Disleelandia

Disney Pizza Box from Walt Disney World

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Dis-LEE

Is it just me, or does pizza just taste better at Disney? Now I’ll admit the little pizzas you get at the counter service restaurants aren’t the best, especially for the price! But if you’re lounging around the room and want a BIG pizza…

Oh Boy! Indeed

Now there’s nothing I can’t turn into a souvenir, so after one yummy pizza dinner, I cut the top off the pizza box and packed it into my suitcase. If airport customs opened my luggage, I wonder what they thought of it?

So hands up: Who’s in for a Disney pizza?

Check out another Disney pizza post here.

Posted in Food, Resorts, Walt Disney World | Tagged Donald Duck, Food, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pizza, Pizza Box, Pluto, Resorts, Walt Disney World | Leave a comment

Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Dis-LEE

I don’t really know how many times I’ve heard a Disney employee say: “I think Walt would have liked this (or that)!” But I think it’s safe to say that it happens often. A new Promotion comes along, and it’s just what Walt would have thought up. A new Attraction is built, and it’s just what Walt would have designed. A new balloon color is chosen, and all of a sudden, it’s Walt’s favorite color!

Top Executives and Imagineers alike are apt to claim that they are certain that they have Walt’s stamp of approval. But if Walt Disney were here today, would he approve of the Modern Disney?

To answer that, we need to look at another question: Did Walt Disney approve of everything in his day? After reading more books on the man than I can remember, I feel safe in saying ‘No’.

Starting in the early 1930’s, Walt always argued with his brother Roy about how to build their fledgling company. And almost always got his way. On into the 1940’s, Walt pushed the boundaries of Animation his way, often against the will of his staff. Many of these early Animators claim that the only way to get your idea approved was to make Walt think that it was actually his idea. On into the 1950’s and television, Walt reinvented the medium to reflect his vision of what it could be. And then went on to reinvent the Amusement Park, turning it into his own thing: The Theme Park.

I think we get the idea!

Walt Disney did things his own way. So if he walked down Main Street at Walt Disney World (which he never got to do as he died in 1966, with the Park opening in 1971) one must believe that the first thing he would do would be to notice some little thing that should have been ‘plussed’. Then he would likely launch into an elaborate description of what the whole thing could, or should, be!

Does this mean that Walt would disapprove of the Modern Disney?

He definitely hated corporate structure, even in his day. So it is likely that he wouldn’t enjoy how involved the Hierarchy of his company has become. But I believe that as he would look at the overall results of his legacy, he would be proud of how it has all turned out. But would he be satisfied?

He might look at Soarin’ and say: “Why not have it fly over the world?” He might look at Splash Mountain and ask: “Where’s Uncle Remus?” He might look at… just about anything and say: “We can make that better!” And knowing him, he could! So the good thing about worrying if Walt would approve is that the final product is bound to be the best it can be, without Walt’s direct supervision. But can we ever claim that Walt would approve, without even one suggestion to improve it?

No. But kudos to the Modern Disney for trying to gain Walt’s approval anyway!

Posted in Disneyland, Viewpoint | Tagged Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, Plussing, Viewpoint, Walt Disney | 4 Comments

Vacationing in Florida Without Disney

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Dis-LEE

There’s more to Florida than Walt Disney World. There, I said it. The last visit we took in January yielded an opportunity to really explore the State and see its many attractions and natural beauty. We visited museums, beaches, stores, and more.

Here are some of the highlights in pictures:

Sunshine

After all, Florida is called the Sunshine State. Most of our visits over the years have been blessed with lots of sun and high temperatures. Above, I am cleaning the excess sunshine off my windshield so that I can drive safely.

Wildlife

I was staying with the in-laws in a rather large trailer community and got lost trying to get out. I ended up at a golf course where I was delayed as these four birds decided to cross the road. I guess the answer to the famous joke as to why a bird would cross the road is ‘to play golf’!

Birds on the beach and… at Wendy’s Restaurant

Scenery

So many interesting shapes and shades of colors

I find the indigenous plants to be very interesting subjects for photographic essays! I rarely visit Florida without coming home with hundreds of scenery shots.

Lastly, I have an exclusive shot of a new Hotel on one of the beaches:

Beaches

It may not be a Marriott Hotel, but these small snails seem to consider this heel from a flip-flop shoe to be 5-star! My wife found this and called me over and we enjoyed watching the snails heads come in and out of their shells… until the tide came in and gave us all soakers!

So these are just a few of my impressions of Florida, not as a tourist trap, but as The Sunshine State.

Posted in Photography, Vacation Planning, Viewpoint | Tagged Birds, Florida, Photography, Sunshine State, Vacation Planning, Viewpoint, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Disney Rings – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Dis-LEE

Anything with a Disney twist is fair game for me when it comes to my Disneyana collection. So I’ve added quite a few pieces of jewellery to it over the years.

Today I’d like to share with you some of the rings I have:

Vending Machine rings from the 60-70’s

These rings are among my favorites, even though they were very cheap items for purchase back when they were available. The ring on the upper left turns my finger green so I mainly wear the one on the right (actually, I’m wearing it as I type this).

These rings feature a one-size-fits-all expandable band, as does the vintage ring below:

Minnie Mouse Classic

What can I say about this one? I bought it even though it looks freaky! I just couldn’t believe this was sold, but had to have it anyway. Love those googly eyes!

Next I have a novelty ring from off-shore:

Winnie the Pooh Mascot Ring

Quite a few of these off-shore products are unlicensed, but when I saw this on eBay years ago, I couldn’t resist it! I’ve never taken it out of the original packaging.

Following the off-shore and novelty theme:

Nine unlicensed and One licensed Finger Watches

The Winnie the Pooh Timex finger watch came with authenticity papers and I had to pay close to $30 US for it, whereas the knockoffs only cost 99 cents each, sometimes this included shipping! I don’t think I have all of the variations.

My last offering is more in line with what you might want to get for your little Princess:

24-carat plastic

And that completes our look at my ring collection. Which was your favorite?

Posted in Characters, Jewellery | Tagged Ariel, Characters, Cinderella, Finger Watches, Jewellery, Mascot Ring, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Princesses, Rings, Snow White, Vending Machines, Winnie the Pooh | Leave a comment

Is Disney Becoming too PC?

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Dis-LEE

It is interesting to me that by even asking that question, I may not be Politically Correct! To wonder if anyone has taken this non-offense initiative too far is to invite criticism. So when is being Politically Correct really too much?

The simple answer is: When it ignores history.

Take Song of the South for instance. This film is likely never to be re-released any time soon. It is apparently thought that it would spark more controversy over the racial problems of the past, and perhaps inflame some of the prejudices that still exist today. But I wonder if burying such a movie will make such controversy disappear? It’s unlikely.

The fact is that this film was made. It was released. It had an impact. And so I believe it should have a place in today’s society.

Take also the portrayal of smoking in Disney films. Now, I agree that we don’t need our children to see their favorite Disney character puffing away on a Virginia Slim. Can we imagine Ariel lighting up while relaxing on a rock after a hard day’s swim? Mickey pulling out a pipe on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and then breaking into a song all about the joys of smoking? Neither scenario is appealing!

Pinocchio enjoys (?) a cigar

But neither is denying that Disney characters have always been depicted as smokers if the story and situation called for it. Like Pinocchio when he was making an ass of himself:

Or Cruela de Ville with her iconic long cigarette holder. And we have to remember that Walt Disney himself was unapologetic about his own chain-smoking (although he did keep it off-camera.)

There was a series of TV commercials depicting Disney characters having bad experiences with smoking, like the aforementioned Pinocchio. The overlaying narration suggested that smoking was bad, so that is a good use of this old footage. But should this old footage be changed, perhaps edited out of the Classic films altogether? The answer appears to be ‘yes, as Disney is going through its Classic catalogue and removing such offending footage!

In conclusion, we might ask: Should the PC movement have the power to, not only ignore, but to change history? Maybe that should be the true controversy!

Posted in History, Viewpoint | Tagged History, PC, Pinocchio, Politically Correct, Smoking, Song of the South, Viewpoint, Walt Disney, Who's Afraid of the Song of the South? | 2 Comments

Top Ten Things to Do at WDW to Feel Like a Kid Again

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Dis-LEE

So we’ve all gone to Walt Disney World and done all of the E Ticket rides and attractions. We’ve thrilled to Space Mountain and Soarin. We’ve viewed all of the great Live Shows like Beauty and the Beast and Fantasmic. And we’ve eaten in all of the best places like Fulton’s Crab House and Boma. Yes, we’ve done all of the adult things.

Now it’s time to have some fun!

Here is a list of the Top Ten things that I think we should all do while at Walt Disney World to feel like a kid again:

Number 10 – WEAR A FUNNY HAT

Nothing says ‘Hey, I’m a big kid’ like wearing a pair of Mickey ears in public! Or, if a baseball cap is more your thing, get one with a Disney character or saying on it.

Number 9 – HUG A PRINCESS

Guys might want to ask first! But the idea here is to get in on the fun of interacting with the Costumed Characters whenever possible. And don’t forget to get photographs for future blackmail opportunities.

Number 8 – THE FLIGHT OF PETER PAN (MK)

Who never grew up? Peter Pan, of course! So who better to help you find the child within. So climb aboard and learn about faith, trust, and Pixie Dust all over again!

Number 7 – THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH (MK)

During one of our visits to the Magic Kingdom, my wife and I boarded a Hunny Pot and found that we were sharing it with another mature couple. When the Pot started to bounce up and down with Tigger, I yelled out: “Put your hands in the air!” Everyone did and we all laughed and had a great time!

Number 6 – TOMORROWLAND SPEEDWAY (FL)

This is a no-brainer! You board a miniature Sports Car that is impossible to steer well and (accidentally) bump into other cars as you circumnavigate the track. I dare you to do this without an impish smile on your face!

Number 5 – MONSTERS INC. LAUGH FLOOR (TL)

Who doesn’t like to laugh? And if you are one of the lucky few, you may find yourself on the Big Screen up front and on the proverbial spot! Make sure you act as silly as possible if this does happen to you. Remember: You’re a kid again!

Number 4 – IT’S TOUGH TO BE A BUG (AK)

And it’s tough not to have fun as you see, hear, smell, and feel all of those creepy-crawly insects throughout the show! And the best thing of all: You get to scream like a little girl!

Number 3 – PARTICIPATE IN STREETMOSPHERE (DHS / EPCOT)

To really get that youthful feeling, try to get in on the action of any of the Streetmosphere skits. For example, you may end up playing the Dating Game at DHS. Or you may become King Arthur at the UK Pavilion in EPCOT. Either way, you’ll have fun laughing at yourself!

Number 2 – VISIT INNOVENTIONS (EPCOT)

Of course, a lot of the Exhibits and Interactive Games in this section of EPCOT are geared for the kiddies, but that’s the point! Revisiting the time in your life when exploration was King is bound to take off a year or two.

And the Number 1 way to feel like a kid again while visiting Walt Disney World is – YOU TELL ME!

We all remember something different about our childhoods. So what fond memories do you have of the time in your life when your parents did everything for you, and all you had to do was have fun? Chances are that Walt Disney thought of it and included it in some aspect of his Parks!

So lighten up and get out there and make a fool of yourself! I highly recommend it.

Posted in Lists, Viewpoint | Tagged Ear Hat, Flight of Peter Pan, Innoventions, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Streetmosphere, Tomorrowland Speedway, Top 10, Viewpoint, Walt Disney World, Winnie the Pooh | 2 Comments

How to Draw Goofy in 15 Easy Steps

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Dis-LEE

I bought a folder that said ‘Art of Animation’ and was delighted to find this model sheet inside showing how to draw my favorite anamorphic dog, Goofy:

Heyuck!

I also found these two sheets of Fun Facts about animation and Disney Animators. They’re a great piece of ephemera and so I’m happy to get the chance to share them with you:

Enlarge and enjoy!

Posted in Animation, Characters, Ephemera | Tagged Animation, Artwork, Careers, Character Sheet, Ephemera, Goofy, How to Draw | 2 Comments

Disney Salt and Pepper Shakers

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Dis-LEE

Collecting salt and pepper shakers is almost a right of passage for any serious collector. Whether your passion is Elvis, ketchup, or kittens, likely you have a salt and pepper set depicting that passion!

Hello. My name is Lee. I like Disney. I have it on a salt and pepper shaker:

I love finding duplicate merchandise

Different themes but the same shape

Hidden Mickey shakers with a story about Mickey visiting Walt Disney World

My oldest set Dumbo/Dumbo

Blue for salt and red for pepper

This last set is the most expensive (still only about $20.00- $50.00) and the oldest in my collection. You can also find Donald Duck versions and several other Disney characters from this manufacturer. Oh, and they even have:

Mickey Minnie

So if you want to add a little spice to your Disneyana collection, consider one of these adorable sets of shakers!

Posted in Characters, Collectibles, Food, Kitchen, Merchandise | Tagged Boats, Characters, Chef Mickey, Collectibles, Columbia, Disneyland, Dumbo, Food, Kitchen, Mark Twain, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Spices, Walt Disney World | Leave a comment

Disney Character Meet and Greet Special Moments

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Dis-LEE

For a parent to see their child have a magical moment is a priceless part of any Disney vacation! Although we don’t have children of our own, it’s always heartwarming for Karen and I to see moments like these:

One-on-one with Mary Poppins and Alice

Imagine how this little girl must feel to be holding Mary Poppins’ umbrella! And a curb-side chat with Alice? Nothing like it! So the next time you’re in line waiting to pose with a favorite character or Princess, pass the time by watching the reactions of others ahead of you. Sharing in Disney magic is a great way to make the time fly!

Posted in Cast Members, Characters, Photography, Walt Disney World | Tagged Alice in Wonderland, Cast Members, Characters, Epcot, Mary Poppins, Photography, Walt Disney World | Leave a comment

Pixar ‘Toy Story’ Honey Graham Cookies

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Dis-LEE

A glass of milk and a plate full of cookies. It may not be tummy paradise, but it’s pretty close! I’m always on the lookout for a Disney treat, so when I saw these, I bought them immediately:

I didn’t eat the sticker

However, I did eat every one of the Honey Graham Cookies in the shape of my favorite characters from Toy Story 2. It’s unfortunate that Disney rarely provides a gluten-free product, but at least this one is peanut-free.

And now to have a look at the cookies, pre-eating: