Editor's Report
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In my last column I looked at my favorite LaughingPlace.com moments of 2001. In this column I promised to bring you my most memorable Disney moments of 2001. And that's what I've done - sort of. It turned out to be a little longer than I expected so I'm breaking it into two parks. You can expect the second half soon.

2001 was not the best of years for the Walt Disney Company. Like other entertainment companies they came upon some hard economic times. Their newest American theme park, Disney's California Adventure, had mixed reviews from the press and moderate attendance. Their animated feature for the year, Atlantis, did not do as well as was hoped. The Disney Stores are still struggling to get back on their feet. But there have been some hits as well: Tokyo DisneySea is being called by many the best theme park ever and attendance has been - as expected - wonderful. Monsters, Inc., the latest offering from Pixar, was also a big hit. And the year ended on a scary, exciting or simply unbelievable note depending on your point of view - reports that Disney may be a takeover target for a larger company (one of the names thrown around is Microsoft).

In this article - in no particular order - are some of my more memorable moments of 2001:

Downtown Disney, Uptown Fun - all in a Grand Day: It's easy to think of Disney's California Adventure as the only addition to the Disneyland Resort. But it's not, and despite the controversy over the new park, few doubt the merits of the other major additions, Downtown Disney and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Since it's opening, I don't think I've seen a movie anywhere except Downtown Disney (except IMAX and the El Capitan) and it's become a fairly regular dining location for Rebekah and I as well. But the real gem is the Grand Californian Hotel - my second home. Our two favorite resort restaurants are there - Napa Rose and Storyteller's Cafe. The Hearthstone Lounge is very comfortable and has a couple of great desserts. You can sit by the fireplace (there's one inside and outside) or just enjoy the lobby. The grounds are beautiful, a wonderful hotel to just walk around in while the free valet parking (while dining) and entrance from DCA make it so convenient to get to. And none of that requires staying at the hotel - although Rebekah and I had the opportunity to do three times this year. The rooms aren't huge but they are very nice and the views are great. I love the hotels at Walt Disney World, especially the Grand Floridian, but this year Disney's Grand Californian Hotel became my favorite Disney hotel.
Links: Articles on the New Disneyland Resort

In Week 1, everyone's tied for first place: Nearly one year after it's opening more words have been written about Disney's California Adventure than perhaps any other Disney subject. I'll add a few more here: DCA has provided me with lots of great 2001 memories. Soarin', Screamin', Eureka, cheese corn dogs, the Electrical Parade, the deli. But the big memory of DCA is opening day. The opening of a Disney theme park is a big event. If you ever have the chance to go - go! There's an excitement and anticipation that's hard to describe. Regardless of the actual success of DCA as a park from an artistic or financial perspective, opening day, February 8, 2001, is one of my most memorable Disney moments of all time.
Links: DCA Opening Ceremony 

Banderas, Antonio Banderas: As much as I am a Disney fan, I have to admit I don't too often get to see their live-action family films. But something about this one had me seeing it shortly after opening - and I've very glad I did. What a wacky, zany, fun, family movie with kids as heroes. Can't wait for the sequel.
Links: Toon Talk Review of Spy Kids

Just an inch or so off the top: It seemed a strange combination - take one of Disney's high-tech inventions - Binaural Sound - and apply it to it's most dignified attractions - Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. But when you think about it, isn't that what they did in 1964 with Audio Animatronics? I'm ambivalent over Lincoln. On the one hand it's good to see Disney using new technology on an old favorite and (hopefully) making it more relevant to today's guests. On the other, it's just plain weird to have sound "gimmicks" at Mr. Lincoln. The bottom line? I'm not sure. But it's definitely memorable.
Links: Mr. Lincoln Opening Ceremony