Mouse Extra

Could we actually be getting closer to what promises to be a very dramatic re-release of the long vaulted-up Disney film “The Song of the South”?  For the first time in many years, we can actually answer with a confident…um…maybe.

The Associated Press took a good look at the idea yesterday in an article carried by the Orlando Sentinel.  The new, and slightly more positive, public position by Disney CEO Bob Iger was voiced during the most recent shareholders meeting.  Many of you remember Iger said in last year’s meeting that he did not plan to re-issue it, but now things have apparently changed.

“The question of ‘Song of the South’ comes up periodically, in fact it was raised at last year’s annual meeting …” Iger said. “And since that time, we’ve decided to take a look at it again because we’ve had numerous requests about bringing it out. Our concern was that a film that was made so many decades ago being brought out today perhaps could be either misinterpreted or that it would be somewhat challenging in terms of providing the appropriate context.”

So what could be behind the change of thinking?  Iger notes “requests”.  Translate that into plain non-corporate executive public relations-isms and you get good old fashion money. 

The film’s reissue would surely spark debate, but it could also sell big. Nearly 115,000 people have signed an online petition urging Disney to make the movie available, and out-of-print international copies routinely sell online for $50-$90, some even more than $100.

Most Disney fans are united in the idea that the film should be re-released.  The animation is terrific and the music is some of Disney’s finest.  I, however, am not so sure.  I do see both sides of this argument.  No matter the context, or even the intention, this film depicts a painful division between the races.  Whether it is historically accurate or not, it is there, and it will be the responsibility of the current Walt Disney Company to answer for it.  If they decide that answering for it is not worth the money, then I respect their decision.

At the same time this is a piece of historical significance in the history of animated filmmaking.  And for that reason alone, people should get to see it.  It is not up to the Disney executives to decide for us what is and is not appropriate, and we should be awarded the opportunity to make up our own minds.  If it were that simple, I would call for the release.  Our own curiosity is not the only factor in this equation

Largely regarded as a top Disney World restaurant, Epcot’s Le Cellier is one of, if not the toughest ticket in all of the World Showcase.   If you are going to the Mouse, even in the slowest of seasons, you must make your reservations as early as possible if you want to try this terrific place.

I was an Epcot fanatic for years without ever even considering Le Cellier for a meal.  A Canadian steakhouse just didn’t seem to be all that interesting.  But as the Disney internet community began to grow, I became more and more intrigued.  The final straw came during my first trip to the Epcot Food and Wine festival.  There my wife and I both fell madly addicted to little cups of Le Cellier’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.  We had to try the place.   Of course I soon found the rumors to be true as there was no chance of getting into the restaurant for a meal during that trip.  It would have to wait.

By the time our next trip came around the hype was overwhelming.  Between WDW Today’s Mike Scopa practically weeping tears of joy every time the name Le Cellier was even mentioned, all the glowing online reviews, and our own expectation, we may have been setting the bar a bit high.  Thankfully, that was not the case.  It cleared the bar with room to spare. 

The interior of Le Cellier is as gorgeous as the rest of the Canada Pavilion.  It is beautifully appointed, authentic and understated.   It doesn’t attempt to overwhelm you with flash and glitz.  But like the country it represents, it is complex, classy, and inviting.  The colors, lighting and architecture all set a wonderfully warm atmosphere that settles you instantly from a manic day at Disney World. 

Steak is the specialty of the house, but everything on this menu looks terrific.  I was there with a large party, and all were very satisfied with their meals.  Make sure you try the aforementioned cheese soup and the Maple Crème Brule, which is just heavenly.  For lunch, I truly enjoyed the Asian Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and I also heard raves about Calgary Barbecue Sliced Prime Rib from the table. 

The one and only issue, and this could be purely bad luck, was that the service seemed slow compared to other Epcot restaurants.  Not bad, just perhaps overwhelmed.  Considering Le Cellier never seems to slow down at all, that shouldn’t be surprising.  But with that aside, I recommend this place as highly as I can recommend any restaurant in all of Walt Disney World.  Just get your reservation early, and prepare to wait even if you do.

Screamscape reported a rumor yesterday that Disney World officials are contemplating adding some Pirates of the Caribbean themed suites to the Caribbean Beach Resort.  For those who don’t know, there already are similarly themed units at the Disneyland Hotel.  Here’s a photo…

                                              photo copyright Disney

I have heard similar rumors for quite some time now, but not specifically at the Caribbean Beach.  The Disneyland version has reportedly been successful, so this would seem to be a logical addition.  It makes plenty of sense.  Such a renovation is relatively cheap, already been tested, and could re-awaken the public to the Caribbean Beach Resort, which is the oldest of the moderate offerings.

The problem I have is that Disney is once again catering to those with loads of expendable cash.  I believe this can go for as much as $2500.  I got a better idea.  Parts of the Caribbean Beach Resort are in need of some refurbishment.  How about we turn one of the sections into the Tortuga or Port Royal from the films?  (Maybe even both, as this idea has serious potential if I do say so myself.)  You can place decorations in the current rooms similar to those from the suites, give the whole place a coat of paint, add a pirate’s playground for the kids, and dress the pools up.  Then we can bring a fun, new hotel experience to guests that may not have cash falling out of their ears…like me.

I often get asked what Disney podcasts I listen to.  In a very short time, the choices have really become overwhelming.  Some are good, others not so good.  What I thought I would do today is give you five of the shows I listen to regularly and enjoy the most.  There are others that I download often, but these are the ones I make a point not to miss.

WDW Today –This show is a Disney World traveler’s dream.  It is hosted by Len Testa, co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, Matt Hochberg of mgmstudios.org, Mike Scopa of MousePlanet, and Mike Newell of Mouse World Radio.  They also bring in the occasional guest host.  Each one brings a wealth of knowledge to the show.  For anyone planning a trip to Orlando, listen to this as often as possible, but it is also for anyone just interested in hearing about Disney World.  There is an occasional two hour live show that allows the audience to call in and ask the experts advice.  (Just be aware they all have a strange obsession with Narcoossee’s)

Mouse Guest Weekly –Hosted by Eric and Dan, this show is unique to other Disney podcasts.  Terrifically produced and very well paced, Mouse Guest Weekly is an overall Disney show.  They don’t focus on news or rumors, just whatever they want to discuss.  It offers great features and music, and talks about movies, theme parks, and every Mouse related subject in between.  The best way I can describe this show is that it is just plain fun.  The hosts are genuine in their delivery, and they truly love the subject.  (hopefully I’ll be kicking Eric’s butt in fantasy baseball this year!)

WDW Radio –Hosted by Lou Mongello, author of the Disney World Trivia books, WDW Radio is for the true Disney addict.  Lou focuses on rumors, history, trivia, and news.  After listening a few times, you come to realize that he is an encyclopedia of Disney knowledge, but he doesn’t come off that way at all.  Mongello used to co-host Mousetunes, but when that show was cancelled, he started his own podcast.  WDW Radio far exceeds Mousetunes in nearly everyway.   

MiceCast –Hosts Greg and Mike define their show as a PG-13 show that’s, “not for the soccer mom crowd”.  The two former Disneyland employees couldn’t be more correct.  I like to call MiceCast the curmudgeon’s podcast.  They dispense with any noticeable production tricks and just start recording.  The profanity comes as the “adult beverages” start to flow.  But don’t mistake this for some amateur production.  Amid the drinking, laughing, and belching are two guys who are opinionated and knowledgeable and debate each other in a terrifically entertaining fashion.  (not for children, if you haven’t already figured that out)

Inside the Magic –this podcast is the best produced of all I listen to.  Filled from start to finish with great music, sound effects and park audio, Inside the Magic succeeds in making you miss the Mouse.

Today’s big news comes from Anaheim, where a ongoing political battle between Disney and the city has forced Disney to show their hand, to a certain degree, about expansion plans for the Disneyland Resort.  Today’s LA Times has a great story on this.

Disney won’t say what the latest plan is for Anaheim, but sources familiar with the planning process said Disney wants to mimic its Florida blueprint in Anaheim: add time-share units, bring its popular cruise line to the West Coast and zero in on high-end consumers with boutique hotels. New attractions for its lackluster California Adventure are in the works, and Disney is giving fresh consideration to its long-promised third theme park.

This is all about an affordable housing project near the resort that the company is trying to block.  Without getting too immersed in the politics of Anaheim, it seems as though Disney is floating the idea of a massive expansion in Anaheim to politicians in an attempt to keep them from developing the area….

The Walt Disney Co. sued the city last month to protect zoning in the 2.2-square-mile Resort District and block construction of a residential project that includes affordable housing. This week, it joined business leaders in seeking a ballot initiative that would lock in the resort-themed zoning it desired and require a citywide vote before changes could be made.

Corporate attorneys succeeded in forcing a councilwoman to abstain from voting on the housing proposal. And it held confidential meetings with city officials, presenting to council members a preview of some of their closely guarded plans.

So what does this all mean?  Well, if you ask the city of Orlando, it may mean nothing.  Disney has a long history of offering up “blue sky” ideas as a way to leverage political gains, especially in Florida.  Also, we must remember that Disney has always been unhappy with the development around Disneyland, which had an enormous influence on the Florida plans.  But that may not be what is at work here.  Disney obviously has some opportunity in California…

In Anaheim, there’s no shortage of demand. Disney’s three hotels — the original Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and the Grand Californian — are operating at an extraordinary 93% occupancy. Citywide occupancy rates hover around 72%.

But Disney won’t simply make their plans public, and that invites skepticism.  The natural conclusion is that they don’t want to be publicly obligated to a plan.  Councilwomen Lucille Kring is quoted as saying, “If that’s what this is all about, then why don’t they let the world know about it?”  At best, Disney does not have plans they like enough to commit to.  At worst, they simply don’t want affordable housing to intrude on the resort, and are playing a political game.  Either way, this fight is far from over.

I finally watched the new trailer for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 3; At World’s End.  I simply could not torture myself with two hours of Dancing with the Stars in order to see it, thus the delay.  (My apologies to fans of the show, it’s just not for me, I guess.)  While most people have been blown away by it, my take can be best described as “cautiously optimistic”.  It looks good, but there is cause for some concern.

Let me begin by admitting that I loved the previous two films, but Dead Man’s Chest did not stack up to Curse of the Black Pearl for me.  It was a good and entertaining film to be sure, but it lost the element of the first film that made it so special.  Curse of the Black Pearl had a whimsical quality and offbeat humor to it that reminded me of Walt Disney’s version of Pirates of the Caribbean in the theme park attraction.  It took the characters seriously, but played on the humor of the situation and even touched on the superstitious nature that made the pirates so entertaining. 

Curse of the Black Pearl was about pirates, through and through.  Sure some of those pirates turned into skeletons, but they were scallywags nonetheless.  Also, that sort of “ghostly” superstition goes hand and hand with a good pirate tale.  Dead Man’s Chest was more like a science fiction monster movie.  Gone were the dastardly buccaneers sacking towns, stealing gold, and chasing women.  Instead, we had a ship full of bizarre looking creatures that fell somewhere between Jar-Jar Binks and the Night of the Living Dead.  Then there was a giant sea serpent that seemed somewhat arbitrary to the story.  They were all fun, but not it was at all a great yarn about pirates.

When Captain Barbossa made his dramatic appearance at the end of Dead Man’s Chest, my hopes for Part 3 skyrocketed.  This is what was lacking from the second film; a snarling, dirty, rampaging pirate.  But the new trailer makes me wonder if we are getting a sea story, or another sci-fi fantasy film.  There are some new, none computer generated, human characters that just from their appearance have great potential.  It also appears as though we are getting a knockdown-dragout for a finale, so the potential is there for serious fun.  But the potential also exists for the film to go way over the top.

It took an amazingly long time to produce a trailer, and from most reports it’s due to the fact that the effects are literally being crammed together like a college senior studying for a chemistry final.  Can it all come together into a cohesive and entertaining end to the story?