I’d heard the devastating news that Horizons had closed in 1994. I braced for that reality on my trip from 12/19/95 – 12/27/95. I remember walking into the park from the International Gateway (it was relatively new) and I wandered over to Future World just to check things out and LO AND BEHOLD Horizons had been reopened! đ€Żđ
Here are my take-aways from the talk by Disney Legend Ron Logan. Ron is a professor and it showed, he gave a wonderful lecture that I think was one of the highlights of the event – such a magical surprise!
From 1990 – 1998 there was a firework display set to a soundtrack from movie hits with the Chinese Theater in MGM as the backdrop. The show was produced by Ron Logan and called Sorcery in the Sky.
An announcer introduces the guests to the show and shouts “Light, camera, action!” to set the stage. At this point, the sounds of a flickering projector and silent-era piano music play, which then segues into various movie themes, including those from The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The announcer then tells the guests about one of Walt Disney’s greatest film accomplishments: Fantasia. A medley of the various musical pieces from the film play before the grand finale, in which a giant inflatable Mickey Mouse in his “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” garb emerges from the top of The Great Movie Ride and shoots sparks from its finger.
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Sorcery_in_the_Sky
Some tales of note:
Ron gave a wonderful perspective about putting a show together like this from a production point of view. Lots of imagination and trial and error.
The SpectroMagic nighttime light parade officially debuted on the 20th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom, October 1, 1991.
The parade is about Mickey Mouse, along with the SpectroMagic Spectromen, who together create the power of SpectroMagic. After the first part of the Parade with Mickey Mouse and the SpectroMagic Spectromen, the parade then takes you though five different themes:
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/SpectroMagic
“The Worlds of Music from the Silly Symphonies”
“The Wonder of Sleeping Beauty’s Garden”
“The Fantasy of The Little Mermaids Ocean”
“The Imagination of Fantasia”
“And The World of Dreams in a Grand Disney Cavalcade”
Ron talked about how each float in addition to the lighting had to tell three stories. There was something to see in the front as it approaches, the middle/sides, and something also had to be at the end when you are looking at the back of the float.
In talking about how to create magic, Ron said the following:
You have an olive branch and a smile in one hand and a machete and a smile in the other. You gotta be tough and gotta be smart to make magic!
Some tales of note:
Ron’s presentation was a wonderful trip down memory lane and filled with interesting tidbits about the huge amount of work involved in creating these immersive and detailed productions.
… Present is all you have, So eat, drink and live merry.”
– Albert Einstein
It would appear the Future is less uncertain than we had hoped with the official demise of EPCOT’s Future World. Its been dead for a long time and this perhaps gives us the closure we needed. The future is also less uncertain now that we have an actual plan for EPCOT, something fans have all created our own versions of since Horizons’ demise.
Ironic that we live in the PAST about our FUTURE World isn’t it? Alas, let’s look to the future at our new EPCOT.
Two huge kidneys and a possible uterus? Either way, “Discovery” and “Nature” are ideals I think we supported from our Future World so I can get into this.
The original fountain design will return to the entrance of the park. But will my pixie haircut?
The previously announced refurbishment to Spaceship Earth will focus on “storytelling”. This of course is the one I am most anxious about and not just because I will have to update my tribute to Spaceship Earth website. I just hope it doesn’t have MORE DISNEY, MORE PIXAR, MORE MARVEL.
There was some flashy concept work shown at the D23 about the enhancements. I don’t want to read into it too much because I am trying to be grateful for what we have had with SSE to this point and to be open minded about the future. If it sucks, I have my memories. And my website.
Good enough. Another way to bring in MORE DISNEY?
Dreamers Point, – lush gardens, a wishing tree, an interactive new fountain and a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/
As long as there are trees and ample shade unlike the vast un-shaded expanse you get in front of the American Pavilion I support it.
It’s a three level building that looks pretty and mid century modern from the images and will offer great views of the park and fireworks which I’m sure involve … AN UP-CHARGE but I would love to be proved wrong on this.
“Rewind“. “Reverse launch“. “Rotates“. I dunno, I hope this isn’t “family -friendly” like Mission Space is!
“MAKE WAY! MAKE WAY!” is what I will be screaming as I walk through this “living” and “exploration” trail with water features. #MORE-DISNEY.
Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator. Please don’t let me puke in the elevator.
New movie. New attraction. New restaurant. New sing-along. Something new is fun but the rest I’m feeling meh about. Maybe its my lack of crepe desires holding me back? #MORE-DISNEY
My brain thinks I am actually flying through these movies leaving me hanging with a white knuckle grip off the leaning bar so I’m not AS excited about these announcements. I’m only mentioning it so I can post this –
A new attraction! A new neighborhood will be added to the UK Pavilion so that we can visit Cherry Tree Lane and visit the home of the Banks’! #MORE-DISNEY
I am happy to see this part of the park get the attention it so richly deserves. That said, I’m very worried about there being MORE DISNEY MORE PIXAR MORE MARVEL in a park that was previously extremely imaginative without these aspects. I also hope that I won’t barf in the space elevator or the Guardian’s Roller Coaster and that these new experiences (sans barf) are all included with the park tickets and not as up charges.
A full summary of these announcements without opinion can be found at The Disney Parks Blog.
There are SO MANY artists at the Festival of Arts but we got to see more work by a few favorites.
First up was meeting Ashley Taylor and having her sign an EPCOT specific piece titled âWorld of Dreams!â .
Ashley’s portfolio captures all the details of our most beloved attractions, movies, and shows with whimsey and skill. To top it all off, one cast member referred to her as “a true angel”.
Some of my other favorites of Ashley’s:
I’ve come across Dave Perillo‘s work at the Wonderground Gallery in Disney Springs before and his reimagined attraction posters as bright and cute!
Luckily for my dwindling wall space (and wallet) these posters are also available in postcard form. Some of my other favorites of Dave’s:
I came across Steve Thomas‘ art in the Acme Star Wars tent. The Endor poster caught my eye first but everything from his collection was something I would love to have.
In addition to the Star Wars fan art, Steve also has a series of art deco space travel posters, including travel to Ultima Thule!
We found some work by Mcbiff in the Art of Disney store outside Spaceship Earth. He will also be signing at the booth near Canada later this month.
His Trader Sam looks awesome!
If you are lucky enough to attend the festival when Jason Tiki Tackett is presenting I am jealous. He’s very inspirational and entertaining in addition to being very talented! He has a passion for the New York World’s Fair and is a fantastic digital artist!
I’ve written about some of my other favorites of Jason’s work before but here are some additional favorites of his work:
Cold and rainy day! âïžâïžđ§
Mostly walk ons at MK. All rides were running! No fastpasses needed.
Friars Nook – Creamy Macaroni & Cheese Tots
Caseyâs Corner – Plant-Based Slaw Dog
Begging Disney Ducks
******* BREAK TIME! ******
Ale and Compass Lounge
Still cold and rainy and now also windy! Just went to Mexico and back for dinner.
San Angel
Purchased art and had it signed by the Ashley Taylor! In the pouring rain! I hope it makes it back home.
Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake from Beach Club Marketplace for dessert.
The gorillas đŠ donât go outside unless the âfeels likeâ temp is 50 degrees. We found that out while going on the gorilla walk. No meerkats either.
Safari (Fastpass)
Navai River Ride (Fastpass)
Stella gave me a kiss at Yak and Yeti.
Then it got warm(er)…
Gorillas! No Lilly sightings but the CM said she is now 8 years old and the size of her Mom.
We took the bus from AK to EPCOT.
Bread bowl
******* BREAK TIME! ******
Met up with Ann who came in from Dunedin. Had dinner at Big River Brewing đ then drinks at the Belle Vue Lounge.
Since no one was outside the performers came inside the lobby so we saw the cutest hula hoop girl in a 30âs sailor swimsuit. She was adorable.
For a change of scenery we moved to the Ale and Compass Lounge and Aaron saw they sort if had my purple drank on the menu!
The âïž!!!!
Star Wars Launch Bay
Tower of Terror (Fastpass)
It was a little too much for Stella but she was compensated with cotton candy.
Muppets 3D (Fastpass) with Mom, Luke, and Stella while everyone else did Rockin Roller Coaster.
Sci-Fi Diner for Lunch then our first visit to Toy Story Land!
Slinky dog (Fastpass) đđđ
******* BREAK TIME! ******
Jiko
We took the bus to EPCOT from AK Lodge. That bus drops you off very far from the entrance!
SSE – a walk on
We met up with Mike and Sandi and enjoyed some EMH.
Cloudy, windy and cold all day. Started out with a leisurely stroll in EPCOT.
Then the Seas
Beaches and Cream for lunch.
******* BREAK TIME! ******
(Included a nap WITH THE HEAT ON)
Took Lyft to Poly. It was so cold that the Torch Lighting Ceremony was canceled as was the Dinner Show but they did a few numbers next to the Lounge.
Tambu Lounge – BEST Mai Tai on site.
Monorail was down so we had to take a shuttle bus. The bus had the extra stop of the Contemporary BEFORE MK. Trip took almost 40 minutes so we missed our window for quick serve before the fireworks.
Around Firework time the temp was damn cold for FL
Pooh – to kill time after the bus rush. Too cold to do anything else.
Got on the bus, not sure what time, but at 9:08 pm we noticed the driver drove to the wrong hotel. Instead of pulling into the Yacht Club, he drove to the Caribbean! We finally got to Yacht Club 17 min later. So we spent over an hour of our day for round trip travel to MK.
Got off at Yacht club Crewmans Cup to grab a bite and drink. Not much for vegetarians so I had mashed potatoes. ÂŻ\_(ă)_/ÂŻ
Sunshine Seasons for breakfast
SSE (Fastpass)
Color by number
Figment Art hunt
Chefs de France for lunch
An absolute favorite from APOD.
I’ve been thinking about this poster down the hall from me.  Its pretty, but its information about the sun is pretty spectacular. To really understand it, you have to go back to the basics about light.  We can only see light within a certain range of wavelengths and frequency. This range is called the visible spectrum.  Here is what this looks like in pretty picture form:
What’s a basic way to study light? Well, don’t stare at light and hurt your eyes. Please. A better method is spectroscopy – which spreads a light source out. You could use a prism for this.  As the full spectrum of visible light travels through a prism, the wavelengths separate into the colors of the rainbow because each color is a different wavelength. Violet has the shortest wavelength, at around 380 nanometers, and red has the longest wavelength, at around 700 nanometers. If the light doesn’t pass through any low-density gas, the spectrum shows no features and is considered a “continuous spectrum”.
If the light however passes through a cool “cloud” of gas, that “cloud” can absorb particular wavelengths and we can an adsorption spectrum.  If you don’t have a prism, you could instead use an imaging Fourier transform spectrograph (IFTS). You probably have one in the telescope you live in on top of that mountain right? A spectrograph is an instrument that separates incoming light by its wavelength or frequency and records the resulting spectrum in some kind of a detector. This device will produce a spectrum that features spectral lines. The appearance of spectral lines is caused by atoms and molecules in a material that the light is passing through. Those atoms and moelecules both emit and absorb radiation at distinct wavelengths.
Absorption lines will appear when there is a hot light source (like our Sun) passing through an intra-meaning cool material (like gas). The radiation is absorbed by the cooler gas causing the lines (or reduction in intensity corresponding to the spectral transitions of the elements in that gas).
For most elements, there is a certain temperature at which their emission and absorption lines are strongest. The lines you see in a star’s spectrum act like thermometers.
This picture below looks like its the poster down the hall from me, but upon close inspection, its actually different. Â The same scientist, Bob Kurucz involved with the original poster made a version 2. Â Â This spectrum below was taken through the atmosphere, through oxygen and water lines in addition to the solar lines.
In the spectrum on the wall, he has removed the O2 and H2O lines so the spectrum looks the way it would appear above the atmosphere. It is the way the sun would look from a planet or another star. Â And here is the poster I get to see every day.
First I was picked up at work in Bestie’s air conditioned Caddy and she whisked me away to the Friendly Toast in Burlington, MA. It was definitely better than the Inman Square location has been over the years.
Knowing how I long for the malls of the 90’s, Bestie took me into the Burlington Mall.  We got ignored in Sephora, played with the overly priced going out of business sale items at Brookstone, then she tolerated my need to visit the Disney Store.  It had the standard not too impressive stuff but I noticed some promo items for the Solo movie behind the cashier.  Turns out if you pre-order the movie they include a Lithograph Set.  I made the pre-order instantly, but what the hell am I going to do with these weird prints?
Then, for $1.19 I purchased an ABSURDLY large Solo tote.
The bar we planned to go to didn’t open till 5pm and it was just after 3pm, so then, Bestie decides to spend the time with an awesome surprise! Â Reflexology! Â She took me to Happy Feet in Waltham which involved a dimly lit room filled with the most orderly setup of beds where we got clothes-on massages. Â Total unexpected relaxation in the middle of an epic day.
After feeling like we had no feeling we stopped at The Outer Limits comic book store on the way to the car. Â I think I could spend HOURS in there but upon first entering I had my eye on yet another Han Solo item! Â Han Solo Hoth Coffee Mug! Â Bestie had it taken out of the case for a look. SOLD!
At this point – we are unstoppable. Â Next we hit up the Baldwin Bar in Woburn. Â Since neither one of us live in Woburn so we were only good for one cocktail each. We convinced the hostess that we would be in and out in 45 minutes and she agreed to seat us. Â I had the “Paper Sun” which was my first experience with Maurin Quina. Â I think it needs to be added to the rotation if I can find it!
While enjoying our libations we contemplated dinner. Â The result was a decision for South Shore bar pizza at the Lynwood. Â On our way there, we stopped at Bestie’s house to pick up her homemade KahlĂșa Cheesecake featuring a chocolate brownie crust covered in a decadent chocolate ganache . Â I will give you a second to read that again –Â homemade KahlĂșa Cheesecake featuring a chocolate brownie crust covered in a decadent chocolate ganache.
Truly one of the best days with the best company a woman who is emotionally 14 could ask for!
Dudes. I was hacked! We think we know who did it and they will suffer greatly. But in the spirit of living positively and leading with kindness, lets even it out. Please consider donating to this dude”s Pan Mass Challenge! The Pan-Mass Challenge raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dorfman is a multi-talented, hack-alterting, and awesome dude riding for the first time.
Look at the smile! You can sense the awesomeness!
If you need inspiration for why donating is important – I invite you to jam out to this video.