KEEPING UP WITH THE MASTERS!
30 Aug 2024
The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes the achievements of individuals — the artists, writers, producers, engineers and craftspeople with distinguished careers who’ve made significant and enduring contributions to the industry through their expertise, innovation, leadership, and mentorship.
The TEA Masters program recognizes a small number of individuals each year, whose skills epitomize the highest standards within their disciplines and who have used those skills to advance their field and the themed entertainment industry. Each TEA Master has built a body of work over decades that demonstrates consistent quality and execution. Often unknown except among their peers and collaborators, TEA Masters help create visceral stories, rides, attractions, events, and places that thrill, delight, and educate guests worldwide.
Although the TEA Masters, by definition, are well along in their careers and some have even retired, many Masters are actively creating new marvels around the world. Others are pursuing personal creative and education projects. And all of the Masters remain passionate about sharing their well-honed skills and career lessons with those interested in entering the industry or wanting to learn more about its various aspects.
We want to tell those stories.
This column contains news of the ongoing activities, achievements and adventures of the TEA Masters around the world. These are the stories of real people who, like all of us, have personal stories to tell: an honor outside of their specialty, an art gallery or technology showcase, enjoying new places and experiences with family and friends or taking a well-deserved retirement trip.
This is Keeping up with the Masters!
The TEA Masters program recognizes a small number of individuals each year, whose skills epitomize the highest standards within their disciplines and who have used those skills to advance their field and the themed entertainment industry. Each TEA Master has built a body of work over decades that demonstrates consistent quality and execution. Often unknown except among their peers and collaborators, TEA Masters help create visceral stories, rides, attractions, events, and places that thrill, delight, and educate guests worldwide.
Although the TEA Masters, by definition, are well along in their careers and some have even retired, many Masters are actively creating new marvels around the world. Others are pursuing personal creative and education projects. And all of the Masters remain passionate about sharing their well-honed skills and career lessons with those interested in entering the industry or wanting to learn more about its various aspects.
We want to tell those stories.
This column contains news of the ongoing activities, achievements and adventures of the TEA Masters around the world. These are the stories of real people who, like all of us, have personal stories to tell: an honor outside of their specialty, an art gallery or technology showcase, enjoying new places and experiences with family and friends or taking a well-deserved retirement trip.
This is Keeping up with the Masters!
MASTERS WHO BUILT DISNEY MGM STUDIO TOUR ATTEND 35TH ANNIVERSARY
03 September 2024 - The 35th anniversary celebration of Disney's MGM Studios, now known as Disney Studios, recently featured a special panel dedicated to the creation of the iconic Indiana Jones Stunt Show. TEA Masters Philip Vaughan, Frank Weigand, and Phil Bloom, who played crucial roles in the development of this thrilling attraction, led the discussion, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the show's enduring success. Their work remains a key highlight of the park, drawing in audiences year after year.
The 35th anniversary celebration event also paid tribute to the many other TEA Masters (listed below) who had contributed to the overall design and legacy of Disney's MGM Studios. Their collective efforts have helped shape the park into the beloved destination it is today, with contributions spanning everything from lighting and signage to scenic painting and set design.
Contributing TEA Masters include:
Phil Bloom (2022): Stunt Show Set Design
Joe Falzetta (2018): Overall Park Lighting Design
Wayne Hunt (2019): Signage and Graphics
Ralph Nielsen (2018): Props and Sets
Desiree Soto-Vaughan (2022): Figure Finishing and Scenic Painting
Nina Vaughn (2018): Attraction Renderings, Billboards
Philip Vaughan (2019): Stunt Show Producer
Frank Weigand (2021): Stunt Show Engineering
The 35th anniversary celebration event also paid tribute to the many other TEA Masters (listed below) who had contributed to the overall design and legacy of Disney's MGM Studios. Their collective efforts have helped shape the park into the beloved destination it is today, with contributions spanning everything from lighting and signage to scenic painting and set design.
Contributing TEA Masters include:
Phil Bloom (2022): Stunt Show Set Design
Joe Falzetta (2018): Overall Park Lighting Design
Wayne Hunt (2019): Signage and Graphics
Ralph Nielsen (2018): Props and Sets
Desiree Soto-Vaughan (2022): Figure Finishing and Scenic Painting
Nina Vaughn (2018): Attraction Renderings, Billboards
Philip Vaughan (2019): Stunt Show Producer
Frank Weigand (2021): Stunt Show Engineering
 Reflecting on the Indiana Jones Stunt Show's legacy, Philip Vaughan remarked, “The show still looks great after all these years, and people still seem to love it!" |
MASTER RICH PROCTER TO PUBLISH NOVEL DECEMBER 2024
19 July 2024 - 2018 Master Rich Proctor, is set to release a transformative novel titled Prosperity, Pennsylvania this December. The book offers an inspiring narrative centered on a downtrodden Rust Belt town that revitalizes itself through a powerful shift in collective storytelling.
Prosperity, Pennsylvania challenges the divisive political landscape of today by advocating for unity and collaboration beyond traditional divides. Rich Procter emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping individual and community identity, urging readers to consider the narratives they choose to believe in.
"We're all in the storytelling business," Rich asserts. "The most important stories are the ones we tell ourselves. What if we told ourselves a new story based on cooperation, imagination, and community?"
His novel proposes a fresh narrative of hope, empowerment, and communal action as the catalysts for positive change.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Prosperity, Pennsylvania, Rich Procter invites readers to engage with the characters through his Substack platform. Here, discussions unfold on how the fictional town transforms itself, offering real-world insights into fostering cooperation, unleashing imagination, and nurturing community spirit.
Prosperity, Pennsylvania promises not just a compelling read, but a call to reimagine our own narratives towards a brighter future.
Prosperity, Pennsylvania challenges the divisive political landscape of today by advocating for unity and collaboration beyond traditional divides. Rich Procter emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping individual and community identity, urging readers to consider the narratives they choose to believe in.
"We're all in the storytelling business," Rich asserts. "The most important stories are the ones we tell ourselves. What if we told ourselves a new story based on cooperation, imagination, and community?"
His novel proposes a fresh narrative of hope, empowerment, and communal action as the catalysts for positive change.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Prosperity, Pennsylvania, Rich Procter invites readers to engage with the characters through his Substack platform. Here, discussions unfold on how the fictional town transforms itself, offering real-world insights into fostering cooperation, unleashing imagination, and nurturing community spirit.
Prosperity, Pennsylvania promises not just a compelling read, but a call to reimagine our own narratives towards a brighter future.
 Rich Proctor, 2018 TEA Master |  Colorful entrance sign to Rich Procter’s fictitious Pennsylvania town, courtesy of Rich Procter. |
MASTER LISA PASSAMONTE GREEN & HUSBAND, DAVID GREEN, AWARDED THE PETER CHERNACK AWARD AT 2024 THEAS
2019 Master Lisa Passamonte Green and her husband, David Green, have been celebrated with the prestigious Peter Chernack Award at the 30th Annual 2024 Thea Award Ceremony. This accolade is bestowed upon TEA members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to the association, going beyond their regular commitments. Lisa Passamonte Green is renowned for her significant impact on the themed entertainment industry, having co-founded the experience design firm Visual Terrain. Her visionary leadership and innovative approach have not only shaped memorable experiences but also advanced the standards within the lighting design industry. David Green, Lisa's husband, has also played a pivotal role in supporting TEA's mission through his active involvement and contributions, further enhancing the community of themed entertainment professionals. The Peter Chernack Award, named after a beloved TEA member known for his selfless service and leadership, underscores the Greens' outstanding commitment to advancing the TEA's goals. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to their peers and future generations within the themed entertainment community, embodying the spirit of excellence and service that defines the TEA Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations, Lisa and David! |    Pictures courtesy of Annie Lesser at the 30th Annual Theas Gala 2024. |
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER RICK ROTHSCHILD
18 June 2024 - Rick Rothschild has had a very busy start to the year! During the 2024 Annual Thea Awards, Rick was honored with an Award for Outstanding Achievement, leading his combined team from Chimelong's design and construction groups and a collection of international talent as the Creative Director for the Bermuda Storm attraction at Chimelong's Spaceship theme park on Hengqin Island China in 2023.
Over the past two years, Rick has been acting as the Creative Director for Flyover Attractions, leading his fifth new attraction, BELIEVE Chicago. The latest flying adventure features Chicago as never seen before, taking guests on an exciting journey winding over and through central parts of the "third coast" city by using specially built, heavy lift FPV drone.
This upcoming July, Rick's newest creative led attraction at Flyover Vancouver's Canada Place will feature a stunning visual journey across Canada – from Baffin Island in the far northeast, to Mount Logan in the Yukon, featuring 27 unique locations coast to coast.
Never one to pass up unique and new opportunities with colleagues and emerging talent, Rick is excited to see what the future holds and is currently spending his time enjoying his friends, family, and the amazing collection of TEA Masters!
Over the past two years, Rick has been acting as the Creative Director for Flyover Attractions, leading his fifth new attraction, BELIEVE Chicago. The latest flying adventure features Chicago as never seen before, taking guests on an exciting journey winding over and through central parts of the "third coast" city by using specially built, heavy lift FPV drone.
This upcoming July, Rick's newest creative led attraction at Flyover Vancouver's Canada Place will feature a stunning visual journey across Canada – from Baffin Island in the far northeast, to Mount Logan in the Yukon, featuring 27 unique locations coast to coast.
Never one to pass up unique and new opportunities with colleagues and emerging talent, Rick is excited to see what the future holds and is currently spending his time enjoying his friends, family, and the amazing collection of TEA Masters!
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Photo 1 provided by TEA@Thea Awards Gala 2024: Presentation of Award to Chimelong Bermuda Storm
Photo 2 provided by TEA@Thea Awards Gala 2024: Group photo of TEA Masters.
Back left to right: Phillip Vaughan, Nina Rae Vaughn, John Lindsay, Phil Bloom, Rick Rothschild.
Front: Adam Bezark, Bonnie Sinclair, Roberta Perry, and Jodi McLaughlin.
Photo 3-7 provided by Rick Rothschild:
Photo 3: Bermuda Storm, 2024 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for Attraction
Photo 4: BELIEVE Chicago using FPV Drone
Photo 5: Flyover Canada - Virgin Falls
Photo 7: Rick Rothschild with his wife, daughter, and son
Photo 2 provided by TEA@Thea Awards Gala 2024: Group photo of TEA Masters.
Back left to right: Phillip Vaughan, Nina Rae Vaughn, John Lindsay, Phil Bloom, Rick Rothschild.
Front: Adam Bezark, Bonnie Sinclair, Roberta Perry, and Jodi McLaughlin.
Photo 3-7 provided by Rick Rothschild:
Photo 3: Bermuda Storm, 2024 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for Attraction
Photo 4: BELIEVE Chicago using FPV Drone
Photo 5: Flyover Canada - Virgin Falls
Photo 7: Rick Rothschild with his wife, daughter, and son
It’s Official - TEA Master, Lanny Smoot, Has Been Inducted to the National Inventors Hall of Fame
17 May 2024 - Lanny Smoot has been keeping himself very busy recently. On 8-9 May, he participated in the two-day ceremony for his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the US Patent and Trademark office and the National Inventors Hall of Fame itself, and is located in Washington, DC.
On the first day’s “Illumination Ceremony,” he placed his name in the permanent Gallery of Icons™ at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum. On the following day, he participated in a black-tie ceremony where Kathy Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office, presented him with his medal. Later, he and this year’s other honorees joined more than two dozen past honorees on stage for a group photo.
Lanny has participated in many interviews about his NIHF honor and for one of his newest inventions, the HoloTile™ floor, and he was featured on CBS Saturday Morning on 11 May 11. If you missed his interview, you can see it here.
The following week, Lanny flew up to New York to give the Keynote commencement address to Columbia University’s School of Engineering, where in years past he received both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degrees.
It’s going to be hard to keep up with Lanny!
On the first day’s “Illumination Ceremony,” he placed his name in the permanent Gallery of Icons™ at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum. On the following day, he participated in a black-tie ceremony where Kathy Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office, presented him with his medal. Later, he and this year’s other honorees joined more than two dozen past honorees on stage for a group photo.
Lanny has participated in many interviews about his NIHF honor and for one of his newest inventions, the HoloTile™ floor, and he was featured on CBS Saturday Morning on 11 May 11. If you missed his interview, you can see it here.
The following week, Lanny flew up to New York to give the Keynote commencement address to Columbia University’s School of Engineering, where in years past he received both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degrees.
It’s going to be hard to keep up with Lanny!
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Pictures courtesy of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
TEA MASTERS AT CAL POLY'S KITE CONFERENCE
10 February 2024 - The TEA Masters continue to educate the next generation of Themed Entertainment Professionals. In early February, seven TEA Masters attended the first ever KITE Conference. KITE, an acronym for Knowledge Inspiring Themed Entertainment, is a conference for students and recent grads with ambitions to enter the industry. The conference was hosted at Cal Poly Pomona and organized by board members of their college’s Next Gen Club Chapter, TEA@CPP. It consisted of two days, the first day focusing on soft skills needed to succeed in the industry and the second day focusing on technical skills.
The TEA Masters were invited to conclude the first day with a round of Table Talks. Masters Lanny Smoot, Phil Bloom, Wayne Hunt, Jodi McLaughlin, Joe Falzetta, Frank Weigand, and Nina Vaughn were in attendance along with 50 conference attendees. The Masters broke off into pairs or trios and joined in on round table conversations with smaller groups. Conversations ranged from career advice to stories from the jobsite, and fun light moments of everyone getting to know each other. The masters rotated to each of the small groups, getting to meet everyone in attendance.
Overall, both the Masters and KITE Attendees had an incredible time. The Next Generation of Theme Park Professionals is always excited to interact with the TEA Masters and learn from their expertise.
The TEA Masters were invited to conclude the first day with a round of Table Talks. Masters Lanny Smoot, Phil Bloom, Wayne Hunt, Jodi McLaughlin, Joe Falzetta, Frank Weigand, and Nina Vaughn were in attendance along with 50 conference attendees. The Masters broke off into pairs or trios and joined in on round table conversations with smaller groups. Conversations ranged from career advice to stories from the jobsite, and fun light moments of everyone getting to know each other. The masters rotated to each of the small groups, getting to meet everyone in attendance.
Overall, both the Masters and KITE Attendees had an incredible time. The Next Generation of Theme Park Professionals is always excited to interact with the TEA Masters and learn from their expertise.
Photo provided by TEA@CPP. From left to right: Wayne Hunt, Jodi McLaughlin, Nina Vaughn, Mike Sturman, Lanny Smoot, Phil Bloom, Joe Falzetta
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER LANNY SMOOT
The National Inventors Hall of Fame recently announced their Class of 2024 inductees, and among this group was Lanny Smoot. Lanny is the first Disney Imagineer to receive this national honor, and only the second person at The Walt Disney Company – Walt Disney himself posthumously received this honor in 2000 for the invention of the multi-plane camera.
At the announcement ceremony held at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale campus, Lanny took the opportunity to show off one of his newest inventions – the HoloTile™. The HoloTile floor is the world’s first, and only multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor, where any number of people can have a shared virtual reality experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, but never collide or walk off its surface. Besides the immediate VR and gaming applications and potential theme park uses, the HoloTile floor can be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures could move around or appear to set themselves up.
It’s going to be hard keeping up with TEA Master Lanny Smoot. To find out more, here’s a story on CNN.
At the announcement ceremony held at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale campus, Lanny took the opportunity to show off one of his newest inventions – the HoloTile™. The HoloTile floor is the world’s first, and only multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor, where any number of people can have a shared virtual reality experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, but never collide or walk off its surface. Besides the immediate VR and gaming applications and potential theme park uses, the HoloTile floor can be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures could move around or appear to set themselves up.
It’s going to be hard keeping up with TEA Master Lanny Smoot. To find out more, here’s a story on CNN.
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KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER FRANK WEIGAND
TEA Master Frank Weigand had the honor of participating in the TEA Table Talk program at Cal Poly Pomona on February 3. As a follow up, he gave a virtual talk on his experience in themed entertainment to a group of students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on February 21. Frank also speaks informally to high school classes and participates as a judge for FIRST Robotics competitions. Frank continues to work for TWT, the engineering consulting firm he founded in 2000. Besides theme park attractions and large safety-critical industrial equipment, Frank has gotten to participate in the design and construction of exhibits for science museums in Los Angeles and Chicago, which involved working directly with several Nobel laureates and MacArthur Award recipients. When not consumed by engineering activities, Frank enjoys cycling, tennis, and hanging out with his daughters and two teen-aged grandchildren. Learn even more about Frank in this documentary celebrating the work of the legendary Disney Imagnineer, Frank Weigand: Engineering a Dream. |   |
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER
PHILIP VAUGHAN!
TEA Master Philip Vaughan is an accomplished designer, and contemporary artist. Although he is retired from Walt Disney Imagineering and his design company Vertex Productions, he continues to practice his craft, and he has just completed a run of some of his latest pieces as a Featured-Artist at the Los Angeles Art Fair. His work is represented in LA by bG Gallery, part of the recently re-invigorated Bergamot Station cluster of galleries.
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Philip’s art provides a stunning look at structure of natural forms in multiple materials including kinetic sculpture incorporating neon tubes! He is truly an illuminating artist, artisan and creator as he continuously moves through different motifs, and shows his work in multiple venues. Just before this show, his work was displayed in downtown LA at Face A Gallery and he has done proposals for major outdoor pieces with his daughter Hannah Vaughan (also an artist) as well as Frank Weigand and Lisa Passamonte Green, both TEA Masters...
He continues to contribute his art, AND even more importantly, his wisdom and guidance, to those interested in the field and it will always be a little difficult to keep up with him!!
He continues to contribute his art, AND even more importantly, his wisdom and guidance, to those interested in the field and it will always be a little difficult to keep up with him!!
His recent work “Bluedrop2”, in the Venice Family Clinic auction in Playa Vista
TEA MASTER LANNY SMOOT PRESENTS THE “DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER” TALK AT CAL POLY POMONA
TEA Masters Chair Lanny Smoot presented, “A Career in Engineering and the Joy of Invention,” at Cal Poly Pomona on March 14th 2023 as part of the school’s “Distinguished Speaker” Series. Over 200 students and faculty attended the event. At the end of his talk, the TEA Next Gen members of the audience (previously presented to at their own TEA Masters event) asked whether they could take a joint photo …of course!!!!
Besides being the current TEA Masters Chairperson, Lanny is a Disney Research Fellow at Walt Disney Imagineering where he plies his talent for using advanced technology in support of storytelling; and he has been doing so for almost 25 years.
When people ask what it is about technology and inventing that drives him, he feels that it is curiosity as to whether a thing can be done; and when thinking about it for the Theme Parks, whether it will create surprise and joy.
Besides being the current TEA Masters Chairperson, Lanny is a Disney Research Fellow at Walt Disney Imagineering where he plies his talent for using advanced technology in support of storytelling; and he has been doing so for almost 25 years.
When people ask what it is about technology and inventing that drives him, he feels that it is curiosity as to whether a thing can be done; and when thinking about it for the Theme Parks, whether it will create surprise and joy.
Cal Poly Pomona welcomed TEA Masters Chair Lanny Smoot for a presentation on “Engineering and the Joy of Invention.”
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER JOE FALZETTA!
Lighting is his trade; but more important, TEA Master Joe Falzetta is a master of creating emotion with light. His work in attraction lighting has “lit the way” for myriad seminal attractions at the Walt Disney Parks worldwide for many years.
Joe derived his love of theatrical entertainment while growing up in Italy. At first it was “the Show” that interested young Joe, and he started as a theater stage director. This gave him the instincts for what makes a play – or an attraction – hit a heartstring.
As his interests focused, and having moved to the US, Joe took advantage of new opportunities that the larger stage provided and spent time learning and perfecting his craft with formal university studies. These augmented his innate talent and gave him some of the technical tools needed to excel.
And then, in 1980, Joe was hired by Walt Disney Imagineering (then WED Enterprises) to work on the lighting for Epcot Center. The lights haven’t dimmed since.
Recently Joe sat down with Mel McGowan at Storyland for a video interview.
Joe derived his love of theatrical entertainment while growing up in Italy. At first it was “the Show” that interested young Joe, and he started as a theater stage director. This gave him the instincts for what makes a play – or an attraction – hit a heartstring.
As his interests focused, and having moved to the US, Joe took advantage of new opportunities that the larger stage provided and spent time learning and perfecting his craft with formal university studies. These augmented his innate talent and gave him some of the technical tools needed to excel.
And then, in 1980, Joe was hired by Walt Disney Imagineering (then WED Enterprises) to work on the lighting for Epcot Center. The lights haven’t dimmed since.
Recently Joe sat down with Mel McGowan at Storyland for a video interview.
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TEA MASTERS TABLETALK PRESENTATION AT CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, POMONA
FEB. 3, 2023
TEA NextGen students at Cal Poly Pomona asked the TEA Masters to conduct a “TableTalk” event, similar to the one held at UNLV for SATE 2022. TEA Master Bonnie Sinclair (heading up the Masters Education Committee) swung into action and worked with the NextGens and TEA administrator Terry Lacson and Masters Chair Lanny Smoot, to provide a panel that met the Students’ needs.
The evening event on February 3, 2023 was a success. Eight TEA Masters attended the event at CPP’s Bronco Student Center. The program was divided into two sections: Masters first told their individual stories, followed by a roundtable session allowing students to talk with the Masters in small groups.
The event was attended by some fifty students. The response has been tremendous, and the TEA Masters are currently planning to take the TableTalk format on the road to other education programs.
The evening event on February 3, 2023 was a success. Eight TEA Masters attended the event at CPP’s Bronco Student Center. The program was divided into two sections: Masters first told their individual stories, followed by a roundtable session allowing students to talk with the Masters in small groups.
The event was attended by some fifty students. The response has been tremendous, and the TEA Masters are currently planning to take the TableTalk format on the road to other education programs.
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TEA Masters Alfredo Ayala, Adam Bezark, Phil Bloom, Joe Falzetta, John Lindsay, Rick Rothschild, Lanny Smoot, Frank Weigand and Phillip Vaughan represented the TEA.
 | After the stage panel, the Masters broke out into small-group tables to support direct interactions with the students. |
The affair was enjoyed by the young learners and the Masters, and sparked interest at other schools to have the Masters visit and share our experiences.
KEEPING UP WITH TEA MASTER TRACY ECK
After a long and truly amazing career, TEA Master (and Co-Chair of the TEA Masters), Tracy Eck retired from her position at Walt Disney Imagineering as Art Director for Disneyland Paris, earlier this year. During her storied career, she has been the guiding hand for the overall look of the Park AND for keeping it fresh and always looking its best.
Although it is certain that she will continue to be a creator and Master of her craft, she and her husband have decided to take a little break, after a busy career, to do some travel.
Although it is certain that she will continue to be a creator and Master of her craft, she and her husband have decided to take a little break, after a busy career, to do some travel.
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New Zealand was a must-visit and here my husband and I are enjoying scenic Murawai. It is a moving time to be in Murawai - the area was badly hit by a recent cyclone. We saw the courage and strength of the New Zealanders here as they rebuild their lives.
Other highlights of the trip include the “bathing suits optional” beach on Waiheke Island (sorry, no photos), biking on Lake Wanaka and hiking at Lake Tekapo.
In Wellington, we toured Weta Workshop- an exciting and creative environment that reminds me of Imagineering. The talented Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger regaled me with stories of their trip to Eurodisneyland in 1992.
Other highlights of the trip include the “bathing suits optional” beach on Waiheke Island (sorry, no photos), biking on Lake Wanaka and hiking at Lake Tekapo.
In Wellington, we toured Weta Workshop- an exciting and creative environment that reminds me of Imagineering. The talented Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger regaled me with stories of their trip to Eurodisneyland in 1992.
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I am awed by the beauty of the country, the vast open spaces and the sky. Imagine a country with virtually no fast food chaines, delicious homemade food and wine in small local cafés and restaurants.
When I was first hired at WDI, a colleague told me that from this day forward, I would never go through a day without seeing something Disney related. I generally found that to be true, but not in New Zealand! What a perfect place to slow down and disconnect.
When I was first hired at WDI, a colleague told me that from this day forward, I would never go through a day without seeing something Disney related. I generally found that to be true, but not in New Zealand! What a perfect place to slow down and disconnect.