Main Street Post, vol. 3
A copy-cat recipe, the Firehouse Five Plus Two, and some trip news!
You’re reading the Main Street Post — a quarterly series that features items, experiences, and news that have kept the Disney magic alive in my day-to-day life. If you’d like to read more of these posts, feel free to check out the archives.
Happy Wednesday, readers! Life has been moving a million miles an hour lately, so posts and updates have been a bit scaled down here to accommodate that. However, I’ve been wanting to write another volume of this series, especially as some fun things have happened and many more are soon to come. If you missed the previous installments of the Main Street Post, you can find them here:
Oh — a quick note before we begin: Magic Mail for June/July is coming. My sticker manufacturer is located in Europe so in anticipation for the scheduled super-fun-and-totally-cool (if it’s not clear, this is extreme and practically palpable sarcasm) tariffs that are supposed to go into effect this month, I’m trying to get a few sticker designs printed at once to avoid extra taxes. I’m almost done with them, and I’ll be posting the August/September Magic Badge design soon. Thank you, as always, for your patience.
Alright, let’s begin!
Books
I’ve become a bit of a Ward Kimball enthusiast over the last several months, and was so excited to see the first full-length biography of the legendary animator on sale from the publisher a few months ago (at the time of publishing this post, it’s still on sale for $15; a steal!). I’m slowly reading it, but I’m also keeping an eye on another highly-anticipated book coming down the pipeline from another Kimball appreciator — If It Ain’t Fun, To Hell With It! Ward Kimball’s Adventures in Disney, Jazz, Trains, and the Avant-Garde by Amid Amidi (read about it here).
The context behind this biography is actually quite fascinating. It was originally scheduled to be published in late 2012 but the initial publisher, Chronicle Books, dropped it after receiving what was likely some form of an ultimatum from The Walt Disney Company, as they’ve been known to do when a book doesn’t have their seal of approval after months of careful, meticulous reviewing.
This is the cover of the biography that was originally supposed be published by Chronicle Books — Full Steam Ahead! The Life and Art of Ward Kimball. Humans are complex and if the company can’t control the narrative around someone who was an integral part of their story, they don’t like that (see Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler; I highly recommend, by the way). As a result, Amidi decided to expand the book even further and it was later picked up by a different publisher, who will release it in late 2026. To say I’m giddy with anticipation is an massive understatement. Let’s hope it’s able to cross the finish line.
I typically read quite a few non-Disney books each month so if you’re curious about those, you can view them here!
Entertainment
Speaking of Ward Kimball, I’ve been listening to the Firehouse Five Plus Two when I need to put my head down and crank out some work. Led by Kimball on the trombone, this amateur, New Orleans-inspired jazz band was comprised of seven artists, writers, and technicians from the Disney animation studio and sound department. What started off as lunchtime jam sessions later turned into full-blown performances for enthusiastic audiences. Here’s what Kimball had to say about the group in June 1986:
“Our Firehouse band seemed to appeal not only to jazz fans but to a large group of people who just plain liked the music and loved to dance to it. During the 1950's we played concerts, dances, weddings, parades, civic affairs, and benefits throughout the West. We made movies at MGM and Universal Studios, played for Bing Crosby's golf tournaments and radio shows, appeared on national television with such diversified luminaries as the Disney Mouseketeers, Milton Berle, Ed Wynn, and Lawrence Welk, culminating with over 15 years of summer appearances at the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland. By the time we decided to retire the band in 1971, we had managed to record 12 albums which have sold worldwide. All this in our spare time.”
Back in June, we saw the Houston Symphony perform the score for Up alongside a screening of the movie. It was such a cool way to experience the film, and I cried multiple times. I was a mess. The first bout of tears caught me completely off-guard and actually happened before the film even started. If you’re thinking about the quintessential musical introduction for Walt Disney Studios, you’d be correct. Hearing that short, lil’ tune performed by a 90-piece orchestra was a core memory.
Wearables
I mentioned in this post that I tried and enjoyed Green Milk on our recent trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios so in an effort to channel that icy, refreshing concoction, I painted my nails using Olive and June’s “Not Kale” polish and it’s the perfect shade and one of my new favorites!
Disneyland celebrated it’s 70th anniversary last month and, as one would expect, the merchandise was chef’s kiss. A good chunk of it was added to the Disney Store website, and I had to grab this iconic crewneck, dual-handle tote bag (not online anymore), and vintage-inspired coffee mug.
I own a couple pairs of earrings from Spinning Carousel Co. but have been wanting to snag this Parent Trap-inspired necklace for ages. I’ve been really impressed with their jewelry so far, and this new addition is no different. Think my husband will mind if I throw a photo of Nick Parker inside the locket?
Spooky season is my favorite season, and American Eagle always comes through with a selection of super cute and comfy apparel to wear throughout the months leading up to Halloween. My husband gifted me this sweatshirt (here’s another cute one, too) for my birthday and I cannot wait to wear it. All I need is the temperature to drop…
While we’re on the topic of American Eagle, I also grabbed this adorable oversized t-shirt that gives me all the Riviera Resort vibes.
Get 20% your American Eagle or Aerie order with my referral link!
At home
We’ve been eating more fish this summer and one of our go-to recipes is one that’s inspired by the maple mustard-glazed salmon at Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom. After trying it during our May trip, we immediately recreated it (with a couple alterations) once we got home. Below is the recipe that we follow:
News + events
My husband and I are heading back to Disney World very soon and we’re so excited. We’re going with one of our best friends who hasn’t visited since he was a youngster, and we can’t wait to experience it through his eyes. We’ve got a pool day scheduled, tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (“MNSSHP”) already purchased, and a couple reservations at new-to-us restaurants booked. If you’re a paid subscriber, you’ll be able to follow along on Instagram so keep your eyes peeled (wink).
Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney is taking place in Orlando from August 29th to 31st, so we should (fingers crossed) get some new lil’ nuggets of information regarding on-going developments at the parks. Personally, I’m interested in learning more details about Piston Peak and Villain’s Land in the Magic Kingdom, along with the new Tropical Americas land in Animal Kingdom. My spidey senses are telling me that Spaceship Earth is on the docket for a refurbishment, and I’m hoping that it won’t involve any drastic changes because — aside from the squeaky ride vehicles and frequent stops — I love it the way it is. We shall see!
Wishin’ for
A reservation at the new Magic Kingdom lounge, The Beak and Barrel, during MNSSHP. That’s it. That’s all I want.
Okay, one more thing — I’m also seriously eye-balling some of the new Halloween merchandise from the Disney Store. I have enough seasonal clothing items already (she tells herself for the hundredth time), but I love the art on this jacket and crewneck (no longer online). It’s so cute.
Are there any Disney-related items or experiences on your wishlist? This might be a dangerous request, but let us know below in the comments!
Posts you might have missed
Well, that’s all for now! I hope this summer has treated you well and, if you’re like me, are now anticipating the changing of seasons. Not to be dramatic, but a lil’ walk down Main Street, U.S.A with an iced americano topped with pumpkin cream cold foam might just fix me.
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See ya real soon,
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