Don’t let your holiday gift giving become a nightmare. Give the gift of sweet nostalgia and magical memories to every Disney fan on your list. “Dispatch from Disneyland: Stories and Essays from the Happiest Place on Earth” contains over 25 beautiful stories and essays about… Read More »Give the gift of nostalgia and magical memories this holiday season.
The Disneyland family vacation is an American tradition. You may bring home a set of Mouse Ears, a scarf, or a photo album, but mostly what you bring home are memories. And what are memories, but mental reconstructions of an experience. A sniff, a story,… Read More »Give the gift of Disneyland Memories
We’ll let the historians debate whether opening day for Disneyland was July 17th, when the live TV broadcast and dedication was made, or July 18th, when the first public ticket was admitted through the gate. Either way, it’s a pretty remarkable thing that Walt’s little… Read More »59th Anniversary of Disneyland’s Opening Day
If you haven’t yet noticed, Father’s Day is fast approaching. If you have a Disney Dad in your family, may I recommend my book Dispatch From Disneyland as the perfect gift. It’s full of stories, essays, and interesting facts about the Happiest Place on Earth… Read More »What to Get The Disney Dad in Your Family for Father’s Day? I have a suggestion
Today is the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s classic attraction “it’s a small world.” To celebrate, I would like to share with you a story set in the famed attraction when it’s in its most twinkly phase at Disneyland – “It’s a Small World Holiday.” This piece was originally published in “Dispatch From Disneyland” my new book about the Happiest Place on Earth. But I’m happy to republish it on the blog today in honor of this great attraction.
Each year Disneyland transforms the classic “It’s a Small World” attraction into a holiday treat featuring the familiar dolls in holiday scenes and combining the classic song with Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls. “It’s a Small World Holiday” opens in early November and a ride on it early in the season is sure to get anyone in the holiday mood.
But sometimes …
It’s A Small World Holiday Nightmare
Dark was the night when our ship set to sea
With twelve lucky guests whose limits were to be
Tested and pulled to the ends of their rope
By singing and dancing dolls of good hope.
Our captain did load us too heavy a’stern
I questioned, but he said, “Go ahead, it’s your turn.”
So onward we went with our boat riding low
Nearly taking on water as it rocked to and fro’.
Thus did our journey start out that night
Toward a kaleidoscope building – a marvelous sight.
A rainbow of lights shimmered like twinkling rivets
And together they told of holiday spirits.
Inside the grand building were hundreds of children
Singing Christmas jingles like tiny little pitchmen.
They sang to a beat ever joyous and merry
“‘Tis the season of joy, so you better be wary.”
I’m pleased and honored to report that more excellent reviews of “Dispatch from Disneyland: Stories and Essays from the Happiest Place on Earth” have been received. Kyle at Laughing Place and Trevor at Flickering Myth each gave it two thumbs up. Kyle does a great… Read More »Dispatch from Disneyland – Save 50% Through End of March
A few more reviews of “Dispatch from Disneyland: Stories and Essays from The Happiest Place on Earth” have been published this last week. From my point of view, it’s great to see readers understanding my intent behind the book. I hope you will see something… Read More »Dispatch from Disneyland – New Reviews
“Dispatch from Disneyland” is not just a collection of stories and essays from the Happiest Place on Earth, it’s also my exploration of the interesting facts behind Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom.
Available now via DispatchFromDisneyland.com in special edition eBook or Amazon in print or for Kindle.
Update: Video of the Monorail dedication ceremony from June 14, 1959 is below the jump: