Guess what? The model is practically finished. I just need to add the last two towers and the flags. I’d post images, but I’m so close I may as well wait and photo the finished model.

I’m also thinking of creating a small mod to download. In current reference photos of the castle’s backside, there are three arched windows. But, in old reference photos, the three arched windows are actually archways into a small alcove (with a door, I believe). The mod would give you the opportunity to create this little alcove instead of the three windows.

Well, I’ve got to finish the model. I may have photos up tonight.

I busted my hump last night to get some progress going with the castle model. Not only did I finish the walkway leading to the castle, but I also finished & assembled the drawbridge!

I also discovered a major flaw in the roof/floor assembly. I’ll need to rework the two walls flanking the castle entrance, which will take a little time to redraw and reassemble. It’s a simple procedure, just a tad time consuming; I have to be careful, or I could end up rebuilding the whole castle entrance.

Although there haven’t been any photos posted lately, work is progressing on the Sleeping Beauty Castle paper model. The section I’m working on is a little tricky, and there have been several minor errors found, so those need to be fixed. I’d post a photo, but I’m so close to finishing the piece. I’d much rather post a picture of it when it’s finished.

I’ve been working overtime to create new goodies (7 so far) to help you celebrate Disneyland’s 50th. I’m looking at a May 4th or May 5th release of all of the goodies. I’m not sure if I am going to release everything as a kit, or just add them to their appropriate locations on the Disney Experience.

. . . or lack thereof. I haven’t worked on the Sleeping Beauty Castle paper model for the last few days, but I did take the liberty of taking a few reference shots while I was at the park yesterday. I took better shots of the murals, Walt’s family crest, and a shield design on the backside of the castle. I’ll use these in place of the poor images that I am using now, so your model will be a pinch nicer than mine.

Alex Goldman recently pointed out that the XP User Images are also compatible with the AOL Instant Messenger, so you can also use them for your AIM icons!

Thanks, Alex!

Since Disney audio has been a hot topic lately, I thought I’d help expand everybody’s audio collection a bit. A TDE guest, Dave Wagner, recently submitted for a couple of “Disney Magic” Awards. Unfortunately, I can’t award him anything because the links he submitted are only two pages of a larger, non-Disney Web site. Sorry, Dave. However, the links are so good, that they simply can’t be tossed aside—no sir!

The first (and best) link has the complete recording of the 1964 Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House. It’s not a completely clean recording—the hissing and popping of the record player are a part of the audio. Personally, I think it adds a bit of charm and nostalgia. I remember listening to records when I was a kid, and the sounds of the record player were always part of the experience. I’ll have to add this link to the TDE Disney Links page.

The second link has lots of Phantom Manor audio. I absolutely love the altered “Grim Grinning Ghosts” music that plays throughout the Phantom Manor attraction. Since many of the sounds are short, this link will probably go into the TDE Sound Byte Resource page.

“Disney Magic” Awards . . . ooo, touchy subject. But I’ll try to explain without insulting any award submitters reading this.

Getting a Response:

All award submissions are automatically put into a folder for future viewing (unless something catches my eye). After about a month’s (or two month’s) worth of submissions have built up, I review them all together——don’t ask me why . . . I just do. Because I wait so long, that explains why I may not immediately get back to you about your submission . . . if at all.

Not Getting a Response:

Most award applicants do not warrant an award, and I don’t like sending people bad news (that’s also a lot of emails to send). How do I tell a person that their Web site doesn’t meet my standards? It’s messy, and I don’t like doing it. So I find it best not to respond.

Another reason I don’t respond is that people will want details about how their site doesn’t measure up, and how to fix it so that it does. It begins with some small suggestions, followed by more suggestions. Some people could think I’m ripping their Web site to pieces——not fun for either of us. Those that know I’m merely giving suggestions keep coming back for more, and the next thing you know, I’m giving out free Web site advice to everyone who asks for it.

It’s best if I simply don’t respond. That way I don’t risk insulting anyone, I don’t have to find new ways to turn down a submission without insulting or embarrassing, and I don’t screw myself over by giving out tons of free advice. Besides, it’s best to improve your site on your own, that way you learn as you go. That’s how I learned.

I started out with a REALLY bad Web site, believe me! I only wish I had an image of it to show you.

So to recap: if you don’t get a response, I either haven’t reviewed your site yet, or your Web site hasn’t made the cut. If you DO get a response, you’ve more than likely won an award and should consider yourself lucky——I don’t give the awards out lightly.

TRIVIA: The links at the bottom of the Disney Links page at the Disney Experience are some of my personal favorites. If the Webmasters of those sites were to apply for the “Disney Magic” Award, they’d be a shoe-in!

I almost forgot . . . I’ll be getting some more color ink for my printer in a couple of days. Hopefully, construction will resume on the Sleeping Beauty Castle paper model by Thursday evening.