Snow White on Ice on iTunes

For the Disney music completist, here's a fun little recording that recently resurfaced on iTunes and Amazon MP3. The title's quite a mouthful:

Tom Arnold Presents an Adaptation on Ice of of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

No, it's not the American Tom Arnold, it's the British theatrical producer Tom Arnold. The four songs on this 1960 $3.99 souvenir record are pleasant covers--exactly what you might expect to hear at an ice show. Give it a sample listen: You might like what you hear.

I'd love to see more of these unusual "Disney By-Product" recordings appear on the digital marketplace. If only Disney would open up more of their own vault...

Mickey Rides the Red Car

Mickey, newly arrived in Southern California, takes in the sights and sounds of Hollywood Boulevard on his way to Buena Vista Street. At least, that's his backstory in the Red Car Newsboys show at DCA.

It's refreshing to see The Mouse portrayed as an average Joe instead of a global superstar, and it's one of the many charming elements that's begun forming DCA's unique atmosphere. After the park's original 2001 grating attempts to distiniguish itself by being "edgy" and banning Disney characters from the grounds, it turned out that presenting the characters in unexpected, period-appropriate roles was a much better way to go.

Photo by Lana Whitham

Review: Mickey and the Magical Map is a Winner

Fast-paced, wonderfully performed and technically dazzling, Mickey and the Magical Map is one of the most solid and crowd-pleasing live shows Disneyland's ever presented.

It's an unusual production, featuring very few Disney characters on stage and putting more focus on an ensemble choir performing on, around and in front of the show's enormous three-tiered high-def video screen centerpiece. The screen assumes the role of the map, and it is indeed a magical sight to behold as it creates an ever-changing environment of wildly animated sets and outstanding illusions.

A Pair of Rolly Crump Tikis

I enjoy the Tiki Room's outdoor pre-show nearly as much as the main event. Pele's a big attention-getter as she spouts real fire. Until recently, I hadn't realized that these wonderful tikis had been designed and sculpted by Rolly Crump, one of Disney's most imaginative and innovative artists.

Ngendei is one of my favorite characters in the entire park. Even though he sounds frazzled as he reveals the sad truth about his job, there's something incredibly jolly about the way he rocks to and fro.

Did you know Rolly Crump sculpted these tikis in the Imagineering parking lot--using a plastic cafeteria fork? Book mini-review time!

I'm certainly not the first Disney blogger to recommend this book, but--seriously--Rolly Crump's It's Kind of a Cute Story is one of the most delightful, eye-opening and entertaining behind-the-scenes books I've ever read. His blunt, good-natured, down-to-earth recollections of his work on some of Disneyland's most famous attractions make this a must-read for all Disney fans.

It's available right now on Kindle and iBooks, and it's a gem.

DJ's Dance N' Drive is Starting to Grow on Me

There are a lot of characters I'd like to see making life-size outdoor appearances in Radiator Springs along with Lightning McQueen, Mater and Red. Any of the other citizens -- Doc, Sheriff, Sally, Flo, Ramone, Sarge, Filmore or Lizzie -- would be great.

DJ, the obnoxious boom box on wheels, would have been my last choice. He was a jerk in the film, although he got his comeuppance in the closing credits after Sheriff caught him.

He begins his ten minute show by insulting the little town, which prompts several waitresses and service station attendants to confront him and -- through song and dance -- prove that Radiator Springs really can party. In the end, DJ admits he was wrong. Everybody dance!

At first, I hated the way the show disrupts Cars Land's mellow atmosphere. Over repeat visits, however, I must admit that the talented, lively cast and the fun choice of music (including Dancing in the Streets, Car Wash, Life is a Highway, and Rock This Town) really do bring extra smiles and energy to the crowd.

Actually, maybe it's appropriate that DJ appears in Cars Land; In the film, his cruel and dangerous prank was the plot device that sent McQueen into Radiator Springs in the first place.

I guess one could say that, in Cars history, DJ unwittingly saved Radiator Springs from oblivion. But don't tell him that; He's quite full of himself enough as it is.

Golden Horseshoe Lives On Through iTunes

The recent "Limited-Time Magic" Tribute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue stage show is heading into its final days at Disneyland. While it's a shame the tribute isn't a permanent fixture at the park, the magic of the original long-running Disneyland classic can still be enjoyed, for Slue-Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe Review is on iTunes (and Amazon MP3)!

Recorded Live at Disneyland in 1957, the album (misspelled title and all) captures the light-hearted joy and energy of the original show. The original amazing cast is in great form and this special presentation includes a guest appearance by the Disney's favorite barbershop quartet, the Mellomen.

Another classic park album joins our growing list of iTunes Disney Park albums. The digital scene keeps getting better and better!

Green Army Men in 2008

Our recent post on Toy Story Midway Mania has got me thinking back on the attraction's first summer at the resort. It's hard to believe the ride will soon reach its fifth anniversary!

Midway Mania was the first major step in "fixing" the old DCA, and the loyal Green Army Men were sent outside the park's borders to spread the word via a clever little show in the Esplanade. The performers did a great job, drawing crowds as they drummed up excitement for the new ride/game.

You don't often see Disney characters performing outside the turnstyles; this was actually a free little show that anyone could enjoy -- even if they'd just come to the resort to stroll through Downtown Disney.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt a bit sorry for these guys on that particular summer afternoon; they were performing in nearly hundred degree heat.

Rare & Retired Characters: Talespin Baloo & Don Karnage

Remember Talespin? It had an odd premise (Jungle Book meets Casablanca with a little bit of Cheers and lot of Jules Verne), but turned out to be a great family adventure series. Its best episodes (anything involving the Sky Pirates, ghosts or thawed-out WWI pilots) are still remembered by fans as some of the most entertaining television Disney's ever produced.

In 1991, Disneyland guests could meet "Higher for Hire" cargo pilot Baloo and sky pirate Don Karnage on Disney Afternoon Avenue, located near It's a Small World. Both character costumes were amazingly well-done.

After meeting the ace pilots, guests could take a ride through Gummi Glen on the re-themed Motorboat cruise, try out the Rescue Ranger Raceway (Fantasyland Autopia) or pose for photos in front in plywood replicas of key locations from Ducktales. Mickey's Toontown was two years away, but Afternoon Avenue served as a very pleasant temporary stand-in.

Walt & Mickey Watch Five & Dime

The incredibly talented performers of Five & Dime bring a fantastic burst of energy and fun to Buena Vista Street. On your next visit to Disney California Adventure, try not to miss this wonderful act -- my favorite of all of DCA's entertainment.

My sister took this photo and caught not only the show, but a pair of very special spectators in the background.

WDW 1993: Cranium Command

1993 marked my Disneyland-lovin' west coast family's first trip to Walt Disney World. Like any good Disney fans back then, we'd read our Birnbaum and Unofficial Guide. We had a mere four full days to see as much as possible.

When our touring brought us to the Wonders of Life Pavilion, I expected Body Wars to be my favorite attraction there. I enjoyed the simulator, and nearly passed up the pavilion's second-biggest star, Cranium Command -- then I remembered a friend back home had recommended it.

I'm forever grateful for my friend's advice; Cranium Command turned out to be the single best, funniest and most ingenious show I've ever seen in any Disney park, and one of my top three favorite attractions in all of Walt Disney World.

The hilarious first-act "induction" movie knocked me out with its great character animation and Monty-Python edge as it introduced rookie brain pilot Buzzy and the non-stop blustery shouting of General Knowledge. The General truly made this show awesome; I can't think of any other Disney attraction in which a character loudly calls the audience "meatheads" and "miserable toads." He, of course, also shouted the immortal words, "Where do you think you are, Disney World?!?"

This fast-paced masterpiece intro was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, who became superstar animation directors with their very next film, Beauty and the Beast.

The General's banter continued as guests entered the main theater ("Are you waiting for your mamas to seat you?!?") It didn't take long for guests to realize the theater represented the inside of a boy's head, with forward screens functioning as the eyes. Cranium Commando Buzzy, now in audioanimatronic form, tried to guide his assigned human through a  disastrous day while managing and directing the heart, stomach, left/right brain, adrenal gland and bladder, played by 80's-90's era  celebrities such as  George Wendt, Jon Lovitz, Charles Grodin, Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Carvey, all providing frantic input via video screens.

Everything worked, and the show flew by with the intensity of a great ride. The comedy was brilliant, and both stories -- Buzzy's quest to be a good brain pilot and the human boy's extremely bad day at school -- all came together (via surprisingly kind advice from General Knowledge) for a completely satisfying, uplifting conclusion. I saw the show a half-dozen times during our trip, and the audience cheered loudly at the conclusion each time.

Essentially, Cranium Command presented an entire feature film's worth of plot, characterization and comedy within its 17 minute running time, staged in a unique and ingenious theater. It's a pity the show couldn't remain in Epcot forever. The one element that wouldn't age well  -- the celebrity cameos -- could have easily been swapped out with new guest stars. The story itself was timeless.

I vote for Cranium Command as the best non-ride Disney park attraction of all time. Any other Buzzy & Knowledge fans out there?

Goofy Vs. Fountains: Classic Humor at Paradise Pier

On the shores of Paradise Bay, Goofy has been delighting summer guests at Disney California Adventure with a series of quick, funny shows pairing him up with the World of Color fountains. Instant Concert!...Just Add Water is designed to delight all ages, but older fans who've grown up on the classic Goofy cartoons will most appreciate the familiar-sounding narrator who introduces "Maestro Goofy" at the start of each brief show.

True to form, things don't proceed quite as smoothly as the narrator would have us believe as Goofy finds his mechanical, water-spewing "orchestra" to be a bit temperamental.

It's great to see the impressive fountains put to daytime work in such a bright, breezy, light-hearted show, and even better to see Goofy featured so prominently in the day's entertainment. Slowly but surely, classic Disney cartoon references are bringing light-hearted old-time charm to Disney California Adventure. It began with the Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy's Sky School, and now continues through all of Buena Vista Street with nods to everyone from Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Clarabelle Cow. Instant Concert!...Just Add Water is a welcome and high-spirited blast of classic Disney fun. I hope it's just the beginning of a continuing series with the Goof!