These first two pictures were taken of the Indy Speedway from the Skyway. In the first picture, look to the left and you can see the 20,000 Leagues building. And if you look toward the back of the picture, you can see the monorail and steam train roundhouse.

In this next picture, look toward the center. You can see the monorail spur that runs to the roundhouse. Also notice the construction trailers. A lot of work was still underway in those early months. And the lack of landscaping was apparent everywhere.

This picture was taken from the steam train looking over vacant land. This land would one day be occupied by Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain.

This picture was also taken from the steam train, a little further down the tracks. Notice the “Cabin on Fire” on Tom Sawyer Island. Construction had not even begun on the guest portions of the island, but Disney made sure there was something to see while riding the Joe Fowler steamboat – not much, but something.

This final picture was taken from the Skyway in Fantasyland, looking across an unfinished Tom Sawyer Island. You can see the steam train in the background.

A: It’s because Adventureland is located on the west side of Disneyland in Anaheim. When planning the Magic Kingdom, Imagineers used Disneyland’s layout as a starting point when designing their new park.

Q: Do you know why Adventureland is located on the west side of Disneyland?

A: Original plans called for the “True Life Adventures” (later to become the Adventureland) to be located on the east side of the park between Main Street and “World of Tomorrow” (later to become Tomorrowland). This can be seen in an early concept drawing by Herb Ryman.

But while surveying the orange groves that would eventually become Disneyland, planners found a windbreak of giant eucalyptus trees that had been planted around the turn of the century. Ironically, these trees helped determine the location of Main Street as it was decided that they would make a nice backdrop behind City Hall and help delineate between “civilization” and the “jungles of the world.” Thus, Adventureland was moved to its current location on the west side of the park.

These trees, now over a hundred years old, are clearly visible in an early Disneyland postcard and are still visible today.

Today I tried their Roasted Corn Chowder. It was delicious. The roasted kernels gave the soup a nice smoky taste and the Applewood Bacon also added a rich flavor. Served on the side was a jalapeno corn muffin which was also tasty. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to dunk the muffin or eat it by itself, so I opted for the latter. Later, a manager told me the idea was to dunk it. Maybe next time.

I also tried one of their new desserts, the Crisp and Crunchy Trio. This consists of almond-pineapple-raisin baklava, vanilla-braised pineapple slices, and zucchini-carrot cake with vanilla panna cotta. I very much enjoyed the baklava and pineapple slices, but I thought the zucchini-carrot cake was rather dry. I think if they can add some moisture to the cake, they will have a nice dessert that satisfies one’s sweet tooth, but doesn’t overwhelm you with sugar.

Also new on the menu were two new entrees. First, Linguini with Florida Littleneck Clams and Rock Shrimp, fresh Thyme, and chucky Tomato Broth. And, Spice-crusted Chicken Salad with Apples and crispy Polenta Croutons. I did not try either of these items so I can’t comment on them.

Reservations are now being accepted for The Wave Restaurant starting on June 30th. It is possible that a “soft” opening may commence a few weeks prior to this date. My understanding is that the new menu is mostly complete, but they are testing and fine-tuning items in the Concourse Steakhouse until then. The Wave will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I hope to be there on opening day so watch for my review.

I also snapped a few pictures of the Kingdom Tower (a suspected, yet to be announced DVC property) under construction north of the Contemporary. Other than the fact that the building continues to climb higher and higher, the only new feature of interest is the walkway that will connect the Kingdom Tower to the fourth floor of the Contemporary. It’s clearly visible and seems to snake around four giant pylons and looks like it will eventually be suspended by large cables. Time will tell.

Of course, this list is purely subjective and could change tomorrow, depending on my mood. Also, since I’m listing restaurants by location, some selections might make this list, but wouldn’t necessarily make a true, “top ten” list. But here are my choices as of this moment.

Magic Kingdom:

Counter Service: Columbia Harbour House
Table Service: The Plaza Restaurant

Epcot:

Counter Service: Yakitori House
Table Service: Bistro de Paris

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Counter Service: None of them
Table Service: Brown Derby

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Counter Service: A tie between Flame Tree Barbeque and Pizzafari
Table Service: Yak & Yeti

Downtown Disney:

Counter Service: Earl of Sandwich
Table Service: Portobello Yacht Club or Raglan Road

Disney Resorts:

Counter Service: Everything Pop Food Court
Table Service: Flying Fish, followed closely by Citricos

Best Buffet Property Wide: Boma, followed closely by Cape May Café

Best Character Meal Property Wide: I don’t do Character Meals!

You may have wondered why I didn’t select Victoria & Albert’s as my favorite resort table service restaurant. There’s a reason I didn’t. You see, I put Vickie & Al’s (as I like to call it) in a class all by itself. You can’t begin to compare this restaurant to anything else at Disney World it is so outstanding. I try to restrict my visits to once every three years or so. The reason, I want to keep this experience extra special and if I ate here too often it would lose some of its charm.

Now remember, my list of restaurants is just that, MY list. If you don’t agree with some (or all) of my choices, that’s great. Your selections are every bit as valid as mine.

In another blog I wrote that when Arribas Brothers took over the Market House on Main Street, the old-time telephone was removed. Another reader, Shorty, wrote to tell me that the old telephone now has a new home in the Chapeau Shop on Town Square. Yea! Thanks Shorty.

As I keep saying, it’s these little details that make Disney special. Now, if I could just convince Disney to bring back Jennifer, the ticket seller that used to sit in the entrance area of the Main Street Cinema…

While riding the monorail to the Magic Kingdom today, I snapped a couple of pictures of the “Kingdom Tower” (the yet to be announced DVC) under construction. As you can see by the pictures, the structure is coming right along and it appears they’re currently working on the twelfth floor. Also, new construction has commenced on the walkway that will connect the new resort with the fourth floor of the Contemporary.

Here are some recent emails I've received:

Cindy Hershey
Loved the blog with the 1972 pictures. Please post more from any years that you have. They bring back so many memories. I grew up 15 minutes from Disney and have so many wonderful childhood memories. My husband made his first trip at the age of 35 in 2000. I try to tell him some of the things that used to be there, what some places "used" to look like. Your pictures have shown him what I have told him. I would love to see some pictures of the old topiaries that used to be between the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom. The ones that you could see from the monorail. Thanks again for bringing back wonderful memories!

Holley writes:
I love all your old photos of what the World used to look like. It helps me look at things a little differently trying to visualize what things WERE like as compared to now. On our last trip (2 weeks worth of WDW) somehow we took almost 500 different pictures of stuff. My husband kept saying, "why are you taking a picture of that?" Your column proves my point that when my toddler daughter is my age she can look back at our photo albums and see how the World has changed as compared to as it is now.

Moley writes:
What a delightful review on the Yakitori House. It really captured the mood of this little gem of a counter service eatery. Next time we want a picture of that shogun combo, too, please. Excellent blog. I always enjoy your writings.

Suzanne from PA.
Hi Jack- LOVE your blog, and always look forward to a new entry! Anyway- I feel your pain with your kitchen! We are remodeling our bathroom, and I sure do wish I could just head to EPCOT for dinner to forget about all the mess! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! Suzanne from PA.

Kathy writes:
I ate at Wolfgang Puck's on the Monday after their opening. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and we had a fantastic breakfast - good coffee! While we were eating they were in the process of installing new table umbrellas for their outdoor seating and an outdoor menu sign. We were so impressed we ate there again on Wednesday. In past trips I have enjoyed their pizzas, which are much better than those at any of the resort hotels.

Foxx writes:
Saw your post about the Old Mill reference on Tom Sawyer's Island. Have you ever noticed that the creaking gears in the mill play "Down By the Old Mill Stream"? It may take a bit for that part of the track to kick in, but if you stand and listen to it for a bit it's unmistakable. =)

Thanks again everyone!

These first two pictures are of topiary as seen while driving from the Main Entrance toward the Contemporary Resort. An interesting note… These were fake – made out of plastic. I’m not sure exactly why. Perhaps they were an afterthought and Disney didn’t have time to sculpt real plants before opening. Or maybe they didn’t have sprinklers out this far yet. Whatever the reason, I was a little disappointed to see fakes since I was used to seeing the real thing at Disneyland.

This next picture is of more plastic topiary. The Magic Kingdom bus loading area now occupies this space.

The newly opened Polynesian Resort, as seen from the monorail, is pictured here. The ferry landing is in the foreground. Notice the Poly was much smaller then. The two additions were still years away.

And this next picture was also taken from the monorail looking back across land that would eventually become an expanded Polynesian Resort.

This final picture was taken looking north from the Contemporary. Notice the utilities plant. It was an eyesore back then but is now hidden behind trees.

I’m currently remodeling my kitchen (among other projects). Anyone who has ever undertaken a home improvement project knows there are good days and bad days. Today was a bad day. First, the tile man called and cancelled. He had a legitimate excuse, but I was disappointed, none the less. Since I now had the day free, I decided I’d buy paint and embrace a brush and roller. To make a very long story short, I ended up with the wrong color. It was now approaching 5pm and I was frustrated and hungry. My instinct was to sit in front of the TV for the rest of the night and fume, but I decided this wasn’t my best course of action so I forced myself into the car and I headed for Epcot.

When I reached one of the outer parking lots, I was directed to the far end of a row – naturally. I just missed the tram so I walked to the main gate. After entering the park, I practically sprinted through Future World. Fortunately, I timed my arrival at the Canada Friendship Boat Landing just as they were loading. I climbed aboard and we set sail. I exited at Morocco and once again took up power walking as I headed for the Yakitori House in the Japan pavilion – which is the point of my blog.

The Yakitori House is my favorite counter service restaurant in Epcot. I like the food, but more than that, I like the atmosphere. It’s quiet and serene – the perfect place to go when you need to clear your head and relax.

If the weather is too hot or too cold, I sit in the indoor dining room. Rough-hewn logs hold up the thatched roof while faux shoji screens make up three walls of the restaurant. The ordering counter makes up the fourth. Most tables are long, seat six, and are meant to be shared with strangers, but rarely are. The views from here are peaceful as you look out over much of the Japan Pavilion.

If the weather is nice, as it was this evening, I sit outdoors. Here you’ll find approximately ten tables that seat two or four, generously spaced, under Japanese lanterns. Manicured gardens and a lovely rock waterfall and pond surround you. Sitting out here, you feel miles away from everything. Even when all of the tables are in use, it’s relatively quite as the waterfall seems to absorb the voices. The only break in this tranquility is when the drummers are performing under the pagoda.

To be honest, I can’t tell you too much about the menu since I always order the same thing: Shogun Combination - teriyaki chicken thigh, sukiyaki beef, and steamed rice (hold the ginger). But I’ve always been happy with this selection so I like to think I’d enjoy some of their other offerings. I guess I’m in a rut.

Now I realize that most of you cannot dash off to Epcot for dinner when you’ve had a bad day. But I would like to suggest the Yakitori House when you’re here on vacation. Epcot is big and it can be stressful. You need to take a break now and then and this spot is the perfect place to do that. Even if it’s not meal time, stop by and have a soda (or something stronger) and sit for a spell.

I stretched out my simple meal tonight to around 35 minutes. I ate slowly, enjoyed the atmosphere, and made silly faces with the cutest baby in a stroller seated at a table next to me. By the time I left, I had (almost) forgotten my hectic day and was fairly relaxed. I strolled through the rest of World Showcase instead of my previous frenzied walk.

There are other peaceful places to be found in Epcot, but for me, the Yakitori House is hands-down the most delightful.

Reader Yakatori House Reviews

Yakatori House Menu

The first picture is of the Toll Plaza. Notice it says “Parking Entrance.” It doesn’t even say “Walt Disney World” yet.

This next photo is of the Contemporary Resort taken from the Skyway in Tomorrowland. Notice the lack of vegetation. Also, notice the crane. By this date, all of the modular rooms had been hoisted into place, but the suites, which were NOT modular, were still under construction.

This third picture is of a room in the Contemporary. So this is what the Imagineers thought the future would look like during their planning sessions in the late 60’s.

This next shot was taken from inside the Contemporary, looking south from the middle of the building. Notice how this area hasn’t yet been expanded out beyond the windows which would eventually become Chef Mickey’s. Also notice the orange and yellow plastic trees.

And finally, this last picture was taken from one of the balcony rooms of the Contemporary looking west. Once again, notice the lack of vegetation and a missing Grand Floridian Resort.

By the way, a Tower Room in the Contemporary cost $35 per night back then!

This is an excerpt from “Nation's Restaurant News" dated July 19, 1999 and authored by David Mack.

The inspiration for the Flying Fish Cafe came from a classic Coney Island roller coaster called the Flying Turns; one of the cars on that coaster was called the Flying Fish. The coaster was part of Coney Island's heyday during the 1920's, the so-called "Golden Age of roller coasters." Coasters built during that time reflected a daredevil attitude on the part of their designers, and were integral to the spirit of Coney Island, which architect Martin Dorf described as "its heightened sense of reality, its sense of joy, its mystique, with grotesque shapes and rides like fish that swallowed you whole."

To read the entire article, check out this website:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_29_33/ai_55221635

I visited their remodeled venue for lunch today and was happy with what I saw. The first thing I noticed was a new, large, indoor dining room had been added. Approximately fifteen tables are spaciously arranged in an airy room surrounded on three sides by floor to ceiling windows. The atmosphere has a clean modern feel but the wooden tables and chairs add some warmth.

Outside you’ll find another twenty or so tables, most under a large roof. The tables here are made of brushed metal and the seats are wicker.

The area where you order your food has also been completely redesigned and continues this modern theme. To the right of the ordering area is another, smaller seating area with two large tables for eight, a beverage station, and an open kitchen.

After ordering, you’re given a plastic table-tent with a number printed on it. You are also given flatware that is wrapped in a high-quality paper napkin. If you’ve ordered beverages you’re given plastic (not paper) glasses and told to get your drinks, find a table, and display your number.

As it was opening day, every cast member was working and it would be impossible to complain about service. Shortly after Donald and I were seated, we were greeted by a young man who told us he would be our server. A few minutes later, he brought our food to the table and asked if we needed refills for our drinks.

I ordered the Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich on Focaccia for $9.95. It was quite good. The serving of beef was more than adequate and it was topped with cheese, tomato, and greens that have been tossed with a light vinaigrette dressing. A side of home-made Yukon Gold Parmesan potato chips rounded out the meal. I was please with my choice.

Donald ordered the Rosemary Rotisserie Chicken for $11.95. He couldn’t have been happier. He has always enjoyed Wolfgang Puck’s rotisserie chicken and he wasn’t disappointed today. First, the serving is large – a half chicken. Next, the finished product was attractive to look at. And finally, it was juicy and delicious. It was served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes smothered in butter.

Another thing I liked was that the entrees were served on plastic (not paper) plates. This helps give a slightly more upscale feel to the place.

Since your order is brought to your table and drink refills are also fetched by a cast member, I would say that Wolfgang Puck Express at the Marketplace is a cross between a counter-service and table-service restaurant. When we finished our meal, we left our server a tip as it was certainly warranted.

I didn’t frequent the old restaurant because of their lack of indoor seating and I didn’t feel their food and atmosphere warranted the prices. But I would certainly rethink this opinion as I was most pleased today.

I asked a manager if the Disney Dining “Card” was accepted and was told yes. I forgot to ask about the Disney Dining “Plan” – sorry.

Wolfgang Puck Express is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Takeout is also available.

As you approach the modern era, take a look behind the couch of the family seated watching TV in the 1960’s living room. Look closely and you’ll see the board game “Mouse Trap” which was introduced to the public by the Ideal Company in 1963. Is it meant for Mickey?

This film also depicted realistic animal behavior, wind and rain effects, and new lighting techniques. So innovative was this film that it won the 1937 Academy Award for Best Short Subject, Cartoon.

In one scene of the film, we see a bird that has made her nest inside a gear socket located within the old mill. As a storm outside starts to rage, the gears start to move, threatening to crush the mother and her eggs as the gears join together. But fate is with the bird and the opposing gear is missing one of its teeth, thus, the bird is never crushed.

Disney has paid homage to this film at Walt Disney World. Inside Harper’s Mill on Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom is a complex set of gears used to grind grain. Within one of these gears you can see a small bird sitting on her nest. She too spins around as the waterwheel outside turns. But this bird is also spared a disastrous ending as the gears never quite crush her.

Now it’s obvious that the old mill in the animated film looks nothing like Harper’s Mill. And the gear configuration is not the same. But there can be no mistake that this is a tribute to one of Walt Disney’s early masterpieces.

As you might know from reading other blogs, your picture is taken soon after you board the attraction. In addition, you are also asked to designate where you live by pointing to a map on the touch-sensitive screen in your ride vehicle. First you pick a continent, then point to a major city, and eventually it is narrowed down to the vicinity in which you live.

For several weeks now, as you descend the ride, you are asked a series of questions as to how you would like the future to unfold. Once the onboard computer compiles your choices, your face is superimposed over a cartoon character so you can actually see “yourself” in the future you created. It’s a very cute effect. But a new element has been added.

Once you exit the attraction, you enter the Siemens post-show area. Here you will encounter a giant globe of the earth. Within a couple of moments, your face will appear on the globe. It will stay there for 15-30 seconds, then it will swoosh down to the hometown you selected at the beginning of the attraction. As it does this, a little white dot appears on the map to represent you.

I rode Spaceship Earth in the early afternoon and by that time, the east coast of the U.S. was covered in white dots. Other areas were more sparsely populated. The entire planet is represented so no matter where you’re from, you will get placed on the map. This is a pretty cool ending to the ride.

Picture taking hint: You are given warning before your picture is taken and be sure to look at the camera. Face detection software is used and it is necessary to get a full-face photograph for the effect to work properly. Also, if you wear glasses, you might want to take them off for the picture as reflections can create problems for the software, thus negating your portrait.