Park Quote Wednesday

At Long Last, The Muppet Movie Soundtrack Hits iTunes

It's been a long, long wait for Muppet fans, but the wonderful, original 1979 soundtrack album that introduced "The Rainbow Connection" to the world has finally been released on iTunes and Amazon MP3.

Listening to this little masterpiece is like welcoming an old friend back home. The sound quality is terrific, the performances are incredible, and the Paul Williams tunes have gotten even better with time.

Of course, this album's been released to coincide with the film's debut on Blu-ray, Be sure to read Estelle's review of the movie at This Happy Place Blog and Melissa Sue's spotlight on the disc's bonus features at Mouse on the Mind.

The Muppet Movie is a charmer, and the music has always been one of its greatest strengths. The album stands on its own as a smoothly-flowing musical romp through Jim Henson's timeless world of optimism and wonder. If you've never heard this album, don't miss it--if for no other reason than to hear Miss Piggy try for that high note and fail so spectacularly--so jaw dropping-ly, mind-blowing-ly, glass-shattering-ly spectacularly. "Never Before" has a soundtrack been so funny and so touching at the same time.

Bengal Barbecue: Great Use of Tight Space

Sporting one of Disneyland's most whimsical bits of signage, Bengal Barbecue is one of the park's most unusual counter service food options. Tucked to one side of Adventureland's busy promenade, it features several varieties of skewers, including beef, chicken, vegetable, and the truly you-don't-see-that-everyday-at-a-theme-park Bacon-Wrapped-Asparagus. Mickey Pretzels and other snacks are also available, and the prices are reasonable.

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.

Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel

If you're exhausted from touring the parks and feel like relaxing at a bar, there's certainly no shortage of options at Disneyland Resort, from DCA's Carthay Circle Lounge to the Grand Californian's Hearthstone Lounge and the many offerings of Downtown Disney. For a full-blown, Disney-style themed mini-adventure, however, you'll find nothing else on property like Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.

From the moment you step in, you'll find yourself wrapped up in a unique fantasy-world-within-a-fantasy-world full of surprises and staffed by great Cast Members. From trick sinking barstools to volcanic eruptions and living tikis, Trader Sam's is, by far, the most universally embraced result of the hotel's recent remodeling. It's about as lovable as a bar can get.

The colorful drink offerings sport names like "Hippopotomai-tai" and "Lost Safari." You can even order a classic WDW Adventurer's Club Kungaloosh. Non-alcholic drinks are also available, along with a selection of appetizers including Fish Tacos and Spicy Asian Wings.

The indoor seating area is quite small, so try to hit Trader Sam's in the afternoon if possible, or prepare to wait for a spot (it's worth it.) Children are allowed before 8:00 PM; After that, it's adults-only. Even if you're not staying at the Disneyland Hotel, it's worth the short, easy hike from Downtown Disney.

There's Nothing Like an Invisible Hearse Horse

This post's title works better if you remember the 80's Genesis song "Invisible Touch." H'yuck.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World each host a unique ghostly horse outside their Haunted Mansions. In both locations, the spirit beast stands harnessed to a carriage hearse. Disneyland's hearse is painted white to match the New Orleans Square mansion's exterior, while WDW's hearse goes for the traditional Gothic black.

Park Soundtracks in the Digital Age

As many of you already know, Disney recently announced an August 20th release date for new park soundtrack CDs. Disneyland and Walt Disney World will each have their own updated 2-disc collection, with several new tracks. Of course, this is terrific news, but--for me--the best thing about this announcement is....wait...okay, before we continue...

Let's pause here a second to look at the covers. Raise your hand if you think the cost-cutting "One Disney" merchandising concept needs to stop.

Okay, moving forward to the best part of this news: These titles will be available on iTunes, Amazon MP3, and Disney's own online digital music shop!