like.  This is still true with the new updates to move this section of the park into World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration, perhaps even more so, with the notion of a World's Fair with four different "World" sections.

At the 1964 World's Fair, Walt introduced four attractions: it's a small world, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Carousel of Progress, and Magic Skyways.  EPCOT already has its Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Magic Skyways.  The American Adventure is a grander version of Mr. Lincoln.  An exploration of American history.  Magic Skyways shares a lot of similarities with the World of Motion and Test Track, even down to the look of the building and the track outside wrapping around the pavilion and the updates coming to make it a bit more like World of Motion will greatly help in this respect.  But that means, the park needs its Carousel of Progress and it's a small world.

This inspiration will also provide a guide for the rest of the park.

Spaceship Earth - Spaceship Earth explores the history of communication and it's impact on mankind.  It has had a rich history of narrators: Walter Cronkite, Jeremy Irons, and Judi Dench.  Currently the attraction works, apart from the attempt at interactivity added to the end.  The attraction needs its descent completed with something to look at on the way, beside the screen on the ride vehicle.  Should a new narrator be needed, suggestions would be Benedict Cumberbatch, Chwitel Ojifor, Idris Elba, James Earl Jones, Dan Rather, etc.

I would rename the post-show space to CommuniCore to bring back an old EPCOT IP.  It would be a bit more fitting since the attraction is about communication and it is in the core of the park.  The illuminated globe would still be fitting, but I would add new/old attractions like SMRT-1 for voice recognition and living character/AI interaction and the EPCOT Discovery Center for answers to questions explored in EPCOT pavilions.

Future World West

The Living Seas - the Living Seas is a pavilion that largely works.  The combination of attractions and aquarium works.  I would suggest two minor changes. First, the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction should be reworked so it is no longer a retelling of the Finding Nemo movie.  It should focus on Mr. Ray teaching us about the seas and exploring the various ecologies.  Second, I would rework the layout of the pavilion so that the secondary entrance is no longer through a gift shop.  I would put exhibits in this space and move the gift shop to a side, essentially swapping their locations.  Turtle Talk would remain as is, with a light refreshing to bring into the Marine Life Institute feel of the pavilion.

The Weather Station - between the Living Seas and the Land there is room for a new pavilion, and I would add one focused on weather.  The Weather Station would feature the StormRider attraction from Tokyo DisneySea.  There would also be an Armageddon like experience where you are in the middle of a hurricane/tornado, along with a Storm Struck followup.  Finally, this would be the perfect pavilion to have a rain room like was exhibited at MOMA.  Several partnerships spring to mind that would be extremely advantageous (beyond the obvious Weather Channel, which is an NBCUniversal property) - Accuweather, The Weather Company (Weather Underground), NOAA, National Weather Service.

The Land - the Land again is probably one of the strongest pavilions that Future World currently has.  Very strong attraction line up, well respected table and counter service options.  Again, I would make a couple of small modifications to the pavilion so that it is stronger.  First, I would commission a new Soarin' film so that it has a stronger connection to the pavilion - Soarin' Over the Land.  This particular film should focus on scenes flying over the natural wonders of the world.  To focus on the land itself.  This way, Soarin' Over the Land is in EPCOT, Soarin' Over the Horizon is in Shanghai, and Soarin' Over California is in Disney California Adventure.  As with California Adventure, the films could always be swapped and promoted as a limited time offering, but the default film would be Soarin' Over the Land.

Living with the Land, the boat attraction, would remain the same, but just well maintained and tightened.  The highest part of this attraction has always been the greenhouse.  That would remain the focus.

The film would be replaced with a new film entitled Listen to the Land.  This would bring back the song "Listen to the Land" as a theme song for the movie.  I would even bring in a character for the movie called the Landskeeper.  This was an original character designed for the pavilion that was never used.  I believe the character could be smartly updated and used to great benefit to round out the attraction presentation.  Soarin' Over the Land shows us its beauty.  Living with the Land shows us how to grow with the land.  And Listen to the Land would show us how we need to care for it.

Imagination - In Future World West, Imagination is the pavilion most in need of a near complete reworking.  First, Journey Into Imagination would receive a complete overhaul.  The attraction would be restored to Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder, using all of the newest tricks that Imagineering has in its playbook.  LPS technology, projection mapping, living character technology, advanced audio animatronics, the works.  This ride should be a signature attraction for Imagineering.  It should represent the best that they can offer.  And it needs Dreamfinder and Figment.

The Imagination Theater will get a new movie with Bing Bong from Inside Out.  If Journey Into Imagination is about setting your imagination free, this movie will be about putting your heart into your imagination.  Finally tying the two attractions together.  Bing Bong and the Imagination Studios will be the focus of the attraction, using the best 4D effects imagineering can come up with.

Image Works will be reopened on both floors (with the DVC lounge moving to one of the many vacant corporate sponsor spaces), including the sound floor and the Rainbow Corridor.  All the newest technology of Imagineering should be put on display like the Magic Bench.  This should be the most interactive and fun museum that was ever conceived.

Future World East

Test Track -  The updated version of Test Track is a very successful revision to the attraction and brings it in to the classic EPCOT spirit.  While there is a post-attraction segment, what the area really needs is to truly feel like a pavilion.  More than one attraction and informative space.  Particularly, Future World East has very little children or all ages can do together.  To that end, I would resurrect a Project Gemini proposal and add an Autopia Jr.

Mission: Space - Mission: Space likewise got a great boost with the addition of the Soarin' over the Earth style Green Mission.  This splits the missions and gives two unique experiences, giving many more people an opportunity to enjoy this space (Orange for thrills, Green for enjoyment).  Likewise, the upcoming addition of the Space restaurant will really help cement this pavilion as an exciting space.  The Space restaurant is probably the truest EPCOT addition in ages.

I would continue to flesh out this pavilion with a domed planetarium, partnering with Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Hayden Planetarium to for a show with a potential tie in to the COSMOS program (another benefit of the Fox/National Geographic acquisition).

Progressland/Wonders of Life - the Wonders of Life pavilion has been turned over to festival space and needs to be reclaimed.  There are better places to use for festival planning.  In this space, I would create the Progressland, a space to focus on invention and achievement.  To focus on the forward march of progress.  This would be the spiritual successor to Horizons, by bringing in a predecessor. I would move the Carousel of Progress to this location, getting it out of the ill-fitting Tomorrowland and into a World's Fair atmosphere where it belongs.  This attraction would go in the back box area.  In the front, there would be a couple of different exhibits.

First, a Blue Sky Exhibit.  This pavilion should be the preview center for the entire Walt Disney World Resort.  And given that something should always be in progress, it should be a very exciting place to come explore.    This would include exhibits from the One Man's Dream space in Disney Hollywood Studios as well as concept art and models for any and all upcoming attractions.

Second, there would be a continual exhibit on the history of EPCOT.  This is the exhibit that was displayed during EPCOT's 30th anniversary and would include materials from the exhibit at the archives for the 35th anniversary.  A reminder of where the park has come from in addition to where it is going.

An offshoot of this space would be a theater that cycles through the One Man's Dream and the original EPCOT film, where Walt Disney explored his dream to get into city planning.

There would also be space for exhibits of additional Disney patents.  In many ways, this is a sister pavilion to Imagination.  While Imagination is where the Magic is shown off, similar to Disney Quest, Progress is where the more practical Disney patents are displayed.  Like the whole room wireless charging patent.

It would even be great to incorporate a Skydome Spectacular in the space, projecting on the domed ceiling at regular intervals, like in the Progressland pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair.

In the alternative, there is an argument for reviving the Wonders of Life pavilion.  The Baymax Happy Ride from Japan can be added inside the space.  Cranium Command can be revamped with an Inside Out focus - the perfect space for it.  New simulators can move Body Wars into a Fantastic Voyage ride (I would also have 20th Century Films make an updated Fantastic Voyage).   Meet and Greet spaces for Baymax and the Inside Out crew.  There is a lot of hot IP that could bring the dated Wonders of Life pavilion into the 21st century.  

Universe of Energy - this space is currently being replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster.  For many reasons, this is a poor fit.  The ride is fun, but it takes is better for a space Tomorrowland or Hollywood Studios.  No real EPCOT connection, but also no real way to expand or update as is.

In the center of Future World, there would be a little rebranding.

EPCOT Central Spine

The central spine has gone through a lot of reinvention, some portions just getting a light redusting, some major changes that don't quite work, and some question marks.    The East portion remained largely as is, with the north quadrant becoming a large restaurant complex, containing the Starbucks and counter service spaces.  The south quadrant remained a large retail complex.  Both work, though the style is a little bland.  

The West portion received the largest overhaul.  The north portion of this was completely removed becoming the Moana Journey of Water.  While this is a nice attraction and in the spirit of EPCOT edutainment, it's arguably in the wrong place, better suited between The Land and The Living Seas, or in a Polynesia World Showcase country.

I'm reserving judgment on the new Communicore Hall space that has been rebuilt in the southern portion of the West section.  The space is now a flex space with a stage and designed for festival implementation.  Currently there has been no festival to showcase in the space.  The space looks empty and unthemed given the lack of celebration.  It's a bad look on Disney and one I'm hoping festival booths and the like will help address.  If not, it needs investment.

it's a small world - Finally, as discussed in the previous entry, it's a small world will be added to Showcase Plaza.  This rounds out the World's Fair attractions and provides a great people eating attraction for the park.  The facade would allow for projection mapping and a restaurant or amphitheater could be built on the lagoon side.  I would add the Tower of the Four Winds to the front (Spaceship Earth facing) of the attraction to provide another visual weenie to draw people through the central spine.  It would have been too big in a castle park, but should be perfect here.

it's a small world in Showcase Plaza

And the attraction provides the perfect transition to World Showcase.

World Showcase:
The World Showcase is a little easier to go through.  There are a few pavilions that need attractions and generally some pavilions that need to be added.  Where I have added countries, I have focused primarily on un- or under-represented cultures and continents, and have looked at what would be good food options to round out the available palette.

Canada, India, and United Kingdom

Canada - Canada is nearly complete.  There are additional spaces that need to be opened up on the upper floor, even if just for additional shops.  Perhaps we could get Tim Hortons or Beaver Tails in here?

I would additionally add a carousel, named Le Galopant for the oldest galloping carousel in the world, to the garden area.

India - Between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions, I would add an India Pavilion.  India checks off the boxes of an un-represented sub-continent and culture, as well as adding a popular food offering not represented in the park currently.  The Taj Mahal would be the obvious architectural weenie, but there are many temple designs and many variations in architecture that would be a beauty to explore.

This closes off the Millennium Village, that is currently being used for festival preparation and rental space.  With the focus on maximizing usable space and moving to a more continual festival atmosphere, the building can be designed to allow both - park access on the bottom floor, rental access on the upper floors (renting out the better views).  The blessing of size.

India would also allow for a Holi festival/celebration at the appropriate time of year.

Space would be reserved for an attraction to feature a planned Bollywood-style Indian princess/adventure animated feature to come.

United Kingdom - I believe the space in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion can be reworked to include a couple of dark ride attractions.  The goal would be to create an L shaped street scene that could represent different UK based Disney films.  One portion that is Cherry Tree lane with the Banks house and Admiral Booms.  The other street section having the Darling house from Peter Pan, Roger Radcliffe's flat in 101 Dalmatians, 221B Baker Street from the Great Mouse Detective, Toad Hall, etc.  A great visual section with two very fun rides.  From Cherry Tree Lane, you can enter the Villa Volta style madhouse for Mary Poppins themed to the Turning Turtle song.  From the Darling house, you can enter the Shanghai style Peter Pan ride.  Perhaps there would even be space for a single track Mr Toad.  This makes use of the proliferation of UK themed Disney properties and creates a mini Fantasyland space.

France, Jamaica, Morocco, Brazil, and Japan

France - France is already getting the Ratatouille Kitchen Calamity attraction and expansion that will be required to get access to the location. Thankfully it appears that Impressions de France (though that film should be updated and played more) is also staying, so this is a well-rounded pavilion.

Jamaica - In front of the Ratatouille attraction, I would add a half pavilion for Jamaica.  This pavilion would be a shopping and dining pavilion only.  Bringing in the flavor and culture of the Caribbean island, especially with a lagoon side restaurant.

Morocco - Morocco would remain largely the same.  I would love to work an attraction into the back this space, but am not sure what theme would work, given the desire to focus on IP related materials.  Disney has no Morocco related IP (and no Aladdin does not work).  If Disney or Pixar can create a fun Morocco set film, I would love to have it added here.

Brazil - In between Morocco and Japan, I would add the long proposed Brazil pavilion. The focal weenie in the back would be the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain.  The pavilion would finally bring a South American country to the showcase and would be perfect to add a churrascaria restaurant.  With Coco rumored to go to (and better suited for) the Mexico pavilion, I would love to see the Three Caballeros added to a ride here.  Maybe a Baia ride or a Blame it on the Samba ride from the two good neighbor films.

Japan - Japan is already a very strong pavilion, going to get stronger with the new restaurant.  I would add a ride to the already constructed but empty attraction space.  I would hope to add a Studio Ghibli ride.  For recognition, it would likely need to be a My Neighbor Totoro ride, though a Princess Kayuga would be incredible.  This would also help fulfill the goal of adding things for all ages to do.

American Adventure, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Polynesia, and Thailand

American Adventure - For the America pavilion, I would be looking to flesh out the host country.  What is there works, especially the American Adventure attraction and the Voices of Liberty.  I would look to push through the gallery out that side, and see if America Sings could be revived in a single Country Bear type theater using more combinations of projections and rotating animatronics.  Further, while the Regal Eagle provides essentially classic American food in quick service form, it would be good to have a signature dining experience.  I would look to add this space on the Italy side of the attraction in a separate building.

Italy - Italy works as it is and has blocked itself off from an attraction expansion to the South with the addition of Via Napoli.  If there was a way to add gondolas and gondoliers in the lagoon, that would be great, but I'm not sure how the logistics would work there.

Switzerland - between Italy and Germany, I would sandwich in the previously planned Switzerland pavilion.  It's an appropriate geographic location that could start to blend the architectures, it would add unique food offerings via fondue, and could serve as the basis for the Matterhorn Bobsled attraction.  This one would be minus the Abominable Snowman, Harold, with scenic goats and cows on the mountain side.  The climbers and yodelers would still be fun though.

Germany - Germany is well developed, but needs to use the previously planned attraction pad. There are even doors existing that would have taken guests to the ride.  While originally the ride was planned to be a Rhine River Cruise, I instead would add a LBG train dark ride, replacing the lost train garden with a ride by a miniature representation of the German countryside and model trains going throughout the rides.  An indoor real place version of the Storybookland Canal Boats.

The next space currently represented by the African Outpost is large enough to handle two country pavilions.  Given the location and fireworks fallout, these pavilions would have to be largely indoor (or at least one completely indoor and one partially).  I would fill this space by

Polynesia - the Polynesia pavilion would be the partially indoor pavilion, with a Moana ride anchoring the back.  This would bring in a set of cultures that have not been represented in the World Showcase and can be explored in a little more authentic way than Adventureland.  Additionally, it would bring in an entirely new set of flavors to the park.

Thailand - the Thailand pavilion would be completely enclosed in a temple like the Mexico pavilion.  This would allow a pavilion that is presented at night internally and would again allow for new but recognizable cuisine.  I would add a Raya and the Last Dragon attraction to this space.

China, Norway, Mexico

China - China pavilion would remain as is.

Norway - for Norway, I would add a moored Viking longboat on the lagoon in front of the pavilion that could be explored.  Norway is already taking up two country pads, so there is no need to add more.

Mexico - Mexico would remain the same, but the Grand Fiesta Tour would receive an extensive Coco overlay.  The movie is perfect for the pavilion and would be a great draw for kids.

This adds five countries, at least nine attractions and several new dining options.  Really fills out the lagoon in a meaningful way.

Seasonal Overlays/Festivals:
EPCOT is already a heavy festival park.  Between Festival of the Arts in the beginning of the year, Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, Food and Wine Festival in the fall, and Festival of the Holidays during the Christmas season, EPCOT has festivals for nearly 34 weeks of the year, or 65% of the time. And for a World's Fair type park, this is as it should be.  I would honestly expand the festival offerings to include a STEM/Technology festival in the summer, focused in Future World.  Disney has planned for such an event, with robotics fights and the like, but never implemented it.  I would expand to offer TED Talks during the time, opportunities to hear renowned scientists speak like Neil deGrasse Tyson, and exhibit space for the leading edge tech companies.  This would make the food booths scattered across the World Showcase essentially permanent, letting them cycle through offerings as appropriate.   With the structures now permanent, they could be better integrated into the overall flow of the lagoon.

Further, I would love to see EPCOT offer smaller festivals tied to holidays where appropriate.  Especially in the World Showcase.  A Lunar New Year celebration in the China pavilion with the Hurry Home Little Lantern show from Disney California Adventure.  A St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United Kingdom.  A Bastille Day Celebration in France.  Holi in India.  Navidad in Mexico, etc.  This is how Christmas is celebrated in EPCOT, but I would love to see it extended throughout the year, focusing on the celebration of the cultures represented.

The park does not truly lend itself to seasonal overlays in the attractions.  I would, though, bring over the it's a small world holiday overlay as a draw for the Festival of the Holidays celebration.  The new facade would also allow for the Christmas projection show currently seen in Disneyland.

Parades and Nighttime Spectaculars:
Currently EPCOT only has the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show as its nighttime spectacular.  There is no parade or daytime show to draw the crowds attention.

I would look to create a daytime show on the lagoon.  The park is too congested for a parade, but the lagoon sits empty during the day and is perfect for some form of show like the harbor shows at Tokyo DisneySea.  Even a lagoon parade would be a good offering, with the floats on the water instead of in the walkways.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is one of the best fireworks offerings in Walt Disney World.  The fireworks, fountains, torches, lasers, search lights, and globe provide a beautiful show that represents the creation of the world.  It could use a little upgrade in technology to make it more visible to all around the World Showcase.  The replacements have both failed to start.  Harmonius, while musically appropriate, lacked the linking narration to make it feel cohesive and the infrastructure was too massive, too visible, and too intrusive for continuous use.  Luminous, while having better infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired musically.  The interim show EPCOT Forever mad odd choices in its implementation like children's narration and odd transitions.  I think it could be revamped to be a lot stronger and more thematically appropriate.

I also think there are a couple of other options that could be offered in terms of fireworks shows.  I think a show could be created to mimic the fireworks at the 1964 World's Fair, or to at least pay homage to it.  The Globe used in Illuminations looks similar to the Unisphere and the fountains help contribute to the look.  The two most recognizable songs from Disney attractions at the fair, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" and "it's a small world" really summarize the thesis of the park. You could even through in "One Little Spark" from Imagination which can work in counterpoint to "it's a small world" to create a really great show.

Whatever fireworks show is used, I would utilize the new it's a small world facade to help create an alternate fireworks viewing site in the central spine of Future World.  I would synchronize the Spaceship Earth lighting show and projections on it's a small world with the fireworks.  This would create a contained, but wholly unique viewing for the fireworks, pulling part of the crowd into this location.  Not unlike the view of Disneyland fireworks from the it's a small world mall or the Rivers of America.

Cartoon Mascot:
There is only one choice for the cartoon mascot for this park.  He is the heart and soul of EPCOT.  Despite all attempts to remove him, he represents the best of what the park has to offer.

Figment!

The spirit of imagination belongs in a park that should represent the best of the imagination of the Walt Disney Company and of Imagineering.  He is also a character that should be given greater exposure in the other arms of the company.  With his ride hopefully back at it zenith, the little purple dragon should be the park mascot for years to come.

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As always, thanks for sticking through this with me.  Next up in the series is Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of my favorite parks with the most potential.

Fear and Statistics

Ted Talks are very interesting.  I've listened to several and have always been enlightened by the topic and often fascinated, regardless of the topic.

One of the TED Talks that I continue to go back to is What Fear Can Teach Us by writer Karen Thompson.  She spoke on the connection between fear and imagination.  And what she reveals continues to resonate with me.  Particularly her discussion of the whaleship Essex.

The whaler Essex was part of the inspiration for Moby Dick.  On November 20, 1820, after an already plagued journey, the Essex was struck by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean, nearly 2,000 nautical miles off the coast of Chile.  The whale crushed the bow, driving the vessel backward, and leaving the Essex to quickly go down by the bow.

After spending two days salvaging what they could, the 20 American sailors on the vessel set out in their three small whaleboats, with rudimentary navigational equipment and very limited supplies of food and fresh water.

The crew had few options ahead of them.  Closest land was the Marquesas Islands, nearly 1,200 miles to the west, which might have been reachable on the supplies that they had.  They had heard frightening rumors of cannibals on the islands, however.

Another option was to sail Northwest to Hawaii, but there was a fear of the storms that would be encountered given the time of year.

The last ditch option, the most difficult, and longest option, was to sail south for 1,000 miles to get around the trade winds and then use the Westerlies to turn to South America, which would be another 3,000 miles to the East.

Whatever option they chose was plagued by specific fears:

• The Marquesas brought the potential of cannibals,
• Hawaii brought certain battering with the storms, and 
• South America brought an almost certain eventuality that supplies would run out.

Whichever fear they listened to governed whether they lived or died.  They could give into a gruesome possibility or a certain doom.

Upon a vote, they chose the longer and more difficult journey to South America.  Herman Melville, who would use the Essex as inspiration, would write "all these sufferings of these miserable men of the Essex might in all human probability have been avoided had they immediately after leaving the wreck steered straight for Tahiti.  But they dreaded cannibals."  After more than two additional months at sea, the crew had run out of food and were still quite far from land.  When the survivors were finally rescued, less than half the men were left alive and some had resorted to their own form of cannibalism.

Why did they dread the possibility of cannibals so much more than the likely probability of starvation?  Why did they respond only to the most lurid, most vivid, and easiest to imagine fear?

We have a similar problem in society today.  We are governed by the most lurid, the most vivid, and the easiest to imagine fears, instead of those that are more statistically likely to happen.  This is used to great effect by politicians, to rally people around a cause and draw support.  

We can see this in the people who refuse to travel because of a fear of planes.  Or those that refuse to travel abroad because of a fear of terrorist attack.  Despite the fact that you are more likely to be injured or die in a car than the plane and are more likely to be crushed by furniture than the terrorist attack.

We can see this as well in our obsession with guns in this country.

Gun safety at home generally requires the gun be stored unloaded in a locked cabinet, with ammunition stored in a separate locked location.  I've linked to safety tips from the National Shooting Sports Foundation that contains this specific advice.  There are even laws in certain locations that require this type of storage.  And this is done to prevent accidental discharge in the home, whether by the gun owner or others, particularly children.  

The problem is that such storage makes a gun very impractical for home defense.  If the gun must be unloaded and locked in a separate location from the ammo, then that requires precious time to obtain the gun, the ammo, to load it, etc. in the event of a home invasion.  So the narrative goes.  To be useful for home protection, the gun should be loaded and ready for a moment's notice, right?  Because that is the fear.  The fear the gun is supposed to assuage.  The fear of being attacked in one's own home and needing to defend oneself and their family.

But the statistics do not bear out this fear.

There have been at least 70 unintentional shootings by children in 2018, so far; at least 897 since 2015.  There are nearly two million children that live in homes with guns that are not stored responsibly.    This accounts for nearly 65% of unintentional child gun deaths.  And that is just accidental gun discharges; not even touching intentional gun use in domestic violence or suicide.  And those are the statistically most likely scenarios in which a gun will be fired in the home - unintentional discharge, intentional shooting in domestic violence, or suicide.  NOT for home protection.  Guns in the home are 22 times more likely to be involved in accidental shootings, homicides, or suicide attempts.  For every one time a gun in the home was used in a self-defense or legally justifiable shooting, there were 4 unintentional shootings, 7 criminal assaults or homicides, and 11 attempted or completed suicides.

If you looked at Chicago for example, in 2011 precisely one homicide listed "burglary" as the motive.  Nationwide, there are 100 burglary-homicides every year.  100 out of 323.13 million people, or a rate of 0.00003%.   The numbers do not bear out the primal fear of home invasion.  And yet it is what rules our consciousness.

A rational look at the likelihood of events would move everyone to safe storage, to prevent the more likely occurrence.  But we are governed by the irrational.  The statistically less likely.  The primal fear.  

Perhaps it's time to own up to that fear.  To admit it, to recognize that it isn't always the most rational one, and to move on from it.  That way, maybe we can actually start productively talking about it.

Guns

I'm tired.  I'm tired of this topic continuing to come up.  I'm tired of us continuing to have the same response - thoughts and prayers, then talking at each other, then a whole lot of nothing, and it's forgotten until we move on to the next one.

When I started this blog, my second post was a repost of a Facebook message on the Second Amendment in response to the Parkland, Florida school shooting.  There have only been 54 days in between these posts.  And here we are again, with a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas.  And I haven't even touched on all of the school shootings that have occurred.  There have been 5 other school shootings in the interim, just not to the same scope.

We have an addiction to guns in this country that causes us to look at anything else except gun control as a possible solution.  It's far past time we put everything on the table.  We should be looking at mental health care.  We should be looking at bullying.  We should be looking at the family structure.  We should be looking at socio-economic status and mobility.  AND we should be looking at sensible gun control.  We're a big country and pretty good at multi-tasking.  We're more than capable of looking at it all.

But I'm too tired to write anymore on this.  Who knows what good it does at this point.  In lieu of further debate, I'm just going to post facts and let them speak for themselves.

• On an average day, 96 Americans are killed with guns.
• On average, there are nearly 13,000 gun homicides a year in the United States.
• For every one person killed with guns, two more are injured.
• 62% of firearm deaths in the United States are suicides.
• Seven children and teens are killed with guns in the United States on an average day.
• In an average month, 50 women are shot to death by an intimate partner in the United States.
• America's gun homicide rate is more than 25 times the average of other high-income countries.
• The United States accounts for 46% of the population, but 82% of the gun deaths.
• Background checks have blocked over 3 million gun sales to prohibited people.
• Black men are 13 times more likely than white men to be shot and killed with guns.
• The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of the woman being killed by five times.

https://everytownresearch.org/gun-violence-by-the-numbers/

The Second Mile

"On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.  'Teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
'What is written in the Law?' he replied.  'How do you read it?'
He answered, ' "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."'
'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied.  'Do this and you will live.'
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' "

Luke 10:25-29

I love the story of the Good Samaritan. It contains a perfect summation of the law and a beautiful example of the love that Jesus has called us to.  It also shares many similarities with the story of the rich young ruler.

In this encounter with Jesus, we see a searcher truly asking Jesus what is required for eternal life.  And when asked what the Law requires, he gives the correct summary.  In fact, he gives the summary that Jesus himself gives - to love God and to love your neighbor.  This should have been sufficient, but the young expert in the law wanted to qualify who counted as his neighbor.

This was the Pharisees problem.  “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God.  You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”  Luke 11:42  The Pharisees, like this expert, would have no problem with loving their neighbor so long as they were good Jews, but any going any further than that would be problematic.

In telling the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus described a traveler along the Bloody Path, a crooked, winding pathway going from the mountain to sea level.  It was known to be treacherous, with many areas prone to gangs and marauders.  It would not be a surprise in the story for the man to have been attacked and left injured on the side of the road.

The surprise would have come with those appearing next in the story who had the opportunity to offer aid, a priest, a levite, and a Samaritan.  The priest and the levite would have represented the very best of the best to the Jews.  The Samaritan would have been viewed as trash.  The were viewed as dogs.  Less than dirt.  Jews and Samaritans hated each other on a level of Jews and Nazis, Jews and Palestinians, Christians/Jews and Muslims, etc.

So it becomes very interesting that the only one to stop and offer aid was the lowly Samaritan.  I think Dr. Martin Luther King has one of the most interesting insights on this passage.  He outlined how the Priest and the Levite looked at the man and asked "If I help this man what will happen to me?"  King would summarize "it weighed more with them that he might be dead and defiling to the touch of those whose business was with holy things than that he might be alive and in need of care."  They were so concerned regarding their own defilement from touching a dead body, which would require a cleaning before entering the temple.  He noted that the Samaritan on the other hand looked at the man and asked “If I do not help this man, what will happen to him?"

We can further see how serious Jesus is about loving our neighbor and how challenging that will be in the Sermon on the Mount.  There Jesus outlines exactly how we are to love our neighbor.  To love them even when it hurts, when it’s uncomfortable.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'  But I tell you, do not resist and evil person.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.  Give to the one who asks you, and do  not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from  you.
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus outlined a few big categories on how to love and I really do think we underestimate how difficult and how radical they are.  First, we are to love everyone including our enemies.  We are to love and for our enemies.  Not just a "pious" prayer of “Lord bring them around to you,” though that is a part. It’s pray for them as we do ourselves: pray for their safety, pray for their nourishment, pray for their well being, etc.

Second, we are to turn the other cheek.  Jesus is literally directing us toward not seeking retribution and avoiding escalation.   Please note, Jesus does not provide any limitations on this.  There is not a limitation on the number of times that we are to turn the other cheek.  To focus on such a number is the equivalent of asking "who is my neighbor."  It's slightly missing the point.  The focus is to avoid conflict.

Jesus then reiterates this concept by instructing us to give the shirt off your back.  This example is discussed in a court room sense.  We are to settle disputes rather than seeking court justification; if giving your opponent your shirt (something extra) will settle the dispute finally, it is better to do so.

Jesus then closes the examples by telling us to go the extra mile.  The second mile.  This is a form of impressment.  In Roman days, Jews like others under Roman occupation, could be forced to carry a soldier’s bag (100 lb) for one mile.  Regardless of what the Jew was doing, regardless of where the solider was going, the Jew was required by punishment of law to carry the soldiers pack.

As you can imagine, there were typically two different types of responses to this requirement.  The Zealots, or the religious right/fundamentalists, would dig in and engage in  “civil” disobedience.  Be thrown in jail for refusal.  This type of requirement and response would be part of what led to a Jewish revolution attempt
The average person might carry the pack, but would grumble the whole way, throw the pack down at the end, and storm off in a huff.

But Jesus says do more – do something astonishing.  Don't just carry the pack the required distance.  Go further.  Don't do it begrudgingly; do it willingly.  Do it as service to God.

It's also very important to notice what Jesus does not say.

He does not say use the second mile as an opportunity just to witness.  This might be a natural outcome, but the command is not there.  We’re not to do this for an ulterior motive beyond carrying the pack and providing the assistance needed.

He also does not give any exceptions.  There is no exception for circumstance.  Of particular interest, there is no exception for the Sabbath.  On the Sabbath, Jews viewed scripture as preventing them from being able to work, regardless of what the work was for.  They had even calculated the specific number of steps that they were allowed to take to prevent them from breaking this rule.  What is very interesting about this situation is that depending on the circumstances, a Jew might be able to carry the pack for one mile and return to his home without breaking the number of steps.  By instructing them to walk two miles, still having the return trip of two miles, without an exception for the Sabbath, Jesus' new instruction would definitely cause them to break the allotted number of steps on a Sabbath.  One further indication showing Jesus cares not for our religious rules we have created, but deeply cares about his people and the instruction to love.

In that context, what does going the second mile look like today:

• Perhaps going the extra mile looks like caring for someone through their illness instead of leaving them to it as a consequence of their sin.  The church missed a tremendous opportunity to care for and love on hurting people in the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.
• Perhaps going the extra mile looks like praying for political leadership we oppose and not resorting to calling them various names or calling for their heads whether on Facebook or in person.
• Perhaps going the extra mile today looks like calling a person by the name and gender they identify with rather than the one we are comfortable with, and recognizing that a person who goes through a transition as quickly and as publicly as Caitlin Jenner has gone through may have many other issues and hurts in her life that need to be addressed

I don’t know that any of these are 100% right.  But I do know that planting our flag on one side and declaring an entire set of people as “them” and putting a chasm in between us and making them approach us only if they’ve cleaned up and agree with us, is 100% wrong.

And further, the focus on being "right" is another adventure in missing the point.  It's the pharisee asking "who is our neighbor" or asking how many times to turn our cheeks.  The focus on being "right" is one of the most detrimental instincts in the church.  It is at the root at a number of church splits that we have seen, preventing God's universal Church from getting along with each other.    It's what puts doctrine over discipleship.   And any number of horrors can be justified under the banner of being "right" (the Crusades, the Salem Witch Trials, the continued propagation of the "curse of Ham" doctrine).

So the question today is what is our response when we’re told to carry the pack:

Are we the zealot, focusing on our own righteousness, just like the Pharisees and Sadduccees?  The priest or the Levite who focuses on keeping themselves clean?

Are we the average Jew, who is dragged along and complies, grumbling all the time?

Or are we the one that astonishes?  The Samaritan who is deeply concerned about what will happen to his fellow man if he does not act?


"By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:35

"Above all love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:8

20th Century Disney

With Deadpool 2 coming out this weekend, my thoughts have turned to the still pending acquisition of 20th Century Fox by the Walt Disney Company.  It boggles the mind to think that in a couple of years, a Deadpool film could be a technically Disney film.

With that in mind, I wanted to record a few random thoughts on the upcoming merger:

• If this is for content for their upcoming streaming service, Disney really is buying the best of the remaining film libraries.  Of the classic big five studios (Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, MGM, RKO, and Paramount), the 20th Century Fox film library is really the only one that Disney could acquire.  Warner Brothers, through Turner/Time Warner, controls the Warner Bros., classic MGM, and RKO libraries, and would be unlikely to sell to Disney.  Paramount with its connection to CBS is in a similar position.  Likewise the mini-major Universal would never sell to Disney.  They, through Comcast, are Disney's greatest competitor for the 20th Century Fox library.

• Fox seems also to be a good fit as it was one of the majors that did not have its own animation studio at the time.

• Disney will be getting a heck of a film library.   Shirley Temple, Charlie Chan, Rodgers and Hammerstein, the Three Stooges, and Marilyn Monroe.  Alien, The French Connection, The Day the Earth Stood Still, M*A*S*H, Miracle on 34th Street.  Planet of the Apes.  In addition to getting all rights to Star Wars and the remaining Marvel films.  This plus all of the Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel materials.

• Hopefully, given the back catalog, the streaming service better dig deep and not just be the modern films.

• Additionally, this gives enough material for a Disney Classic television station.

• It really makes me upset that the Great Movie Ride is being replaced by Mickey's Runaway Railway.  I would love to see the Mickey ride added in a different location, but the Great Movie Ride could become something really amazing just focusing on Disney owned assets.  Could you imagine? Leave in Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark,  and Fantasia. Add in Sound of Music (or any of the Rodgers and Hammerstein films), The French Connection, Young Frankenstein, Planet of the Apes, Cleopatra, The Robe, The Seven Year Itch, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and M*A*S*H.   Replace the Wizard of Oz section with an extensive Mary Poppins segment.

• Further, it's a shame that the Streets of America are gone from Disney Hollywood Studios, as the New York Street could have an amazing Miracle on 34th Street overlay at Christmas.

• And that was just film; Disney now owns an incredible television library. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Daniel Boone, M*A*S*H, LA Law, Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Alien Nation.  Futurama.  The Simpsons.  I'm determined to get a Firefly attraction of the ground now.

• Adventures by Disney better include a 20th Century Fox Studio tour in the Southern California trip.  I would love to have a combined Muppets, Disney, Pixar, 20th Century Fox studio tour itinerary. 

• Anastasia is now a Disney princess (after years of being mistaken for one).

• I am very excited to have almost all of Marvel under one roof finally.  Just need to get Spider-man away from Sony, though I am at least glad they have worked out an arrangement.

• National Geographic will be a valuable asset, especially for Animal Kingdom.  It's a natural fit, especially given Walt's interest in true life adventures.  Will be interesting to see how they pair it with Disneynature.

• Glad they will be splitting out Fox News and the Fox Sports (beyond the Regional Sports Networks).  No need to have more redundancy than needed and this should help the FTC review.
• Though it will be years before this could impact the parks, it is exciting to get nearly all of the attractions in the park under the larger Disney umbrella (the only oddball now is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror).  After the Lucasfilm purchase, Avatar was the other major licensed property.

• Beyond Avatar, it will be interesting to see what else might make it into the parks.  Planet of the Apes?  Maybe bits of The Greatest Showman?  I doubt we'll see anything Alien or Predator.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I love to travel.  That's an understatement; I love everything about it.  I love to research locations.   I love to plan to the travel, I love the voyage, I love the sightseeing, I love the attractions. And most of all, I love the food.

I love to research and plan where to eat when we get there.  I love to look for unique and exciting new options to try in each particular location.

We're looking at a quick weekend in New York City in the fall and I cannot wait.  We know the primary show that we want to see and want to hope to catch a TKTS show for the other day.

Most of all, right now, I am planning the food.

Korean.
Bolivian.
Cuban.
Pizza (though we know exactly where we are eating for that one).
Classic Breakfast options.

And definitely Juniors for after show cheesecake.

I want to find something exciting and new and New York is a great place to find it.  A true representation of the melting pot that is America.  Shoot, we may even go for some Harlem soul food from an Ethiopian-born, Swiss trained chef.

The menus all look wonderful and I relish looking them over.  I'm ready to go, but I'm going to enjoy these months getting ready.

Bon Voyage!

Truth

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:32

We have a bit of a strained relationship with the truth in our country.  This can be attributed to the rising cult of opinion, but it goes deeper.  We've even named the times the post-truth age.  We evaluate information for its truthiness.  And we are on the lookout for alternative facts and fake news.

Certainly, this is not something new, rather it is something we are much more aware of.  We are drowning in a flood of information and hear of far more instances of it.  But that does not make it any less troubling.

To me this has caused us to split into two different groups regarding where the fundamental problem lies.  The first group sees that the problem revolves around the refusal of absolute truths.  To them, the greatest problem is relativism.  The answer is easy.  Things are black or white, with very little, if any, grey.  And the world would be better off if these absolutes were enforced.

The second group sees only grey.  Every situation must be evaluated for its particular context and for the particular feelings and consequences that will be implicated.  There is a greater concern for the people and things involved than in upholding any absolute.

Life, of course, is somewhere in the middle.  We must recognize that there are absolute truths in this universe.   Just as there are certain absolute facts that must be upheld in order for our universe to function, there are similar moral absolutes that must be maintained in order for our society to function.

It's like the discussion of the purpose of the church from Sunday; the balance of truth and love.   Some churches like to focus only on the truth, just the truth, and only the truth.  No grace, no assistance in the struggle, just constant reminders of all the things that are a sin.  All the ways that people are going to hell.  We can think of the very extreme versions of this like Westboro, but it happens on a much more subtle way in churches all across the country in every city and town.  You can even see it in the way the Southern Baptist Convention is having to struggle with interpretations on the requirements of staying in marriages versus love and grace to those impacted in abusive relationships of various forms in the wake of the controversy surrounding Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson and his comments.  It's the desire to be right above all else.

A church that is all truth is like a smoothie that is all water, beets, celery, kale, ginger, etc.  It might be good for you, but its a little bitter and tough to swallow.  Like trying to take castor oil.

Other churches come down on all love.  Avoiding the parts of the Bible that might hurt someone or be offensive, avoiding any controversy at all.  Rather focusing only on "God is Love."  And again, while we can jump to various Universalists, it happens to a larger degree than we would imagine.  Pastors afraid to confront anyone in their church for fear of running them off.   Continuing the example, like a smoothie made of cola, sugar, candy, and chocolate.  Too sicky sweet, no substance, no benefit beyond comfort.  The syrup without the medicine.

The ideal is truth in love.  A church that loves so much, they are not afraid to correct each other in love to make sure that they grow and sharpen each other.  A smoothie that has a little spinach, almond milk, bananas, and peanut butter.  A spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down.

Because we know the reality is that the churches that focus only on truth are most often focusing only on a partial truth.  Cherry picking the truths that they wish to enforce.  Or more specifically, ignoring the truths that require them to love, to be generous, to be kind, to avoid judging, etc.  Focusing on specific, absolute truths can often blind them to smaller truths as well.

Let's use another example.  The dress controversy.  An absolute truth would be that "the dress as bought in a store was black and blue".  Many people used this fact to justify their view of what was visible in the picture of the dress.  Armed with this fact, there was no way that the dress could be any other combination of color.  This would blind them to the fact of another truth - "a picture of the dress where the color saturation is off, the lighting is dark, and the exposure is different can make the dress appear white and gold."

So while it is true that we should 'have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them," it is also true that we should "first take the plank out of our own eye" and that we should "do everything in love."

That said, the sound clip is very clearly saying "Laurel" and if you are hearing "Yanny", you need to have your hearing or equipment checked.

Why moving it’s a small world from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT benefits both parks

The below is reprinting from a letter drafted to the Walt Disney Company arguing why it's a small world should be moved from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.  I'm sending it to Bob Iger, Bob Chapek, and the presidents of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  Hopefully it will be read.

--------------------

There is probably no attraction more synonymous with Disney than it’s a small world.  The Happiest Voyage that Ever Sailed. Originally designed for the 1964 World’s Fair, it has become a staple of every Disneyland style park that the Disney Company has built (apart from Shanghai, a little too early for that one potentially).

Generally it’s a small world has been placed in the Fantasyland section of Disneyland style parks.  And the Magic Kingdom is no exception.  In that park, it’s a small world has a prominent place at the edge of Fantasyland and Liberty Square.  And this placement has served the attraction well for nearly fifty years at this point.

But Walt Disney World has something that other Disneyland resorts do not have, namely a larger variety of additional theme parks within the resort.  In this case, there are issues with the particular it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom, along with larger issues in the park, as well as EPCOT, that would make EPCOT a much more beneficial home for the classic attraction.

In this letter, I will address:
• The current issues faced by the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom
• The broader issues faced by the Magic Kingdom park itself
• The issues faced by EPCOT
• The potential barriers to making such a switch
• The proposal
• The benefits to the Magic Kingdom for moving it’s a small world
• The benefits to EPCOT for moving it’s a small world

The current issues faced by the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom
While the attraction has existed in the Magic Kingdom for nearly fifty years at this point, it has not been with a unique set of issues faced by the attraction in this location.

First, the it’s a small world attraction in the Magic Kingdom is the least aesthetically pleasing of all of the it’s a small world attractions, particularly in regard to the exterior façade.  All of the other theme parks have the Mary Blair-inspired façade, Disneyland in the classic white and gold, with the remaining parks in the multi-color version.   The Magic Kingdom has the medieval tent inspired, box-like façade with a nod to the original on the back wall of the loading area.  This was originally implemented as a concession to the heat and rain in Florida, but there have been other versions of the classic it’s a small world façade that have been used in similar harsh climates (Paris and Tokyo).  It is a shame that the most attended theme park in the world has the least appealing version of this classic attraction.

Second, the attraction in the Magic Kingdom has not received the upgrades that the other parks’ versions have.  Lighting upgrades, sound upgrades, the addition of Disney characters into their appropriate countries.  There are several items that could greatly benefit the attraction that have not yet been addressed in this version.

Though these may seem small, to address them, the exterior in particular, would require a near complete rebuild of the attraction.  If a rebuild is required, then the location is something that can be evaluated.  Particularly in light of the issues that are addressing the park as a whole.

The broader issues faced by the Magic Kingdom park itself
As the most attended theme park in the world, the Magic Kingdom itself has broader issues that need to be addressed.

First, the park is in need of additional walkway capacity to minimize congestion and choke points.  The park feels crowded far too often and is in need of additional attractions and additional pathways to alleviate the crowding.  The area between it’s a small world and Peter Pan’s Flight becomes one such choke point, with the extended queue for it’s a small world spilling out into the walkway and requiring Cast Members direct traffic to keep each side moving in one direction only.   This walkway needs to be widened and that will affect it’s a small world.

Second, the park is in need of attraction capacity.  While it’s a small world has a great hourly capacity, it takes up a great amount of land and blocks further northward expansion.  It could be replaced by much more than exists in this area currently, hopefully increasing the overall attraction hourly capacity.

Finally, moving it’s a small world and replacing it with a new attraction could help provide the anticipated boost that New Fantasyland was supposed to bring.  While the New Fantasyland section is a definite aesthetic upgrade, it did not prove to be quite the draw that was expected, perhaps due to low attraction capacity.

The issues faced by EPCOT
Likewise, EPCOT faces several issues that make it’s a small world a better fit for this theme park.

First, while the World Showcase is a very solid section of the park, Future World is in definite need of an identity.  There seems to be no central theme for this area of the park, no core identity that is driving expansion and refurbishments.

Second, EPCOT is in need of attractions.  EPCOT is able to absorb many more people than the Magic Kingdom, but it does not have the drawing power needed to pull people away from the Magic Kingdom.  It is in need of attractions with a large hourly capacity that are proven draws to get people into the park, and potentially away from the Magic Kingdom.

Finally, EPCOT is in need of family or child friendly attractions.  EPCOT is thought of as the adult park.  It has tried to add attractions that will draw in younger guests, there is still a lot that could be added.

If these issues can be addressed by moving it’s a small world, then the main concern is seeing that the benefits outweigh the costs.


The potential barriers to making such a switch
As with any change, there are inherent barriers to the change that must be overcome to justify and validate the change.

First, there is the barrier of cost.  This should be addressed first and gotten out of the way.  Moving it’s a small world to EPCOT (essentially a complete new build at EPCOT, destruction at the Magic Kingdom, and new build of a replacement) will cost a significant amount of money and time.  While I cannot begin to estimate the costs monetarily, I can imagine that the time concerns can be offset by the fact that the existing ride could be open while the new one is constructed and only taken offline when the new location is open, minimizing the impact on capacity.  Monetarily any choice regarding the attraction will have a cost, including the choice of inaction.  The only question is will the benefits outweigh the temporary monetary cost, however great.  I firmly believe the benefits to both parks will do so.

Second, there is the barrier of the status quo.  The way things have always been done.  If the ride is attracting people currently, why make any change.  While the ride definitely has its fans and pulls in people as needed, there are broader issues related to the parks that must be taken into account.  With the attendance at the Magic Kingdom on the rise, there will have to be radical steps taken to alleviate overcrowding and congestion.  I believe this one step could have a great impact in diverting guests from the Magic Kingdom into EPCOT, a park better suited to handle the crowds.

Finally, there is the barrier of nostalgia.  This may be the most challenging barrier to overcome.  There is a sense that it’s a small world belongs a Disneyland style park like the Magic Kingdom.  I believe this can be overcome by building a great new location for the attraction and by showing the connection to the purpose and identity of Future World in EPCOT.  It will be a challenge, but it should not be insurmountable.  Largely his is overcome by exciting people about the additions, drawing them away from the change.

The proposal
The ideal proposal would be to “move” it’s a small world from Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom to another park and then replacing present Magic Kingdom location with an appropriate fairy tale set of attractions.

In evaluating the other parks in the Walt Disney World resort for fit, Animal Kingdom is definitively out, as it’s a small world focuses on peoples of the world and their cultures, not the animal kingdom or man’s interaction with it.  Likewise, it’s a small world has no connection with the Walt Disney Studio or radio, television, and film media beyond the song, so Disney Hollywood Studio is not a good fit, either.

That leaves EPCOT with its focus on the future and world culture.  As the World Showcase is essentially a larger form version of the attraction, there is an argument for inclusion in EPCOT. The question becomes where to place the attraction within the park.

Ideally, as a signature attraction, it’s a small world should have a prominent location within the park, so that the façade can be used as a weenie to draw people to it. Around the World Showcase this would place the attraction either in the American Adventure location or directly across from it (12:00 and 6:00 locations respectively).  Since the goal would be to add to the park, not replace, the American Adventure location would not be desirable.  Similarly, with the attraction pads in Future World largely full, a location in either Future World East or Future World West would not be ideal.
Accordingly, I would propose adding it’s a small world to Showcase Plaza, taking up the open space and the two Port of Entry shops and extending into the lagoon.  While this would involve some reclamation given the size of the attraction and some reworking of the Friendship boat docks, I feel it would be very beneficial to both parks in the long run.

it's a small world in Showcase Plaza

The benefits to the Magic Kingdom
The opening up of the it’s a small world plot in the Magic Kingdom would provide many benefits to the park.

First, removing it’s a small world and the connected Pinocchio’s Village Haus restaurant would allow for expansion of Fantasyland to push northward in this area to match the New Fantasyland expansion.   The replacements for the area could be set back farther north, matching the new back park boundary created by Be Our Guest, Gaston’s and The Little Mermaid.   There is a substantial amount of land north of it’s a small world that is currently inaccessible.  To get to it, you either have to go through it’s a small world or around the Haunted Mansion, hugging the river.  Reworking the it’s a small world area seems to be the more direct approach.

Second, such a reworking above would allow for a wider walkway in the area north of Peter Pan’s Flight and additional walkways and pathways in the new space, to spread out current crowds.  This is highly desired given the current crowd levels.

Finally, the amount of space that would be freed up for replacement and expansion, several new attractions could be added, potentially increasing the total overall ride capacity of the park.  For example, the area containing it’s a small world and north of the attraction could be replaced by nearly the entirety of the Arabian Harbor in Tokyo Disneysea (to add an Aladdin component to complete the Disney Renaissance feel to the New Fantasyland expansion).  If Sinbad’s Storybook Adventure was stacked on top (to the north) of the Magic Lamp Theater, Agrabah Market, and courtyard, the area would be filled with room to spare at the north most portion.  This adds two attractions on top of the replacement, replaces the restaurant, and adds a market and larger open courtyard.  It would seem to be a much more beneficial use of space that the current situation.

The benefits to the Magic Kingdom are small compared to the benefits to EPCOT.

The benefits to EPCOT
EPCOT in addition receives several benefits from the addition of it’s a small world.

First, it’s a small world can solidify the identity of Future World.  Currently Future World struggles to have a coherent identity.  Each pavilion has its own identity, some stronger than others, but there is no tie between the pavilions providing a central theme or message.  Nominally, it is about man’s future and technology, but it is not borne through in the presentation in the park.  In the past, Future World has been described as a continual world’s fair.  I believe that this theme has the greatest potential for a cohesive identity for Future World and can be solidified by focusing on the world’s fair with the greatest Disney connection, the 1964 World’s Fair.  In looking at the 1964 World’s Fair, it is clear that EPCOT has attractions that have links to the four Disney attractions at that New York Fair.  The American Adventure is the clear successor to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.    Test Track has a similar visual look and purpose to Magic Skyway and the Ford Pavilion.  Even past attractions like Horizons has a spiritual link to the Carousel of Progress.  EPCOT has needed it’s a small world to complete the set.  Please note, all arguments in this letter can also be used to explain why the Carousel of Progress belongs in Future World in EPCOT as well, as opposed to Tomorrowland.
Second, it’s a small world provides the connective link between Future World and World Showcase.  EPCOT has always felt like a park with two separate and distinct areas, connected only by a plaza.  With it’s a small world in Future World, at a prominent connecting location in Showcase Plaza, it serves as a connective link between the World’s Fair Future World and the celebration of countries and cultures in the World Showcase.

It’s a small world also adds a much needed family attraction and draw to EPCOT.  It’s a small world has a high hourly throughput and is for many a seminal ride experience for a Disney trip.  Guests will be drawn to this attraction regardless of the park that it is in.  It would be beneficial to draw more guests into EPCOT, which is better suited to handle them, and away from the Magic Kingdom, which is already overcrowded.  Further, it’s a small world is a perfect attraction for guests of all ages, especially needed for a park that is thought of as the adult park.  There are steps already underway to counteract this perception, like Frozen and Ratatouille, but it’s a small world would be a great draw in this respect as well.

A purpose build of it’s a small world in EPCOT also allows for a total refreshing of the attraction itself.  Walt Disney World would finally get an it’s a small world attraction façade that is worthy of the ride.  Given the location, the façade would need to surround the attraction, but it could be used to great benefit.  In particular, the attraction could be used for a projection show in EPCOT as it is in Disneyland, both as a standalone show and as part of Illuminations.  The purpose build could absorb the Port of Entry shops on each corner and could likewise take care of adjustments to the Friendship boat docks.  Showcase Plaza could be transformed into a better utilized space.  The side of the attraction facing the water could be used for a new stage and amphitheater or could be used for the build of a new restaurant and terrace.  The new build opens up possibilities, including upgrading the interior of the attraction with projection mapping, the Disney character dolls, and improved sound and lighting equipment.  Finally, a new build could prepare the Walt Disney World attraction for the it’s a small world holiday overlay.  The attraction could be positioned in the plaza so that the EPCOT tree would figure prominently into the it’s a small world holiday overlay.

Conclusion
Given the benefits listed above to existing issues with the attraction, the Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, I would strongly urge and petition that the Disney company move the it’s a small world attraction from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.

Lois Lane

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Margot Kidder, who passed away yesterday at the age of sixty-nine.  She is perhaps best known for her role as Lois Lane in Superman: The Movie.  Her Lois Lane was a definitive performance, bringing the character back to her Rosalind Russell, His Girl Friday, roots.  She played Lois as a strong, fiercely independent and competitive reporter who fought her own crusade for truth, justice, and the American way.  She could balance her cynicism and strength with true awe and wonder in the sight of Superman.  One of the many reasons the film is still a delight.

The news of her passing started me thinking on Lois Lane as a character and more broadly about women's roles in film and media.

Like Superman, Lois Lane has turned eighty years old this year.  And through her continued presence in the comics and other media, she has gone through a lot of reinventions.

At her inception, Lois was a tough as nails investigative reporter in a male dominated workforce, who was not afraid to put herself in danger to get her story.  She was Clark Kent's rival, not love-struck over Superman, and not a damsel in distress.  She only needed saving when she intentionally put herself in harm's way to get her story.  She fit in that pre-code Hollywood version of a leading lady.  Influenced heavily by Glenda Farrell and the Torchy Blane series of movies.  This version of Lois is probably best represented in the Fleischer cartoons, where Lois repeatedly works to crack the story on her own.  Her newspaper strip had Lois defeating bad guys and getting the front page headline without any help from Superman.  She was truly the star.

Unfortunately, in the 1950s and 1960s, Lois became a love-struck, marriage obsessed, girlfriend whose number one goal was to discover Superman's secret identity.  The fiercely independent reporter was gone.  All of her stories revolved around a love triangle with Superman and Lana Lang, or about discovering Superman's identity, even in her own comic, Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane.  Reading through these comics today is often a chore, as it is hard not to read overt misogyny into the repeated times Lois is the butt of the joke, even in a title where she is the nominal star.  They do not call this period Superdickery for nothing.

Thankfully, in the years since, Lois Lane has evolved with the times to become a complex and well-rounded character again.  Truthfully, in her current status, married to Superman and mother to Jon, she is one of the most interesting DC characters today.  Still daring and adventurous, still chasing the truth, and now fiercely protective of her family.   And its her role, as a constant seeker of the truth that makes her a perfect companion for Superman. She is perhaps the most recognizable DC comics character who does not have her own title.

And that is a shame.  I have heard several writers and artists who would love to take on a modern Lois Lane comic, male and female.  I would be all over a Greg Rucka written Lois Lane, Reporter comic.

But despite her history and prominence, she is still relegated to a supporting character, primarily in two books.

Her history feels like it parallels the over all role of women in media through the 20th and 21st centuries.  If you look at Hollywood in particular, it is very revealing.  In 2013, women accounted for only 15% of all protagonists and only 30% of all speaking roles, despite representing 50% of the population.  It's strange that this is an area we have regressed in.  Women dominated Hollywood from 1917 to 1923.  Even in the heyday of the Golden Age from the 1930s into the early 1940s, all that mattered was star power regardless of gender.  Betty Davis practically ran Warner Brothers over Jack.

The early investigative Lois represented this spirit.  And her character waned as women in film similarly faded with the Hays code and the changes in social norms through the 1950s and 1960s.  Very few films from that time could even pass the Bechdel test, with large numbers of film where the women in the film never talk to each other.  Things are improving, and the response to the Wonder Woman film last year proves that there is a demand for a change.  There is still a long way to go, though.

We need Lois Lane again, front and center.  Searching for the truth, revealing it to the world.  It's what made Superman fall in love with her.  She could look at Clark Kent, Superman's bumbling alter ego representing the worst of his flaws, see right through it, and know that he was Superman.

Writer's Block and Inspiration

Hitting the wall.  

The fear of the blank page or blank page syndrome.  

Running out of gas.  

A creative slowdown.  

Lack of inspiration.  

The yips.  

Burnout.

Every creative type faces it at some point.  That time where you feel that you have run out of things to say.  At least at that particular moment.  Where your muse is no longer speaking to you.

The easy thing to do is to cave.  To give in and let the blank page reign.  To wait until inspiration strikes again, whenever that may be.

I had started this blog with the goal of posting new content daily largely as a writing exercise.  To get in the ten thousand hours Malcolm Gladwell has noted to refine talent.  To build that skill and more finely hone it.  And that requires working through the light times anyway.  To write, whether or not I have anything in particular to say that day.  So I'm bringing you along on that journey.

I had started a completely different topic for today, but could not bring it together.  I was trying to write something that was not mine.  To make an argument that I support, but have no passion in.  And it just would not come together.  So, it was discarded.

I listen to a lot of podcasts involving discussion of the creative process, often involving a lot of writers of various media.  The one question that gets asked over and over again is "how to become a writer."  And the answer, invariably, is always "write."

The longer something stays in your head, the longer the idea of writing remains only an idea, the harder it is to ever really begin.

So, write, and keep writing.  Write about what interests you.  Write about what angers you.  Write something.  Anything.  If it's bad, write it anyway and then come back to it the next day to re-write.

And if you find yourself stuck with writer's block, maybe try what I did and just write about it.

"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master."

Ernest Hemingway

Mom

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. 

Washington Irving

One of my favorites

Love you Mom!

Teacher Appreciation

Today is the close of teacher appreciation week.  I hope they have been truly shown how much they are valued this week.   By their students, the parents, other teachers, and administration.

Hopefully everyone has a teacher that they can thank in their life for inspiring or motivating them.  Recognizing the impact teachers have on the lives around them.

I feel blessed to have had so many wonderful teachers throughout my lifetime, at all levels.  There really are too many to mention here in any meaningful way.  I'm proud to have so many teachers that I would consider family and I'm proud to have teachers that I call friends.

I'm especially proud of the teacher that I married.

I see what she goes through.  I know the hours that she puts in.  She has a coach's hours, with very little off-season between the two shows.  Plus, she has the six class periods (four different, but related classes) that she has to be on top of.  And she manages a summer travel opportunity for students.

I know the hours she puts in during the summer to prepare for the start of school and the new production.  And the research that goes into show selection.

I know how she cares for her students.  They are her kids and I know that every year, our adopted family grows as the kids move through the high school.  Especially for those students who are in the shows.  If you are in a production, you are one of her kids.  She celebrates when you do and she hurts when you do.  Like good families, they can have their dysfunctions and disagreements, but the members are better for their time together.

I know the push and pull she goes through to balance her work with her students and the school and with home.  I hope she knows how well she is succeeding.

She is passionate and determined.  Imaginative and fierce.  She thinks I'm the one with more patience, but I remind her that she is the one that is surrounded by high schoolers all day and does not throttle them.

I hope she has been reminded over and over again how much she is appreciated.

The hours go way beyond whatever you imagine a regular school day is.  The pay is far too low for what we ask of them.  They cobble things together from duct-tape and bailing wire to make sure they have what they need for the class.  And they succeed in spite of the ridiculous tests that we ask them to prepare students for.

They do it because it is a calling.  Because they know that they have the potential to reach someone.  To make someone else's life better.

So go hug a teacher. Go shake their hand.  If one of them truly made a difference in your life, please let them know.  You cannot imagine how much it means to them.

And for my part,

We notice.  We thank you.  How can we help?

--------------------

And Gorgeous, if I say I love you more here, it counts right?

I Wanna Be A Producer

I wanna be a producer, with a hit show on Broadway.  I wanna be a producer, lunch at Sardi's everyday.

One of the many things I have enjoyed about being married to a theater teacher is getting to play producer.  I like reading scripts and finding good ones.  I like seeing shows to determine what will work and what cannot.  I like being a sounding board for approaches or styles and helping find pieces that will complete the set or the finishing touch for a costume.

I like being a part of making art happen.

When I dream of coming into a large sum of money (lottery or Publisher's Clearing House), being an old school patron is one of the things I can definitely envision doing.  Funding art just to see it completed.

I have even come up with a name for my production company.  Even Keeler Productions.

A stab at a logo

I've had that name since at least 2012, when I helped create a logo for Jamie's production of Julius Caesar.  A Caesar inspired by the Warriors and Mad Max, warring tribes and gang lords.  She wanted an image that really sold the different take on Caesar.  The anarchy that followed the toppling of tyranny.

And Caesar shall go forth

It's just a paint work up, but I'm still proud of how that image turned out and how it looked on the show shirts.  I'm really proud for Jamie how well that show came together and how her students sold it.  It was a very good cutting and they gave it everything.  Transition action gave way into sound.  The rhythm of the show moved so well.  And the kids sold it.  A great show.

That's the magic.  To see it all come together.  To watch truth be revealed from even the humblest of beginnings.   There is magic in the theater and the theater is magic.

I'm just glad I get to be apart of that magic as long as they will let me.