Disney+ launched in early November, and amongst their early offerings was The Imagineering Story, a six-hour journey into the history of Disney, the company, the acquisitions, and of course the parks.
We all have heard about Steamboat Willie and the origins of Mickey Mouse, but now we get a great in-depth story of the formation of the parks, with insider interviews with those that helped create it and think through the process of building the parks…the minds of the Imagineers.
Today we take a lot of things for granted, including 3D and 4D technology, as well as the dips and curves of the standard roller coaster, but some of these things didn’t exist before Disney, at least not in the way they are today.
For example, we get taken on an inside tour at the Tower of Terror, and how they talked with an elevator company at getting one to freefall, and jerk up and down…something that a standard elevator is not supposed to do.
Another one is when they were building Flight of Passage and like a lot of their other projects, they brought in new screens and projectors and were years ahead of the technology that they put into place, a lot of times even building custom units specifically for the Disney needs.
They also hold nothing back, talking about both the successes and failures that the companies have gone through, including Disney’s California Adventure, and how it didn’t fit the standard Disney mold and how they redesigned it over the years to better suit their needs.
Miniature parks are built in their design centers, as they map out the paths, and see what works and what might not. This includes the berms they put in place to help separate the parks from the outside world. Another interesting thing learned is some of their building techniques, which helps to give the appearance of things being larger (or older) than they actually are, to help form the magic of Disney.
One of the things this series is sure to do is increase park attendance, as it makes you want to see some of these units up close after seeing behind the scenes and the building process. From Euro Disney to Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disney to the original Disneyland in California.
When I wandered through Hollywood Studios it was still a few months before Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opened, but the park was still a fantastic place to visit.
Hollywood Studios’ central point doesn’t have a full rotation that the other parks have, but the spokes that do branch off the Center Stage are full of great memories for any kid of the 90s.
Muppet Vision is the highlight of Grand Avenue, as you go inside the 3D theater for some fun with Kermit and Miss Piggy
Toy Story Land gives you a great flashback to 1995 with Alien Swirling Saucers, the Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Mania which is a good old fashioned midway-style game in 4D!
Center Stage – During the day this is where the Star Wars figures put on a show, and at night it becomes an explosion of lights and colors with a fireworks show…more on that in a bit.
Star Wars Launch Bay is the Star Wars museum away from the new land, far, far away…and while you are waiting for the show you can look through all sorts of memorabilia and interact with neighborhood security, who may be stormtroopers.
Fantasmic! – Magical Mickey leads a story through his nightmares, as villains from across Disney property all come to an epic battle against Mickey and friends…here is a peak at the conclusion of the show MAKE SURE TO CLICK “ENABLE HD” TO GET THE BEST VIDEO RESULTS!!
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – This largest fireworks display in Disney’s history combines the music of the Star Wars world with a story that spans generations, and of course is full of TIE fighters and blasters MAKE SURE TO CLICK “ENABLE HD” TO GET THE BEST VIDEO RESULTS!!
When you head into Disney World’s Animal Kingdom you can’t help but notice the giant Tree of Life looming over the center of the park, the focal point for the spoke that all Disney parks like to build around.
But when you stay at a Disney Hotel you get the added perk of Extra Magic Hours, when the park likes to open up an hour early for you…and while everyone else immediately dashes to the sad world of Pandora, you need to make your way to the far back corner of Africa, and enter the Harambe Animal Reserve on the Kilimanjaro Safari.
Now, before we get into the Safari, don’t mistake my slight jab at Pandora and the World of Avatar. When the movie first came out, it was the first one to use new motion capture technology, and made for an absolutely stunning film…but at the end of the day it was just another story, and only an “Okay” one at that. But people went gaga over it, and it made a lot of money, and then Disney turned it into a park of its own…and the 250+ minute lines for Avatar Flight of Passage, which is once again playing with new technological advances, that make it a ride of a whole other level.
But if I am going to the Animal Kingdom, I want to see Animals in a Kingdom, and the Kilimanjaro Safari is the best way to do that. When I went at 8AM, I was able to ride twice before the park opened for everyone else, experiencing the 22-minute journey with no lines, and the animals waking up and starting to wander their territories.
At some zoos, you get to be really close to the animals, but here you are amongst the animals, with no bars separating you (and only sometimes a moat between you…because we can’t trust lions that much…), and a fun storyteller in the front seat, jerking the jeep around.
Among the things you get to see are there are elephants and rhinos, gazelles and giraffes, crocs and lions, from all ages and sizes!
But nothing really compares to when a rhino just walks up to your vehicle for a chance to say hello!
MAKE SURE TO CLICK “ENABLE HD” TO GET THE BEST VIDEO RESULTS!!
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed to find out that the baobab trees located amongst the elephants were fake…
Once you are out of the safari, make sure you wander around the park (as one is wont to do), and get lost amongst the jungle birds, watch a Festival of the Lion King-inspired show, or just sit down and watch a 3D show inside the early modern-Disney animation days of A Bugs Life.
If it’s a really hot day (unlucky for me it was in the low 40s when I was there), make sure to hit up the Kali River, for what I’ve been told is a fantastic water ride!
Or if you are a weirdo like me and decide to skip most of the rides, just go find yourself a Disney character, and hang out for a bit!
What seems to be the only thing I use this platform for anymore, here is my Top Songs of 2019!
As usual, these are my own opinion, and the song must have been released in 2019, and only one song allowed per primary artist, which means some songs may be left out for the best of the rest!
Also, no logic is in play here.
20. Liar by Camila Cabello
Oh no, there you go, making me a liar
Got me begging you for more
Oh no, there I go, startin’ up a fire
19. Not OK by Kygo feat. Chelsea Cutler
But it don’t stop this train wreck in my mind
My friends all say that all will heal in time
But the truth is it don’t give me peace of mind
I’m not okay
I just called you to say
I’m not okay
18. Never Really Over by Katy Perry
Two years, and just like that
My head still takes me back
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it’s never really over
Oh, we were such a mess
But wasn’t it the best?
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it’s never really over
17. What Am I by Why Don’t We
‘Cause we should try that sometime
Hold you ’til the mornin’
And if I said I’m fallin’, would you just reply
“I know you are, but what am I?”
16. Walk Me Home by P!nk
Walk me home in the dead of night
I can’t be alone with all that’s on my mind
So say you’ll stay with me tonight
‘Cause there is so much wrong goin’ on outside
15. Lose You To Love Me by Selena Gomez
Set fires to my forest
And you let it burn
Sang off-key in my chorus
‘Cause it wasn’t yours
I saw the signs and I ignored it
Rose-colored glasses all distorted
Set fire to my purpose
And I let it burn
You got off on the hurtin’
When it wasn’t yours
14. f*ck, i’m lonely by Lauv feat. Anne-Marie
It’s been me, myself, and why did you go, did you go?
13. Dance Monkey by Tones And I
So they say
Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh-oh-oh
I’ve never seen anybody do the things you do before
They say
Move for me, move for me, move for me, ayy-ayy-ayy
And when you’re done, I’ll make you do it all again
12. Raising Hell by Kesha
Oh, if you couldn’t tell
We can always find the trouble, we don’t need no help
Singing oh, mama raised me well
But I don’t wanna go to Heaven without raisin’ hell
11. So Am I by Ava Max
Do you ever feel like a misfit?
Everything inside you is dark and twisted
Oh, but it’s okay to be different
‘Cause baby, so am I
Do you ever feel like an outcast?
You don’t have to fit into the format
Oh, but it’s okay to be different
‘Cause baby, so am I
10. Graveyard by Halsey
I won’t stop ’til I get where you are
I keep running when both my feet hurt
I won’t stop ’til I get where you are
Oh, when you go down all your darkest roads
I woulda followed all the way to the graveyard
9. Here With Me by Marshmello feat. CHVRCHES
You’re saying the words that I want you to say
There’s a pain in my heart and it won’t go away
Now I know I’m falling in deep
‘Cause I need you here with me
8. Rescue Me by OneRepublic
Would you rescue me? Would you get my back?
Would you take my call when I start to crack?
Would you rescue me? Ah, would you rescue me?
Would you rescue me when I’m by myself?
When I need your love? If I need your help?
Would you rescue me? Ah, would you rescue me?
7. Boy With Luv by BTS feat. Halsey
I’ve waited all my life
I want to be with you through everything
Oh my, my, my, (yeah) oh my, my, my
Looking for something right
Okay, now, I kinda get it
6. If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes
I’m so sorry that my timing’s off
But I can’t move on if we’re still gonna talk
Is it wrong for me to not want half?
I want all of you, all the strings attached
5. Sucker by Jonas Brothers
I’ve been dancin’ on top of cars and stumblin’ out of bars
I follow you through the dark, can’t get enough
You’re the medicine and the pain, the tattoo inside my brain
And, baby, you know it’s obvious
4. Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran feat. Khalid
South of the Border (with Camila Cabello) was a close second as Ed’s top song of the year!
The Eminem and 50 Cent collab for Remember The Name also made a run for the money.
We don’t fit in well ’cause we are just ourselves
I could use some help gettin’ out of this conversation, yeah
You look stunning, dear, so don’t ask that question here
This is my only fear: that we become
Beautiful people
3. Lover by Taylor Swift
My heart’s been borrowed and yours has been blue
All’s well that ends well to end up with you
Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover
And you’ll save all your dirtiest jokes for me
And at every table, I’ll save you a seat, lover
2. Who Do You Love by The Chainsmokers feat. 5 Seconds of Summer
‘Cause you’ve been actin’ so conspicuous
You flip it on me, say I think too much
We’re movin’ different while we’re makin’ love
So, baby, tell me, tell me
1. bad guy by Billie Eilish
This and ‘bury a friend’ both win as Song of the Year.
So you’re a tough guy
Like it really rough guy
Just can’t get enough guy
Chest always so puffed guy
I’m that bad type
Make your mama sad type
Make your girlfriend mad tight
Might seduce your dad type
I’m the bad guy
Duh
Here is the final piece of the Song of the Decade list.
A reminder of our simple rules:
One song allowed per Primary Artist — So you won’t see two songs from the same artist, even if both were really really good. I would take the one that I think is better, and it’s the submission for that artist
These artists can still show up as a “Featured” artist in another song on this list
Song should be released between 2010-2019…so while there were some rockers that are still listened to today from the 2000s, they fall out of qualification based on their years
This is all based on my views and opinions. So some of your favorite songs will be missing, similarly with artists.
Also, a good chance I forgot a lot of songs, considering this was a 10 year period…
Here is #s 20-11 of the Song of the Decade list. Top 10 coming Monday!
A reminder of our simple rules:
One song allowed per Primary Artist — So you won’t see two songs from the same artist, even if both were really really good. I would take the one that I think is better, and it’s the submission for that artist
These artists can still show up as a “Featured” artist in another song on this list
Song should be released between 2010-2019…so while there were some rockers that are still listened to today from the 2000s, they fall out of qualification based on their years
This is all based on my views and opinions. So some of your favorite songs will be missing, similarly with artists.
Also, a good chance I forgot a lot of songs, considering this was a 10 year period…
20. Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
19. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato
18. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark by Fall Out Boy
17. Rolling In The Deep by Adele
16. bad guy by Billie Eilish
15. Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers feat. Coldplay
One song allowed per Primary Artist — So you won’t see two songs from the same artist, even if both were really really good. I would take the one that I think is better, and it’s the submission for that artist
These artists can still show up as a “Featured” artist in another song on this list
Song should be released between 2010-2019…so while there were some rockers that are still listened to today from the 2000s, they fall out of qualification based on their years
This is all based on my views and opinions. So some of your favorite songs will be missing, similarly with artists.
Also, a good chance I forgot a lot of songs, considering this was a 10 year period…
40. Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
39. Till The World Ends by Britney Spears
38. Body Talks by The Struts feat. Kesha
37. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
36. Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld
35. Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
34. Lean On by Major Lazer and DJ Snake feat. MØ
33. Clarity by Zedd feat. Foxes
32. All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg
31. The Greatest by Sia
30. Replay by Zendaya
29. Applause by Lady Gaga
28. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
27. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson
One song allowed per Primary Artist — So you won’t see two songs from the same artist, even if both were really really good. I would take the one that I think is better, and it’s the submission for that artist
These artists can still show up as a “Featured” artist in another song on this list
Song should be released between 2010-2019…so while there were some rockers that are still listened to today from the 2000s, they fall out of qualification based on their years
This is all based on my views and opinions. So some of your favorite songs will be missing, similarly with artists.
Also, a good chance I forgot a lot of songs, considering this was a 10 year period…
60. Forget You by Cee Lo Green
59. Run The World by Beyonce
58. This Is America by Childish Gambino
57. Let Her Go by Passenger
56. Get Lucky by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
55. Timber by Pitbull feat. Kesha
54. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
53. God, Your Mama, and Me by Florida Georgia Line feat. Backstreet Boys
52. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra
51. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love by Usher
50. Scream & Shout by will.i.am feat. Britney Spears
49. I Love It by Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX
48. The Fighter by Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood
47. Heavy by Linkin Park feat. Kiiara
46. We Can’t Stop by Miley Cyrus
45. Some Nights by Fun.
44. It Ain’t Me by Kygo feat. Selena Gomez
43. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco
42. Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line
I’ve been doing a top Song of the Year list since 2013, but now as the 2010s come to a close it is time to do a Top list for the full decade. The rules are simple:
One song allowed per Primary Artist — So you won’t see two songs from the same artist, even if both were really really good. I would take the one that I think is better, and it’s the submission for that artist
These artists can still show up as a “Featured” artist in another song on this list
Song should be released between 2010-2019…so while there were some rockers that are still listened to today from the 2000s, they fall out of qualification based on their years
This is all based on my views and opinions. So some of your favorite songs will be missing, similarly with artists.
Also, a good chance I forgot a lot of songs, considering this was a 10 year period…
The first two songs definitely deserve to be higher on this list. But I hate the artists, so I put them on the list but dropped them all the way to the bottom.
82. Hold On We’re Going Home by Drake feat. Majid Jordan
81. Sorry by Justin Bieber
80. Despacito by Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee
79. Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd
78. Ordinary Love by U2
77. Bang Bang by Green Day
76. 80s Mercedes by Maren Morris
75. Lush Life by Zara Larsson
74. Sit Next To Me by Foster The People
73. Royals by Lorde
72. Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne
71. Hell No by Ingrid Michaelson
70. Bad Things by Machine Gun Kelly feat. Camila Cabello
The Kennedy Space Center, located about an hour east of Disney World, is a great place to explore some of America’s journey into space and see the historic sights where we launched man to walk on the moon for the first time.
The Rocket Garden is a nice place to wander thru, as you are surrounded by rockets from throughout the years, including the one below.
Other things to see at the main location is the Journey to Mars building and NASA Central.
These are all great little looks into history, but in order to fully experience things, you need to hop on the Bus Tour out to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Along the way you will see the launch viewing grounds, located across the water from where the rockets are launched from. They are far enough away that you would still feel the force from the blasts, but not too close to be any danger…although the newest rocket power may be too strong, leading them to have to move the area back.
Also you pass by the “Vehicle Assembly Building”, which is the largest one-story building in the world, as it is used for assembling the rockets before they head out through the worlds largest doors, that are 456 feet high.
Some of the things to see there:
Apollo 8 Firing Room — Sit through the actual countdown, and feel the room shake as Apollo 8 launches. This room has been preserved to still be in its original state
Saturn V Rocket — In the warehouse they have a Saturn V rocket, which is what was used to launch all the men to the moon
Snoopy — Who doesn’t enjoy seeing Snoopy the Astronaut?!
Overall, the Kennedy Space Center is overly priced as the costs approach $60 per person…and some of the stuff you see here can be viewed in museums across the country. But at the end of the day, this is a must-visit location, at least for the one-time experience, to see the actual places where history was made.
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