Polish & Tarnish

appeared in my mailbox unassuming. As I pulled a large parcel apart from my bills, the silver lettering printed on the envelope glinted before me as it spelled out the words “THANK YOU” and “DISNEYLAND”.  A free gift... for me?? In that moment, and with that word combination, I almost felt as if the white crisp of the thick envelope may just be the clean slate the optimist inside of me was starving for. It wasn’t long before I recognized that the only vacated space here was what they believed my head was full of, and they were right to a degree; as I delved further into this sparkling snare, the look on my face gradually fell to a complete blank. I sighed. It was sweet while it lasted.

This FREE GIFT I speak of turned out to be a propaganda pamphlet, huffing pixie dust, disguised as a “Special Edition Commemorative Book” entitled ‘A Celebration of a Wish Come True’, and clothed in the kind of textured cover that those extra nice art magazines or pricier plastic cell phone cases are coated with. Right away, I recognized that the pamphlet’s size (8 1/2'' x 11 3/4'') and design was comparable to an infamous series of Disneyland souvenir guides, and to any seasoned Disneyland fan, their reputation preceeds them. These guides, first available in 1955 and last truly seen in the late 1990’s, were filled with hand-drawn, park-inspired art, live action photos of real guests enjoying fantastical attractions, explanations of exactly what Disneyland had to offer and were always ended with a teasing taste of what was soon to arrive at Walt Disney’s Disneyland. Initially, Mr. Disney had these guides mailed to residents all throughout the country prior to Disneyland’s Grand Opening. His intentions were to showcase his newest love-labored endeavor to the America he adored and wanted to entertain so much - and perhaps reach homes that didn’t have TVs yet and couldn’t follow ABC’s “Disneyland” TV Show, debuted in the Fall of 1954, hosted by Mr. Disney himself, and heavily featuring documentation of Disneyland's creation process and progress. Upon Disneyland's opening and until his death, Mr. Disney sold the souvenir guides within the park at a price lower than the cost of production (much to the chagrin of the miserly bean-counter) because he wanted every household in America to know about the park and have a copy on their coffee table. In that sense, I can appreciate the marketing homage, here, with this pamphlet– the Disney company has now repaved the Parking Lot (AKA California Adventure) with a significant facelift and wants to make sure everyone runs to the polished parks to see what’s ‘new’ and spend all their money. A nice attempt, but for me, the buck stops here.

Also included was a separate letter from the Disneyland President, himself, Mr. Not Jack Lindquist . Not surprisingly, the letter included with this pamphlet instantly reeked of the manure I am much more accustomed to smelling as opposed to their silver typeface tomfoolery. Written carefully and with utmost simplicity, Mr. Not Jack Lindquist told me how much he appreciated my support over the past [fiscal] year that instead of the fall edition of Backstage Pass (the quarterly one-sheet about park updates that is included with an Annual Passholder membership and delivered via snail mail – or not at all sometimes, depending on who you ask…), I get this COMMEMORATIVE BOOK, INSTEAD! I should have been elated, and like I said, I was indulged for a moment. But after giving this letter a read, and before even cracking my 'book' open, I knew I was about to catch a coach to Pleasure Island and leave feeling like an ass. Uh, thanks for the warning, at least…

... And onto the pamphlet. It has been clear for a long time that the Disney company would like to disown itself and start anew - sans the monetary profit Mr. Disney’s name garnishes the company’s feast pig with, of course. The “nostalgic” charm of the hand-drawn craft (also known as ‘art’ according to history and old-fashioned, unenlightened curmudgeons like myself) is one of the reputations they would seemingly like to break free from. “Computers are the future!”, they perpetuate with their modern portfolio. Given Tomorrowland’s stagnant, catastrophic state of “cleanup in Aisle 6!”, it’s easy to see that the future is very important to them. In non-sardonic dialect, I mean to say that the pamphlet I received in my mailbox did not spend much time in the Art Department (maybe because no one was there). Meanwhile, over in the CG department, it sure had quite an adventure in Photoshopland! Did you know that Sleeping Beauty Castle is now located in the center of the Hub and surrounded by Walnut trees in place of the Partners statue or that the ‘it’s a small world’ Clock Tower is the color blue again, a la the 1980’s? Or that they’ve relocated the ‘Critter Country’ sign to the other side of Splash Mountain? Yeah, me neither. Before this pamphlet got to the CG department, though, it needed images to trick-out. In rolls the Photography, and here is where that modern Disney propaganda kicked in with a flash.

It’s safe to say that most to all of the pamphlet’s pictures are carefully staged, or at least loosely set up. The original souvenir guides did have some shots that appear set up, but they are far beween and quite a bit less overt about it. Many of the pamphlets photos are so saccharine that you can even hear the photographers in your head as they remind their subjects of their blocking or how to react. That’s a horrible thought to give readers - they don’t need to feel like someone has to egg Guests on to have a good time at DISNEYLAND, and besides, Disneyland is one of the best places to capture candid, happy moments. Then, there are the not-so-hidden ‘subliminal’ messages the pictures are holding. The little girls pictured are decked out with their glitter, tiaras and ‘Princess’ garb, the little boys are mini Padawans, practically every child photographed is wearing some type of Disney character tee and the images captured are almost all centralized around children because Disneyland has somehow become only ‘for kids’. Disney has even gone as far as placing a ‘Spiderman’ temporary tattoo on one little boy’s forearm as he tries his luck with Fantasyland’s currently-inactive ‘Sword In The Stone’ show prop. There are also no photos of Disneyland at night, anywhere – not even a few fireworks – and I know photography has repaired itself of that little hiccup since the 1960’s. When Cast Members appear in the pamphlet, they are strategically placed to balance pictures out (such as placing the hefty one in the center, which is a recurring theme in here) appearing mannequin-esque while posing in their streamlined costumes and wearing plastic smiles. It seems only the musicians have managed to eek by with their integrity. And by the time I found the last page of my pamphlet (with no promises of what was yet to come either!) I certainly felt like I had been robbed of my own integrity too.

 Call it a mourning phase, but the loss of my integrity goes in hand with why I’m parading around on a rant about this pamphlet in the first place: it is just an advertisement geared towards people who have either never been to Disneyland before or for the average Guest who visits a handful of times in their lives. Perhaps if it were placed in the hands of the appropriate people, the CG ‘enhancements’, the lack of art or the product placement wouldn't be as jarring to them - if at all. However, this was placed in MY mailbox simply because I am one of many Annual Passholders… and the last kind of people Disneyland should have sent it to. I find it incredibly insulting that Disney thinks I would prefer this “A Celebration of a Wish Come True” ad-book-hogwash over my HALLOWEEN edition of Backstage Pass. I visit the park on a regular basis (like Passholders usually do…)  and I was then left out of any seasonal information Disneyland had to offer during my very favorite time of year. Instead, I got a dumbed-down commerical for something I already have access to. To add insult to injury, I soon came to find that this pamphlet was sent to select non-Passholder households as well. Is this really the consideration I get after I dish out 33% more in renewal fees this year? If Disneyland wants to celebrate this "5 year expansion project" with their fans, they should have sent Passholders something a Disneyland fan would care about and make use of. A commemorative button like they used to constantly use for promotions or another type of inexpensive collectible would suffice. Passholders don’t get too many perks and the ones we do get are beginning to outweigh the increasing price we pay each year, so finding something like one of those babies in my mailbox would be amazing and refreshing. And honestly, if they had given me the courtesy of sending this pamphlet in addition to my Backstage Pass, I really wouldn't have any reason to be upset. My bottom line is, I love being an Annual Passholder, but I’m so tired of feeling continually ripped off.

 In the end, my travels as a Disneyland Optimist continue, though at a faltering pace. After observing the way Disney has misconstrued Cinderella’s silver dress, I should have known beforehand that the enticing silver typeface glittering in my mailbox would only but tarnish and make me turn blue.

MATHerhorn

OOOAAAARRRR!! Me Professor Yeti. Or you can call me Mr. Snowman.

Me here today for very special occasion. Today is re-opening of Matterhorn Bobsledz! Today, Matterhorn get big transition. Though originally open in 1959 (June 14^th, almost same as today!), Matterhorn get similar transition back in 1978. That when I first move in and decorate with ice caverns. Also, bobsleds get big redo, much like today. Back then, new bobsleds double capacity and speed to make more exciting. Today, new bobsled only excite by being new looking and more cozy for awkward guest who no like snuggle. Me here to teach you a little history, math, and then later maybe me eat you.

In 1978, new bobsleds send 8 victim… umm, peoples… through mountain for me to scare instead of 4. Not every time there be all 8, but that maximum. Today, new bobsleds only send me 6 peoples at maximum. What happen to other 2? They have wait in line for next bobsled… or maybe I eat them. You having too much fun to notice which.

Average riderz per hour was 1750 in 8-seat bobsled, but now we have 1313 per hour. That 437 less peoples for me to eat every hour! Also, this mean you wait in longer line. Me show you.

75 mintuez? That like Space Mountain! Maybe you like longer line because you no like your friend to sit with you… If they no fit in same bobsled, me might eat them. Maybe you no like bumpy ridez, but bobsleds is supposed to be bumpy. Bobsleds is bumpy in real life!

Many peoples likes for fast rollercoaster. ROOOAAARRRR!!!! With less vict—riderz on sled, it not go as fast. That give me better chance to swipe up your little onez. Me show you.

Maximum speedz was 27mph with 8 peoples, but now will be slower ride. Less of bumpiez for you after all! You still follow Professor Yeti? Or have me confuse you yet?

Me make brief summaryz for you. 1959, Walt Disney make superior bobled runz, one of kind in world (still to todayz) and first steel coaster. In 1978, Disneyland double capacity, make go fasterz, and give you premiumz theming… including best part: Me! In 2012, Disney company give you glowing blue waterfallz (Me not know why.) and slower bobsled with no as much capacity. Me show you.

So next time when in line for Matterhorn, bring book to read for longer line and extra victim… er, friend for me. Heh, heh, hehz…

Out of the Blue

lue is statistically the most popular color in the spectrum. A deeper understanding of this account is the topic of a whole other discussion, so I’ll try to stay on target. I will say, for the record, that my personal favorite color is orange and very much not blue. I’ve read that color preference and personality types are inversely related, which corroborates this preface: I’m aware that my opinion tends to be in the minority.

A great deal of study has gone into the psychology of colors. Blue is known as the calm color. It’s associated with relaxation and often used in art and design for a soothing effect. Some cities like Tokyo and Glasgow have even experimented with soft blue lighting at night in an attempt to reduce crime. However, certain excess amounts and dark shades can also stimulate feelings of coldness and depression.

As someone who is not the biggest fan of the color blue, I say with as much objectivity as I can that the Disney Company seems to be a bit infatuated with it. They’ve got blue coming out the wazoo. I could nitpick any number of things like their former movie logo, or almost every single one of their DVD spines… (The Disney movie collection on my shelf looks like an aquarium tank.) A particular head-scratcher is the blue-zation of Cinderella’s dress. This has frustrated me for years, and I’m astounded at the almost conspiracy-like execution of covering up any evidence that her dress was actually SILVER. It was described as “gold and silver” in the original Charles Perrault novel, appears as white or silver in Mary Blair’s concept art, and remained a shimmering silver in the 1950 animated film. Yet every piece of merchandise and costumed character since who-knows-when has her in a very blue dress. Even a tailored screenshot on the back of the DVD box shows her sporting an inexplicably blue gown. Since I swore to stay focused, let’s just note that for now and move forward. I promise you though, this will not be the last you’ll hear from me on the Cinderella blues.

Hold on to your glass slippers for this: She's not blonde either.

 “it’s a small world” has a very devout fan base, even after 45+ years of praying for world peace. There’s no questioning the emotion this attraction still rallies, given the reaction to the 2009 makeover. Just a few years ago, whether or not you supported the Disney movie character cameos, rainforest reduction, and new “Mary Blair” “America” “scene” (I didn’t.), you couldn’t argue that the people still treasured these little singing children of the world. Even relatives of Mary Blair spoke up in protest, asking the Disney Company to not tarnish the attraction’s original messages of peace and unity. Tying in color influences, I often read that the façade and final show scene are white to symbolize purity, as children were chosen to represent innocence. I wonder then, how fans and family reacted to the blue-ening of the façade circa 1980..? I especially wish there were blogs and chat rooms available when it became an exhibition of pastels. (But hey, who didn’t have highlights in the 90’s?)

 Recently, we were given our first look at Matterhorn’s new night time lighting. In fact, it was hard to miss from across the park.

In-toxic-cating.

I’m not sure what the logical reasoning is for this choice of lighting. (Or should I call it “lightning”?) Either the plutonium usage of our time traveling caused a radioactive meltdown in the mountain (we did visit the 1959 bobsled run back in January, after all…) or the mystery of the abominable snowman’s existence is being explained through the revelation that Matterhorn is, in fact, from another planet. This sort of science fictionery may have flown back in the days when Matterhorn was billed under Tomorrowland, but most of us have accepted its life choice as a Fantasyland attraction decades ago and have since moved on. Perhaps the role-reversal was influenced by its painfully cartoony and un-Tomorrowlandish nautical neighbor.

We shouldn’t be surprised, as years of haphazard management and heedless aesthetic choices have left parts of the park – moreover, the park itself – with a major identity crisis.

But – as much as I tried not to – I digress.

So the falls are glowing blue. So what, right? “I think it’s pretty,” one might say. Perhaps it is, but perhaps it’s just another shiny thing to make us go “Ooh… Ahh…” Another cheap, er… cost-efficient trick aimed at the lowest common denominator to satisfy our need to simply see something new. All the while, disregarding any clear definition of what Matterhorn is or what the attraction is about. Not to mention the money and effort that was just put into giving the mountain a (fantastic) more realistic paint job. I will admit to some further bias here... Matterhorn has always been one of my favorites. Even before I ever rode the bobsleds, one of my favorite things was to pass through via Skyway and marvel at its majesty. Its sounds and smells were so perfectly immersive, and that creature inside dared me to make eye contact with him (though I never would). I was also fascinated with its maze of winding tubular track which begged to be deciphered. So you see it is with great respect for Mr. Disney’s masterpiece of a thrill ride that I choke at seeing it turned into a rave party by night. Perhaps Al Lutz was right about MatterHORNica after all…

It falls – pun intended – into a Disney trend of showiness without reason. I’m reminded of Madame Leota’s crystal ball, which now soars majestically through the air despite incantation logic, storytelling purpose, or regard for her own personal safety. Disney just has her do it… because they can. It’s new. It’s visually stimulating. And by gum, you’re gonna like it!

I’m reminded of something else – something about this particular lighting effect that just feels a little familiar, but from where…?

Lavender blue, dilly dilly.

 

Ah yes! All over the place. Talk about a primary color. Looks like Matterhorn’s falls aren’t the first landmark to get the LED treatment lately, and – in a place where trends overstay their welcome – I’m sure there’s plenty of cerulean cellophane to last Disney for years to come.

So why are we being treated to so much blue hum? Ginger once suggested to me that they’ve been subliminally planting Tron into our brains; I’m all for a good conspiracy theory as long as it includes glowing cocktails. Some Disney lighting director might simply have an affinity for this one particular color; perhaps polls have suggested that most guests – as statistics have shown – prefer it as well. In the spirit of Tokyo, we could be subjects of color psychology, slowly and subtly being lulled into a blue haze of serenity. Whatever the case, at least we can rule out the possibility that Disney would ever be persuading us to buy something…

 

Goodnight Sweetheart: An Addendum

"Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

– Walter Elias Disney 

his quote is the one - and often, only - argument people believe they have in their pocket when the Disney company tinkers with Mr. Disney's Disneyland. For those that believe Mr. Disney was referring directly to every move the future Disney company will make in removing something ‘old’ and replacing it with something ‘new’ within Disneyland, I can only hope they become a lot more educated on the philosophies that Mr. Disney ran his park by. The real truth is, as long as the Disney company’s only motivation is the dangling carrot of the dollar sign, there is no room left for imagination, at all.

 Unfortunately, this lack of imagination has been the problem for quite a while. The proof is in the pudding: there is nothing imaginative about a Prince$$ meet-and-greet. By removing something of historical value and replacing it with something that will help revenue for Disney’s still-going 'Princess' campaign the only people that are losing are the guests (have you noticed that Cast Members all over the park are now greeting little girls as ‘Princess’? Yikes...). Sure, plenty of little girls will be meeting a princess and reveling in the joy of being told she is beautiful… but that has been happening inside of the OTHER Fantasy Faire located at the Fantasyland Theater for quite a few years.

Upon proper use of Mr. Disney's quote, like Disneyland, I’m finding that writing for a blog is also something that constantly changes and grows. Because this blog is mostly about taking people on our adventure of re-discovering the history of Disneyland and the ideas of Mr. Disney, I thought it would be great to add a few links to follow my “Goodnight, Sweetheart” post addressing the destruction of Carnation Plaza Gardens. I figured a Wikipedia page would do it some justice, and perhaps somewhere, some like-minded fanatic had a full write-up about it, littered with the love and the research they carefully crafted together, meant to teach myself and everyone else about the Gardens. As it turns out, that wasn’t quite the case. Into Google, plugged in every query I could think of relating to the actual history of Carnation Plaza Gardens. Nothing. Each round, I became more and more creative with my queries but to no avail. However, the results did get were more than I could have asked for. Though I did not learn anything factually new about the Gardens, I did meet a WHOLE lot of people who are a WHOLE lot of broken-hearted about the fate of the stripes we wore proudly. This touched me. So, instead of including links to historical facts that we could all learn about the Gardens (only because there isn’t anything extensive enough to actually learn from, yet), I will include a list of various links to blogs and internet findings about the removal of Carnation Plaza Gardens. An objective list, but all together an example of the impact of the loss Disneyland and its guests have suffered - whether they realize it or not.  

As you can see, I have only enhanced my former blog entry with additions of new and better ideas that help support its effectiveness and then added something necessary but separate at the end of it. This example is most likely what Mr. Disney was referring to when he made his infamous quote. I would also like to emphasize that unlike the Carnation Plaza Gardens, my original blog entry is only a week old and has not been bringing memories and dancing feet to incredible amounts of people for a good 46 years.

And now, finally, to the links. I will be adding to these so if you know of some that should be included, please let me know!

 Anaheim Historical Society Blog  

Vintage Disneyland Tickets has some oomph in their step! 

The Orange County Register asks readers to share their memories

 CPG tags on Tumblr Holy Coast has something to say  

Becky's Tour of Disneyland shares some memories

Save The Carnation Plaza Gardens Petition  

Inside The Magic covers CPG’s last Swing Dance night

A loving tribute from Behind The Thrills

D.L.R. Best and Worst

Anne gives a sentimental goodbye at The Best Possible Job 

(list updated 12/28/12)

Goodnight, Sweetheart

henever someone asks me a question about Disneyland, I begin with the technical name for whatever it is I was asked about. I then proceed to wince a little after I say those words hoping that whatever term I just threw out there (I choose to mention the true name because I feel they should know or learn) strikes a chord within them and that I don’t have to explain, explain, explain. That part, as essential as it may be, usually really bores the question-asker because they feel like they only asked me a ‘simple question’. In response, I either find a face that lights up with recognition and lets me know I may continue my thought or I get that confused, dull, unknowing stare that makes every Disneyland-aficionado’s stomach sink. And typically, if the term does not have the word ‘mountain’ in it somewhere, I *only* get that dull gaze – and that sinking feeling - my wince was preparing me for.

But something is different about that little infamous performance stage just off of Main Street, U.S.A..

The one question people ask me most is, “What do I ABSOLUTLEY HAVE to do when I go to Disneyland on my next trip?” And because I use this to my advantage, I tell them the most urgent information I have for them at the time. Ever since that fateful day in 2011 when the powers-that-be at the D23 convention announced the defamation of Carnation Plaza Gardens by converting it into the Princess Fantasy Faire (currently located at the Fantasyland Theater), I almost can’t breathe when I mention it.  So, right now, and with a deep breath, I tell these future guests: “You HAVE to go to Carnation Plaza Gardens. Grab a seat and enjoy the entertainment. If there is none, take in the beauty and the history there and have a little snack!” And right about here is when I do my wincing, because it actually physically hurts me when someone doesn’t know classic Disneyland. But, each time I say the words ‘Carnation Plaza Gardens’ every single person's face lights up like magic. “Yeah, I know that place, I love it there!” they exclaim. Never a dull, unknowing stare, not a once, and I will admit that it is a very pleasant surprise. To this day, I have not had to explain about or give directions to assist anyone on their way there – they all know exactly where to go. It's then that I wince for them because I have to deliver the news about the ‘Princess’ cash-cow phenomenon the Disney company is still squeezing blue milk from. Their faces grow concerned, then saddened and they shake their heads dissaprovingly. “Wow, that’s a shame… that has been there for as long as I can remember. I will make sure to stop there.” Every single time. These words are not from annual passholding people like the ones that run this blog. They are from many different people and they are your average Disneyland guest. They see Disneyland only a handful of times throughout their entire lives and they only remember a handful of things that stick with them over the passing of years. Clearly, Carnation Plaza Gardens has this sticking quality and it creates the kind of memories people like to hang on to. After all of the conversations I’ve shared on the subject of classic Disneyland, that quality is one that is very hard to come by, indeed. Then, there are those annual-passholding-Disneyland-freaks-and-bloggers, like me, who can’t help but see hearts in our eyes for reasons there are not enough bullet points in the world for when we see that red and white gazebo and pass beneath that infamous sparkling sign.

I am about to say some of the harshest words for me to utter:  Walt Disney is dead and has been for 46 years. I am rudely reminded of this every time I visit Disneyland, but here, I acknowledge it in writing. Fortunately, he’s the man who invented Disneyland and I’m able to enjoy his true spirit when I visit places there

like Carnation Plaza Gardens. With this overwhelming blaze-faire attitude the modern world has developed about how change is “inevitable”, it makes me wonder if anyone realizes that we have the power to both change AND preserve things. Also, that some things don’t need to be changed just for the sake of changing it. Since the Carnation Plaza Gardens opened on August 18, 1956, it has been and still is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the park. And not only that; it has consistently attracted to its stage some of the most incredible talent in music, including The Elliott Brothers. It’s given the people a place to dance their cares away - especially the swing dance crowd - and given romantic date-niters the chance to "dance slow and dream". There are even routes designed

to funnel people into this spot. What made the Gardens a target for this change? Is it the red and white stripes? Is it because it doesn’t have a plushie depot for guests to throw their money at (well, heck, I’d buy a plushie of the Gardens, it would be refreshing!)? Is it because it is an area that is not often in use? If that’s the reason, I definitely have 2 things to say about that:

1. There is a list I could run off of places in Disneyland that are not used very often – if at all – that this ‘Fantasy Faire’ could be relocated. For the purpose of your attention span, I will only mention two.
•  There’s ‘Character Corner’, a platform that was built by taking out part of the Motor Boat Cruise lagoon when they decided ‘Light Magic’ was a good idea. This often unused area is actually INSIDE of Fantasyland, which would also please many of the nay-sayers that feel the Faire would be removing something that belongs within Fantasyland and spilling it into Main Street, confusing the atmosphere.
• What’s wrong with the actual space the Princess meet-and-greet is already in? I realize it is originally the Fantasyland Theater but it hasn’t been that for quite some time now and has not been used for anything of much significance since Videopolis was shut off in 1995 after a 10 year run. I am not privy to inside information or future plans for the park until they announce them to the public, but I am beginning to think someone there has a serious problem with guests dancing on the Disneyland grounds. However, I do know it was never Mr. Disney. My point here is, I am willing to give up the Fantasyland Theater completely if it means keeping the Carnation Gardens and all of its history alive. And that says a lot, coming from me.



2. Why not actually utilize the Gardens of its full potential? Guests are drawn to this area whether there is something happening there or not. They can be seen having an ice cream, coffee, or a chit chat, reading a book and even sometimes enjoying a very nice cuddle. It is an area of the park that deserves to be paid more attention to and guests actually want to give it their attention. That says public demand to me. It is these adults that are paying the tough price of admission, why not give them some kind of sanctum to actually enjoy themselves? Why not take a page from Disneyland's very own history and recognize that the power of more live music might stimulate both children AND adults… together? That is, afterall, the one reason Disneyland was dreamed up for in the first place…

Sadly, the most likely reason the new location for the Princess Fantasy Faire has been chosen is because it is immediately at the exit door of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - you know, that place where little girls go to look like Cyndi Lauper if she had ever gotten a makeover from a retired Ice Capades skater with a penchant for 90’s hair extentions. 

Despite my exhaustive rant and the many people I’ve urged to handcuff themselves to the Carnation Plaza Gardens elegant gazebo poles, the fact remains that after today, April 29, 2012, the Gardens will no longer exist as we know it. Happenings such as this one are the purpose that ‘…But It Wasn’t Always That Way’ has come to be, and in that respect, I wish it didn’t have to exist at all. But harsh reality is the theme of this blog entry, and that is just another one. For this reason, we have decided to dedicate our entire blog to the memory of the Carnation Plaza Gardens. It is the perfect paradigm of those that have come and went before it, and those that will surely follow. It is only bittersweet at best, but this time the Gardens are a loss that will not only make just me - but EVERYONE else - wince and stomach-sink in unison.

In some strange, ironic way, Mr. Disney is still bringing us all together... side by side.

Carnation Plaza Gardens, 1956 – 2012

"With the playing of 'Goodnight Sweetheart', we are very sad to bring
 this dance to a close." - Bill Elliott, 1956