Disneyland's Court of Angels - why it shouldn't close.

"Hey, come this way.  I want to show you one of my favorite parts of Disneyland."

I led my group of fellow birthday revelers from the New Orleans Square train stop to the Court of Angels, a quiet, tucked-away stairwell.

I welcomed the explosion of "ooh"s and "aah"s, and the outpouring of excited comments, recalling they were quite similar to those I had years ago upon encountering the Court for the first time:

"It's beautiful!"

"See?  THIS is why I love Disney so much!  Because they work hard to respect their history!  BOOM!"

"It's spooky and magical and I love it!"

"NOW I feel like I'm back in NOLA."

The Court des Anges is a quiet, contemplative area that's tucked away in a pocket of New Orleans Square.  Legend says it was built to be an entrance to an exclusive jazz club that Walt had envisioned for the area, just before his death.  Since then, it's been a meeting place, the setting for many a family photo, the backdrop for hundreds of marriage proposals, and, for me, a spiritual center, a place where I can truly connect with the beautiful spirits that have traversed through over the decades - including Walt himself.

Now, there's word that this area will be closed off to the public, engulfed in a refurb for the members' only Club 33.  And I'm fitfully angry and near tears.  Club 33 already has their own exclusive area.  Why should this lovely space be off-limits to the general public, the park goers who come back again and again to Disneyland, many of whom look for spaces that truly typify the "real" Disneyland, the less-commercial, more magical and thoughtful places?




Here's a link to my blog post about our mystical visit to the Court: http://mid-centurymystic.blogspot.com/2013/02/disneylands-court-des-anges-our.html 

Please, Disneyland Powers That Be.  Please don't cordon off this truly special area to only an elite few.  Thank you.

Sunday on the Blog with Photos!

10 years ago, my Mom left us. I'm sure she's keeping pretty busy in heaven, taking care of small, sweet beagles, enjoying all the chocolate she wants, and teaching the angels how to make The Perfect Daiquiri.

Last month we visited Disneyland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my trip there with my Mom. We had the honor/privilege of dining at the ultra-exclusive Club 33. I ordered a daiquiri there, in her honor, placing the order the way I remembered she would: "I'd like a daiquiri made with fresh limes - no lime juice."

And that's what I got. With a Disney twist. Which I know my Mom would've appreciated. Because, as you can see, they're FRESH limes.

Love you, Mom (who just showed up,by the way. As I'm writing this, "In My Life" started playing on the radio. Followed by "Golden Slumbers")

Where Walt hung his sweater...

I'm so anxious I can hardly bear it. Just learned a bit ago that my trip to Disneyland for the book will have a very special element: a visit to the exclusive Club 33. Now, for those of you who don't know, Club 33 is a members' only dining experience, housed in what was formerly Walt Disney's very own apartment inside Disneyland. Part of New Orleans Square, it's located near the Blue Bayou restaurant. There's just a tiny sign outside that tells you where it is, otherwise you'd miss it. This fantastic opportunity is possible through the generosity of a friend of mine who knows one of the Club's members. Yes, this person will receive great honors and accolades in my book, you can bet your bippy.

This is the stuff of legend, "once-in-a-lifetime" stuff. We'll have brunch there, an "all you can eat" buffet of scrumptiousness unrivaled anywhere else at Disney, then explore the park. I've been to Land many times, but this visit will be very special; I'll only focus on the rides and attractions that were there at least forty years ago (following my book's criteria). More specifically, I'll focus on the things that were a part of one of my most memorable trips ever: my girls' only trip taken with my Mom back in 1971. Yes, 40 years ago.

Would Mom be jealous of my venture into this elusive venue? Of course she would be. But as I'm 100% certain she'll be there in spirit, I say bring on the grandeur. Mom would like ti that way. (They'd better have daiquiris with real lime, or she'll cause a fuss...)