Shakespeare’s Ghost

When it comes to famous writers in Disney theme parks, Mark Twain got an island named after his character, a riverboat named after his pen name, and a frontier fortress named after himself.  He’s doing pretty good. Jules Verne used to have a submarine ride, a guest spot in Timekeeper, and an entire land at […]

The Hall of Imagineers (or how a mop saved the day)

  The great thing about parkeology is that you never know where it is going to lead you. Such was the case as I did research on Richard Nixon’s many connections to the Disney parks.  As I mentioned in that piece Nixon was the sitting president when the Hall of Presidents opened in 1971, the […]

A view forever lost… times two.

As construction on the massive Fantasyland expansion gets underway it got me thinking of simpler times.  I realized that in fact sometimes it is the simple things you miss the most.   One day not too long ago there were mighty submarines plying the waters of a crystalline lagoon smack in the middle of Fantasyland. […]

Disney World Goes To the Oscars

In honor of the Academy Awards, I have decided to devote an entire post linking the most famous American award show to a 43-square-mile patch of Florida swampland. Here are the nominees and winners of the Oscars, Walt Disney World style. Best Supporting Actress The Great Movie Ride is packed with Supporting Actress nominees.  Of […]

Mr. Toad’s New Mania

Today I just want to pay homage to the happiest little dancing frog that ever hip-hopped his way through Walt Disney World. Nice try. Go find a Six Flags. This little amphibian deserves our love, admiration, and respect, because he is able to dance on one foot while waving something in his hand with his […]

Toontown In Perspective

When you think of the absolute pinnacle of Disney themed lands, only one comes to mind:  Mickey’s Toontown Fair.  Alright I’m joking, nothing holds a candle to Dinorama.  But for all its cheapo judges tents and glorified kiddie coasters, occasionally Toontown Fair can surprise you with an actual detail or two. Take this sign. (no, […]

Castaway Keys

We have a substitute parkeologist today, but I want you all to behave yourselves.  No spitballs or switching seats.  Especially since it’s my sister.  She’s usually found on her own blog writing clever homages to Jane Austen, but she’s crossed over today because, well, she’s musically inclined and her sharp eyes (ears?) caught this little […]

Life Size Pixie Hollow

Tinkerbell wasn’t always this popular.  Sure, she has been kicking off fireworks shows for decades now, but that was just because it was sort of her job, not because little girls were clamoring for more Tink.  And while it’s definitely a thrill to see her glide down from the castle’s tallest spire, older Magic Kingdom […]

The Portrait You’ve Never Seen

This is one of those spooky things that I love about the Haunted Mansion.  The lost portrait.  I guarantee that unless you have been on the ride during some sort of extenuating circumstances (such as an evacuation), you have not seen this picture. Yet it is right there, staring back at you with those creepy […]