Rolly Crump Returns, Making iPod Playlists a Lot Cuter

Odds are good that some of your favorite Disneyland or Walt Disney World details--whether in the form of a talking tiki, the Tomorrowland bandstand rising from the ground, the little animated figures in the popcorn carts or the Haunted Mansion's wallpaper--were designed by Rolly Crump. His autobiographical It's Kind of a Cute Story, published last year, quickly became a must-read for Imagineering fans.

Fortunately for all, Mr. Crump has many more backstage secrets to reveal, and the just-released More Cute Stories serves as a colorful, wonderfully entertaining audio sequel to his book. Whether or not you've read It's Kind of a Cute Story (and you really shouldn't miss it--It's on Kindle), More Cute Stories is a blast; It's like having Rolly Crump sitting across the table from you at the world's most awesome dinner party as he genially recalls forty-five minutes worth of fun and eye-opening Disneyland moments the company never talks about, all in good humor with a great sense of perspective.

Imagineering Awesome at Mouse on the Mind!

No regular post today, as Mouse Troop's gone visitin'! Today I have the great honor of taking part in a challenge set forth by Melissa Sue Sorrells at Mouse on the Mind! If you had the funds and authority to design any ride you wanted at any Disney park (it has to be based on a Disney film), what would it be?

I know darn well what I'd build, and the above image is a hint. Head on over to Mouse on the Mind to check out the details of my dream ride. You should head over there anyway, because it's an incredibly creative, fantastic site full of great Walt Disney World travel tips, editorials, reviews and much more!

Blue Sky Dreams (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

For years, Disneyland hosted a Previews of Coming Attractions exhibit on Main Street, featuring such wonders as the models of Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain back when those attractions were under construction.

Today, the Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure provides the latest peeks at the Imagineering process. A new generation of future world-builders can spend hours there among the blueprints, models and concept art behind the latest park marvels.

Today's crayon doodlers could end up designing tomorrow's parks! Time for Fish Heads & Crumbs...