by Jim Smith | Jan 30, 2024 | Disney, Extinct Disney Attractions, Spotlight
The screech of tires, the smell of burning rubber, the snap of a gun, a burning wall of flames, and a death defying fall. No, these weren’t film scenes from the dearly departed Great Movie Ride, nor were they demonstrations along the once great Studio Backlot Tour....
by Jim Smith | Dec 2, 2023 | Disney, Disney Parks & Resorts, Extinct Disney Attractions, Spotlight
(A version of this article was shared with Pirates & Princesses and published on December 2, 2023.) One fateful day in 1986, a young girl asked her father if he could please decorate their house with lights for Christmas. Dad said “yes.” But this was no ordinary...
by Jim Smith | Nov 13, 2023 | Disney, Disney Parks & Resorts, Extinct Disney Attractions
(A version of this article was shared with Pirates & Princesses and published on November 15, 2023.) “Hooray for Hollywood!” Since the days of silent films, cinematic stories have faithfully transported viewers from their own lives to another world (at least for a...
by Jim Smith | May 7, 2023 | Disney, Disney Spotlight Series, Extinct Disney Attractions
(A version of this article was published for Pirates & Princesses on May 8, 2023.) “A spectacular journey into the movies!” The Walt Disney Company is well regarded for creating wonderful stories – in theaters, on television, in books, and at...
by Jim Smith | Feb 16, 2023 | Disney, Disney Parks & Resorts, Extinct Disney Attractions
(A version of this article was published for Pirates & Princesses on February 15, 2023.) “You are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last. Those who seek the spirit of Norway face peril and adventure—but more often find beauty and charm.” These...