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 | Jan 30, 2023 | Best of the Best - Disney and Beyond, Disney, Lists, Role Call - The Best of Disney
(A version of this post was shared with Laughing Place on February 10, 2023.) They’re either utterly detestable or confusingly lovable. No, I’m not talking about boy bands, reality TV shows, man-buns, or Funko Pops. I’m talking about those runner-up, bad guy toadies...
by Jim Smith | Oct 5, 2022 | Disney, Disney Connections, Harry Potter, Universal Studios
Editor’s Update: March 10, 2024. “The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” — Albus Dumbledore Image: NBCUniversal Disney and Universal. Universal and Disney. Back and forth since the early...
by Jim Smith | Mar 21, 2022 | Best of the Best - Disney and Beyond, Disney, Disney Spotlight Series, Lists, Marvel, Role Call - The Best of Disney, Star Wars
(A version of this article was published for Laughing Place on March 22, 2022.) Fully developed characters are essential to great storytelling. Start with an inspiring hero, solid villain, a few supporting roles, and you’ve got the foundation for a good story. But...
by Jim Smith | Dec 29, 2021 | Best of the Best - Disney and Beyond, Disney, Disney Connections
What do you listen to on your way to work, on a morning run, or while taking the dog for a walk? For many – myself included – podcasts are as important a source of information (if not moreso) than reading the paper, searching a news site, browsing Twitter,...
