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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Disneyland celebrates 70 years of magic - from napkin sketch to global icon
Walt Disney unveiled his ambitious plan to the world for a theme park unlike any other 70 years ago as Disneyland opened its gate in Anaheim, California, 70 years ago today It began with a dream and a sketch on a napkin. Seventy years ago today, Walt Disney unveiled his audacious vision to the world - a theme park unlike any other, a place where fantasy met reality, and children and adults alike could escape into storybook worlds. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim, California, becoming known as 'the happiest place on earth'. Walt Disney, already an icon thanks to Mickey Mouse and Snow White, stood proudly alongside the park's creators in Los Angeles in 1954, poring over blueprints and pointing to pencil-drawn dreams. In one photo, he is seen waving a baton over sketches of Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. By the following summer, the dream was ready to become reality. On Opening Day, Disneyland welcomed a capacity crowd of 28,000 guests, though the day was famously chaotic. The weather was scorching, the drinks ran dry, and a plumber's strike meant either drinking fountains or toilets - Disney chose toilets. But none of that mattered to the crowd or to Disney. Beaming Walt rode down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage flanked by two children, waving to visitors and passing the Frontier Trading Post. Just around the corner, actress Adelle August played the role of Esmeralda, the fortune teller, adding to the carnival-like celebration. Among the star-studded guests that day was actor and future US President Ronald Reagan, who joined fellow Hollywood figures in christening the park. A photo from the time captures him smiling in the sunshine, just hours before Cinderella's horse-drawn coach glided past visitors during the Opening Day Parade. The rides that day included the gleaming white Mark Twain Riverboat churning through the manmade waters of Frontierland. From the air, Disneyland looked compact at just 160 acres but set alight with ambition. An aerial photo taken in 1955 reveals the park nestled among orange groves and flat farmland, far from the sprawl of present-day Anaheim. Inside the gates, guests sipped on sarsaparilla and cherry phosphate at The Parlour on Main Street, while treating themselves to parfaits and 'Lover's Delight' ice cream sundaes. Over the decades, Disneyland would grow and evolve, with Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion joining the roster of attractions. But its heart never changed from Disney's dream of a place where 'age relives fond memories of the past… and youth may savour the challenge and promise of the future.' A poignant image from the 1960s captures him on the lawn before the Magic Kingdom's castle, sitting with his grandson, not as a tycoon but like any other grandfather at the park. Behind them, Sleeping Beauty's Castle is seen, which today remains the enduring symbol of a park that became a cultural cornerstone. Today, Disneyland's influence stretches far beyond Anaheim, with Disney parks on three continents. But it's that original vision that continues to define the magic. As Walt Disney once said: 'Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.'
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![[Kim Seong-kon] We keep waiting for 'another world'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Kim Seong-kon] We keep waiting for 'another world'
Everybody fantasizes about another world. We do so especially when we are disillusioned with our present reality. It is no wonder that amusement parks have places like Fantasyland, Dreamland or Tomorrowland. In his stunning 1962 novel, 'Another Country,' African American writer James Baldwin dreamed about another world where the taboos of contemporary society were absent, such as those prohibiting or condemning interracial marriage, homosexuality or bisexuality. He envisioned a country where racial, sexual and political biases do not exist. The problem is that there is no guarantee that the alternate world we fantasize about will turn out to be better than the present one. Although we now live in a world where the prejudices of Baldwin's time have themselves become taboo, our society is still far from paradise. Communism is a good example. When rich capitalists exploited destitute workers ruthlessly, Karl Marx dreamed about a paradise of equal distribution of wealth. Unfortunately, his dream, when made actual, turned out to be a nightmare of equal distribution of poverty instead. Still, however, we cannot help seeking another world where we can be happier and wealthier. When and if we are disappointed in 'another country,' we might begin to explore yet another 'another world.' Although our quest for a better world will continue, it cannot be forever satisfied. The same goes for the presidential election. We cast a vote for our future leader, expecting 'another world.' We hope that our new president will change the world for the better, so we can live happily and comfortably in economic stability and rock-solid national security. To our disappointment, however, all the previous presidents in our country have made us unhappy and miserable in one way or another, despite their merits. When we complain about the pain-inflicting president we have wrongly chosen, those who did not vote for him deride us, muttering, 'You deserve it.' In the past, some of our presidents wrecked our internationally coveted economy with their imprudent populism and misguided real estate policies. Others jeopardized our already precarious national security by steering the country in the wrong direction. Some of them used our country for the experimentation of their outdated socialist ideology and others were so myopic and parochial that they could not wrap their heads around radical and rapid worldwide changes. Some of them were so clumsy in diplomacy that they irrevocably ruined good relations with other countries, still others embarrassed us by their obsequious attitude toward the arrogant leaders of big, bullying countries. When we are disappointed in our current leader, we vote for another candidate at the next presidential election. Yet, the outcome is always the same. No matter whom we elect, he cannot meet our expectations. That means we will not be able to live in paradise for good. Of course, our political leader could make us live in a completely different 'another country.' For example, he may turn our country into a totalitarian socialist country that defies liberal democracy. Or he can turn our country into an authoritarian country where he, as a tyrant, dictates everything as he wishes and oppresses his people with secret police. Either would be a nightmare to us, far from a utopia or paradise. That is why we must think twice before casting a vote. A wrong choice will mar not only our beloved country, but also our precious lives. If we really want to live in an ideal society, we must choose a leader who exhibits decency, integrity and nobility. He should be honest, credible and reliable as well. That means he should know the weight of his words because we cannot trust anyone who keeps telling lies or changes promises whimsically. He should be law-abiding, too. Moreover, we need a leader who knows the world quite well and will steer us on the right path in the whirlwind of international crises. Some people do not want to vote because they are disillusioned with hopelessly low-level political skirmishes. Others do not vote because they are not interested in politics. Instead of lining up at the election site, therefore, they choose to go on a hike or fishing. At a crucial time like these days, however, we cannot give up the opportunity to choose the right leader who knows where to turn at the crossroads and how to avoid the crossfire between our neighboring countries. Some people may think that they have nothing to do with politics or ideological brawls. But they are wrong. In the American TV series, 'Into the Badlands,' a woman named Odessa says, 'I thought we could just sit back and let everyone else fight for a better world. But the fight came for me anyway.' We want a better world. We strongly hope that our future leader is a respectable, competent one who can build the utopian 'another world' we so desperately need.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The evolution of Florida's iconic theme parks: a journey through time
As we approach the opening of Epic Universe, WFTV has put together a list of Central Florida's theme parks. Don't miss out on the chance to watch archive Channel 9 coverage of these beloved parks, showcasing their history and highlights. Also stay tuned for all the latest updates as we get closer to this thrilling new addition to the world of theme park. Founded by Owen Godwin near Orlando, Gatorland is a wildlife preserve known for hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. Visitors enjoy live shows, gator wrestling, and zip lines throughout the park. This classic Florida attraction is focused on native wildlife conservation. Cypress Gardens, opened by Dick Pope Sr. in Winter Haven, was Florida's first commercial theme park, famous for botanical gardens and water ski shows. Legoland Florida replaced it in 2011, offering Lego-themed rides and family attractions for kids 2-12. Located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, created by Walt Disney's company, Magic Kingdom is the first park at Walt Disney World Resort. The park was inspired by Disneyland's design, with themed lands like Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Fantasyland. Magic Kingdom is known for Cinderella Castle, iconic rides like Space Mountain, and a spectacular fireworks show. George Millay and partners founded SeaWorld as a rehabilitation program to help injured or orphaned animals. The park features marine life exhibits, animal shows, and thrill rides. It also aims to educate guests about ocean conservation through interactive experiences. Circus World in Haines City opened in February 1974. The park was sold several times and finally closed in May of 1986. It was remodeled and reopened as Boardwalk and Baseball in 1987, but closed due to low attendance in 1990. EPCOT opened in October 1982, celebrating technology and culture. The park features Future World's innovations and World Showcase's 11 country pavilions, which offer authentic food and entertainment. EPCOT is dedicated to celebrating human achievement, technological innovation, and international culture. One of Disney's water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, opened in 1989 and features a giant wave pool and themed slides. The theme park story involves a storm wrecking a tropical paradise. Originally Disney-MGM Studios, it spotlighted movie-making magic. It was the third of four parks built at Walt Disney World. The park hosts lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. Themed as a ski resort melting in Florida heat, Blizzard Beach opened in April 1995 as the third water park. Its theme is the 'Disney legend' of a freak snowstorm in the area, and it becomes Florida's first ski resort. Universal Studios opened on June 7, 1990. It was the first of three theme parks to open at Universal Orlando Resort. The park was created to bring Hollywood movies to life. Universal Studios Florida offers rides based on films like Jaws, Transformers, and The Mummy, plus live shows and immersive experiences. The park operates annual events such as Halloween Horror Nights, where the park transitions to a Halloween theme featuring haunted houses and scare zones on select nights. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and was the fourth theme park built at the Walt Disney Resort. The park is dedicated and themed around the environment and animal conservation. The theme park features Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Pandora – The World of Avatar with groundbreaking attractions. Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, along with CityWalk, opened on May 28, 1999, as part of a significant expansion that turned Universal Studios Florida into Universal Orlando Resort. Islands of Adventure is designed around the concept of exploration, with each section of the park representing a different themed island, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. SeaWorld Aquatica opened on March 1, 2008, and is themed to the southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand-based animal mascots. Some rides feature passing through animal attractions. Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is a tropical-themed water park. It replaced Wet' n Wild as Universal Orlando's only water park and the third theme park overall. The water park introduced TapuTapu wristbands for virtual queueing and cashless payments. Centered around a volcano, it offers thrilling slides and immersive tropical theming. Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, is the first major new park in Central Florida in over 25 years. Featuring lands like Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, it promises groundbreaking rides and immersive storytelling. WFTV will cover the grand opening week with exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access. It's one of the most anticipated theme park expansions in Central Florida, which will open this week, and WFTV Channel 9 is your home for everything Epic Universe. This week, our team is bringing you in-depth coverage of Universal Orlando Resort's new theme park: Epic Universe. Channel 9 will show you sneak peeks inside its five immersive worlds. Journey to a Celestial Park between worlds at Universal's Epic Universe LIVE BLOG: Get your first look at Epic Universe Universal opens preview center for Epic Universe this summer Epic Universe district to get hundreds more acres Universal Orlando shares new details about 'Super Nintendo World' at Epic Universe Universal Orlando shares first look at Epic Universe, new theme park opening in 2025 Epic Universe hotel demand expected to mirror '4 or 5′ Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds Universal releases official first look inside Epic Universe Universal Orlando Resort will showcase 'portals' to Epic Universe in these major US cities Universal Orlando Resort announces Epic Universe add-ons for guests Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
USA Today
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Suits LA' is the dollar-store spinoff we didn't need: Review
Hear this story NBC is giving the people what they want: More "Suits." Except that's not actually what they're doing. The USA Network legal dramedy, about a genius pretending to be a lawyer and the mentor who enabled him, was a solid performer in its 2011-19 basic-cable run, but it exploded in popularity in 2023 when it arrived on Netflix. All of a sudden "the green back boogey" was trending again, and NBC was more than happy to capitalize on it by extending the franchise. But making more "Suits" in its original form is impossible, and not just because one of its stars is now a duchess. So NBC entrusted "Suits" creator Aaron Korsh with a spinoff, and what he came up with was "Suits LA" (Sundays, 9 EST/PST, ★½ out of four) a bargain-basement version of its parent show. There are the trappings of the original series: the pretty people in business formalwear, kicky music, fast-paced dialogue, full-frontal flirtation and a legal system that exists only in Fantasyland. But it's missing the humor and fun of the original series, an integral part of the addictive tone that makes it so very binge-watchable. Plus it lacks a unique hook or characters anywhere nearly as appealing as the beloved Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) or Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams). "Suits LA" is what seltzer is to soda: Sort of, almost, not really the real thing. Your La Croix gives you a hint of strawberry, and "LA" will give you a smattering impression of "Suits." The dissonance starts from the very first scene of the first episode, in which we see our ostensible hero, Ted Black (Stephen Amell, "Arrow"), as a New York federal prosecutor in 2010 threatening a mob whistleblower before both are caught in a bomb blast. In the present, Ted's life is completely different: He's the partner at a swanky Los Angeles law firm, now working in entertainment rather than as a prosecutor. His partner Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt) is his best friend and confidante, though Ted doesn't respect Stuart's criminal-defense specialty. That difference between them proves rather problematic when Stuart tricks Ted into merging their firm with another that's coincidentally run by Ted's ex, Samantha (Rachelle Goulding), and then cuts his partner out of the deal. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Ted struggles to keep what's left of his side of the firm alive after losing half his staff, including mentee Rick (Bryan Greenberg), to Stuart. He's left with Erica (Lex Scott Davis), an ambitious entertainment lawyer he doesn't fully trust, his loyal secretary Roslyn (Azita Ghanizada) and quirky associate Leah (Alice Lee). Oh, and his top client has just been arrested for murder. There's just too much going on in the messy, hard-to-follow pilot, and barely any time to meet the characters, let alone being to feel for them, by the time the big betrayal happens. (By comparison, CBS' "The Good Wife" took five seasons to get to its law-firm split). By the time you've processed Stuart's move, there's another puzzling element thrown in, like the flashbacks to Ted's career as a prosecutor which featured his estranged father and some vague terrible incident. Or there's John Amos, who died in August, appearing as himself and verging on the "Magical Negro" trope that can be found all over American TV and film ― a wise old Black person who only exists to impart wisdom to a white character ― as he gifts advice to a floundering Ted. It's all a big tonal jump from the original series, which was campy and lighthearted, with frequent phallic jokes and an infamous dream sequence about the trial of "Faye Pooperson." Amell, known for his subdued performances and public controversy, lacks the magnetism of Macht and Adams. And the central relationship in "Suits" was not a romance but a deep friendship between those two men, while "LA" blows up its only chance to recreate that in the first episode. The appealing moments that feel most like "Suits" are between Erica and Leah, two supporting characters tasked with the series' Hollywood lawyer B-plots, like getting an actress out of a contract on an indie film or introducing "The Office" star Brian Baumgartner to Patton Oswalt (both also awkwardly playing themselves). But when the camera turns back to Ted's increasingly dark life, things sour. The series was originally imagined by Korsch as a show about Hollywood agents, and it was only after the Netflix bump that the creator was asked to rework it into the "Suits" universe. In the three episodes made available for review, it's easy to see how many concepts were pasted on top of each other to fill the running time: Baumgartner's crowing about wanting an Oscar doesn't gel with flashbacks to a New York prosecutor's war on the mob, which doesn't make sense juxtaposed with scenes about a high-profile Hollywood murder case. It's not enough like "Entourage" to be a Hollywood romp, not "Law & Order" enough to be a serious legal drama and not "Suits" enough to be compellingly bingeable. Without a bit more heart and soul, the spinoff is just a pretender in a nicely tailored suit.
