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[swordmage]

Vacation thus far has been a blast.

Currently we are heading back from Six Flags Magic Mountain. I have successfully conquered my fear of coasters, and hereby declare Tatsu (a coaster where you're on your back hanging down in the harness to simulate dragonflight) to be exceedingly fun. Also went on Scream and Batman (twice), in addition to multiple others. Sadly, it appars X2 is not open yet.

We're going back tomorrow!

Yesterday was the San Diego Zoo and Natural History Museum - there was a show of Pompeiian artifacts and a few casts (including the dog that's all curled up). The zoo meant capybaras!!!! And lots of photos, including some lovely ones in the aviaries. We're hitting the Wild Animal Park on Friday.

Sunday, we went to the evil place - Disneyland. I should note, I have massive issues with Disny as a corporation. One day, I my just write about it. That said, I had lots of fun. The rides were quite fun, I got some great pictures, and the Splash Mountain incident was amusing - even though we're now all suitably hip in Nightmare Before Christmas sweatshirts.

I'm totally looking forward to the Getty and Getty Villa on Thursday.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

The Walt Disney Company has brought untold happinesss to billions of people worldwide since its formal inception in 1923. Walt Disney himself looms large over the cultural zeitgeist. Yes, Disney does have its critics, but it does try to remain true to the values of its founder. Yes, some will say that Disney is only out to turn a profit. Well, that is the goal of ALL companies now, isn't it?

Personally speaking, as an artist and filmmaker, Disney's films and theme parks have had a profound effect on virtually every aspect of my life. I remember...crying when Bambi's mother was killed and the dwarfs bowed down to a fallen Snow White, the exhilaration and euphoria I felt when my family took our annual summer visits to Disney World in the 70's & 80's, special times with my college girlfriend who was devoted to "Mary Poppins" and the films of Julie Andrews, leading a children's group to Florida so that they could experience the magic that I had known my entire life. A lifetime of memories. And in this, I am not alone. Disney's magic has touched people in every country of the world. And yes, it is manufactured magic, designed to sell. But every book, film, play, and recording are also designed to sell.

That does not change the fact that we are moved by them. That does not change the fact that we cannot imagine our lives without them. That does not change the fact that they are authentic peices of art, as precious and delicate as any painting, as rare as any gem. Disney has shaped the collective dreams of six generations-from Mickey Mouse to Hannah Montana and beyond. It is part of the tapestry of American culture. And for all that Disney has given me, happiness, joy, sorrow, laughter, and the divine gift of inspiration, I will be forever grateful.

-A friend

[swordmage.livejournal.com]

I'm curious, before I respond further - who are you?

[(Anonymous)]

I am someone who is surprised, and a tad disappointed, that an art historian, with a promising future and an obvious interest in reenactments of the past, would be so quick to label Disneyland "evil."

Disneyland was not created by soulless corporate drones, but by talented artists and craftsmen. Remember, this was the FIRST themed park, and as such was an incredibly risky venture for all involved. Had it failed, the Walt Disney Company would have gone under.

Disneyland is not just a collection of "rides", it is a living embodiment of Walt Disney's life. Main Street USA is an idealized recreation of his childhood hometown of Marcelline, Missouri. Adventureland and Frontierland represent his interests in the past and the exotic world around us. Tomorrowland symbolizes his hopes for the future, and Fantasyland stands as his tribute to those who never forgot the childhood dreams that propelled them into adulthood.

Disneyland stands as a true work of modern art. The details that enhance its every nook and cranny are numerous. Many go all but unnoticed to the casual observer. This attention to detail can also be seen in Disney's Florida parks, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Sea is, in fact, the Ne Plus Ultra of the Disney experience, and it is well worth the expense to visit it. On the other hand, Disney's California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland were produced during the later years of Michael Eisner's tenure as Disney CEO. They were produced "on the cheap" and it shows. Thankfully, Disney is now working to correct these flaws with a massive influx of cash, new attractions, and a return to its legendary focus on theming.

What brings people back to the Disney parks again and again, isn't the attractions, but rather the opportunity to immerse one's self in a unique tapestry of creative design. The Disney parks assail your senses with an almost overpowering delight. One can not help but quicken one's pace as you rush from land to land, ever anxious to see what new delight lurks around every corner. When you leave, an almost palpable state of sadness overcomes you, as you know that, after a day of euphoric highs, you will now have to venture forth into the "real" world. Your only consolation is the thought that you will return again, to be charmed anew.

For more information on Disney, I heartily recommend the following books:

"The Art and Flair of Mary Blair" by John Canemaker-A wonderful look at the life of work of the influential imagineer.

"The Art of Disneyland" by Jeff Kurti-A beautiful coffee table book of concept art

"Disneyland: The Nickel Tour" by Bruce Gordon and David Mumford-The definitive look at the history of the park. Expensive, but well worth it.

"Mouse Tales", "More Mouse Tales", "Mouse Under Glass", and "Realityland" all by David Koenig. These books offer a behind the scenes look at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Animation.

"Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" by Neal Gabler. The definitive biography of the man himself.

"Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas. The first biography of Walt. Still a compelling read.

"Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston-The seminal work on animation by two of Walt's legendary "Nine Old Men." Again, very pricey but worth it.

"Disney's Art of Animation" by Bob Thomas. This is available in two versions-"From Mickey Mouse To Beauty and the Beast", and "From Mickey Mouse to Hercules". The former is the better buy, simply because "Beauty and the Beast" is the FAR superior film.

"Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters" by John Grant. It sounds like a children's book, but this is a thoroughly engaging look at Disney's exhaustive history in animation.

Additionally the "Walt Disney Treasures" DVD line is a wonderful collection of rare Disney shorts, and television programs. There are four volumes of Mickey's shorts, one for Pluto, one for Goofy, and three (and counting) for Donald. "Disneyland, USA", and "Disneyland: Secrets, Stories, and Magic" are also two excellent volumes found in this series. Each volume has a limited run, and can command high prices on the secondary market, but are well worth it.

[swordmage.livejournal.com]

The short version is that - as an amateur folklorist - I feel that the re-tellings of the stories are... lessened. Also, I feel the Disney-as-lifestyle-choice is not appealing.

I have no issues with the park itself, contrary to what it may seem. I also happen to find the "how", etc, of the parks rather interesting - the amount of detail and thought is quite impressive. It *is* a total experience, for lack of a better term.

But it goes back to that small thorn in my side regarding the re-tellings of some stories in (what I find to be) ways that diminish the original meaning/purpose.

(Incidentally, there's a very good Jack Zipes book which touches on the subject, and unfortunately, I can't remember the title of it.)