Day 1236: Rare Gems

There's probably a good four or five autograph books from my childhood, at least, sitting on a shelf at home, and I can almost guarantee that the majority of the autographs in those books are from Mickey and Pluto. And then there was a period where I didn't really care much about characters or autographs at all, which lasted until I really became a part of the Disney community on Instagram and watched as so many others had memorable experiences with characters. Now, since bringing my friends to Walt Disney World for the first time, I've really been trying to meet more characters, and as with any trip, I found a few new ones.

Disney World and Disneyland are very different in regards to characters. In Florida, each character has an attendant nearby to help control the line and any unruly children that may be around. At Disneyland this isn't always the case, as usually face characters will roam more on their own, sometimes without even a photopass photographer. Second, the variety of characters is much wider at Disneyland, and it's where I managed to pick up a couple of characters that I'd never be able to meet in Florida, like Oswald!

There are opportunities to meet rare characters at Walt Disney World, but you just have to keep an eye out for them. This past January, my Mom attended the inaugural Club Villain event, and when there was an opportunity for her to bring me this May, we took the chance. At Club Villain, which I'll blog more about later, you have the opportunity to meet four distinct Disney villains, none of which you'll find anywhere else at Walt Disney World on a regular basis: Maleficent, The Queen of Hearts, The Evil Queen, and Cruella de Vil. Dr. Facilier is there as well, hosting, and while you can't necessarily meet him, he does stand near the back for a good portion of the show, where you can catch a picture with him if you wish (I didn't, unfortunately).

While you used to only be able to meet Olaf out at Disney California Adventure, he recently made the move to Florida again, and this time it seems like he'll be staying. Currently, or at least when I met him, he's in his own little private meet and greet near Star Tours in one of the old sound stages, and honestly you can't beat the adorableness that this snowman is all the time. 

Early in my trip, I happened to be walking around World Showcase and had stopped to listen to Alberta Bound in the Canada Pavilion when the gates to the old Millennium Celebration building opened, revealing a wealth of rare characters. I'm talking Baloo, Captain Hook, Smee, the Country Bears, and a few others. Since I wanted to round out the performance by Alberta Bound, I only had time to stand for one character, and despite my love for Captain Hook, I went with Baloo, who was just super sweet!

And finally, I was walking out of Animal Kingdom in the mid-afternoon one day when, suddenly, off to the side, a head popped out of the brush. Tarzan happened to be meeting on a side trail near the Tree of Life, and since he was out of the way and not directly visible, no one was there. Another family went in addition to ours, so we waited for a minute or two, but my conversation with Tarzan about cameras and bananas was well worth the stop! 

I must say that despite the fact that there are so many half-empty autograph books at home, I'm almost finished with the one I started a couple of years ago with my friends. We've met a lot of characters, and I'm always looking for new ones! I am saving one special page for Flynn Rider though, whom I met once. I didn't get his autograph then, and I'm definitely determined to get one next time! 

Who's your favorite rare character to find in the Disney Parks? 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1229: Just Be Nice

If there's one thing I've noticed as a part of the Once Upon A Time fandom, it's that people can be just downright rude. Aside from my personal experiences lately, I can't help but see the constant bullying, arguing, and honest to God wars that occur via social media. It's really terrible. Which leads me to my point today, and I'll try to keep it brief. 

Just. Be. Nice. 

We're all very different people, from all over the world, with different backgrounds. We have different favorite characters, different favorite episodes, lines, ships, and story arcs, but that doesn't mean we should be arguing about it. One of the most important lessons I've ever learned was the idea of agreeing to disagree, and I think that's what the OUAT fandom really needs these days. 

I think that's what we all need these days, to agree to disagree, and understand that just because we don't share every single opinion doesn't mean we should be rude. No one is worthless because of their opinion, and while I have my own ships and favorites, I'm not about to say that anyone else is wrong because they prefer someone else. That would be ridiculous. 

So don't do that. Be nice. That's not that hard to accomplish.

Have a magical day!

Day 736: Dapper Day

A few months ago, my brother came to me with one of the oddest requests I've ever had from him. He asked me if we could do Dapper Day while in Florida, and honestly, I was almost confused as to where he got the idea. Then it dawned on me. Even further back, I had told him about a thing we did at college for part of last year, Fancy Friday, where you dressed up for all your classes on Friday. Being the Dapper kid my brother apparently is, he, along with several of his friends, adopted the tradition at our local High School, and he's been wearing bow ties on Fridays pretty much ever since.

So when he approached me about doing a Dapper Day, I was both surprised and not surprised, all somehow at the same time. For those that don't know, Dapper Day is a recent activity that's put on twice a year at both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, where basically you dress in your best clothes and head to the Disney park. It's sort of a play on the tradition in years past of wearing your Sunday best to the parks instead of shorts and a T-Shirt. You can find more information on the official Dapper Day website HERE.

For quite some time, I've been pretty sad about the fact that I'm never around when the actual Dapper Day occurs, although if I were able to go to Disney this March, I'd hit Dapper Day right on the dot. However, that's not happening, and the ones for the fall occur after I head to Disneyland as well. It leaves us in quite the pickle, but there aren't any rules that say we can't have our own Dapper Day!

So the four of us dressed in our best clothes (and a few of us Disneybounded as well), and headed to Magic Kingdom for a day filled with characters and adventure. Here's a few pictures from our conversation with Rapunzel, just so you can sort of see our outfits:

Dapper Day was pretty darn fun, I have to say, although we were glad to get our of our fancy clothing before a round of Mini Golf at Fantasia Gardens that night. I don't think I can even count the number of cast members that commented, and I know the characters loved our outfits as well (for me, Disneybounding as Elsa, I even got a comment from Elsa herself on how my dress reminded her of Snow). 

All in all, it was a great day, and I wouldn't be surprised if another Dapper Day was in our future! 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on January 12 due to the Disney Trip!)

Day 735: Characters

Throughout my lifetime, I've met my fair share of Disney Characters, but my family was never too big on stopping by to meet them, especially if it meant standing in line to do so. But since my friends were along on this trip and we had a day that worked perfectly for meeting characters, I planned it all out so we could meet pretty much as many as possible.

We started the trip with two character meals, one at Garden Grill, where we met Pluto, Chip, Dale and Mickey, and then the next morning at 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian, featuring Mary Poppins, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. Character meals were pretty common for my family throughout the years, but once we were finished with those and actually headed out into the parks, we had a chance to meet character after character, and here are a few of the highlights:

Cinderella: 

As the first of the Princesses we met, Cinderella was absolutely sweet. She commented on our outfits, brought Rapunzel into our discussion (as she had snuck over from her side of the room), and suggested that my brother would make a fine prince for her stepsister. Of course, we had to go visit the stepsisters the next day, just to meet his Fiance. 

Rapunzel: 

It was with my favorite Disney Princess that we had plenty of wonderful discussions, particularly about men with Hooks. Rapunzel warned us all that men with Hooks are up to no good and suggested we stay away from them...somehow I doubt that'll happen.

Anna & Elsa: 

After over a year of 2 to 8 hour wait times, we finally got our chance to meet the sisters, and you have no idea how excited I was. With Elsa, she complimented my dress, saying it reminded her of snowflakes (awesome because I was Disneybounding as Elsa!) and we asked her to help us end our eternal winter in Wisconsin. Although she couldn't help us out too much, she promised she'd try! And with Anna we found out that her favorite kind of sandwich is Peanut Butter and Chocolate, so now we're all obligated to try it! Also, shoutout to the cast member who took selfies with my phone! 

Peter Pan: 

The following day we went to meet Peter Pan, who not only loved my outfit (I was Disneybounding as him that day!), but also told me that should my crew become unhappy, as I am the captain, they might try to overthrow me and appoint someone new captain! 

Mulan: 

With Mulan in China, we all got to become warriors, and honestly I just love this picture and that's basically the main reason for having her on the list, although she was really sweet and signed a special postcard for us too! 

Belle: 

Also at Epcot, we met Belle, who also signed a special postcard for us. After she looked throughout autograph books, she noticed that we met Gaston, and then went into a story about how she gave him a mirror as a present for Christmas, just so he can admire himself all day long!

Aladdin & Jasmine: 

Although we waited almost an hour for them, I think this was probably one of my absolute favorite meet and greets of the trip. Both Aladdin and Jasmine were just plain great, and when they noticed the nickname on one of our postcards, they launched into a whole conversation about it! They were honestly really great, and that's coming from someone who's least favorite Disney film is actually Aladdin! 

Indiana Jones & Marian: 

I can't leave these two out either. In June, for the first time, we had the chance to meet Indy and Marian, and of course we came back for a second time this trip, only this time we also got their autographs! That's right, I have Indiana Jones' autograph. What now? 

This is only scratching the surface of all the characters we met this trip, and I'm pretty sure I'll go find more characters in the future, although something tells me it won't be quite as fun without Megan and Ashley along for the ride! Don't worry though, those autograph books will be completely filled someday! 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on January 12 due to the Disney Trip!)

Day 499: Top of the Line

Day 17 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite Disney Character. 

Blast from the Past: 

I feel like I've answered this question before! 

The truth is...I have no favorite Disney character...because I love too many to pick an actual single favorite. So instead, I'll share one of my favorite pieces of art...Mickey Mouse made up of the other characters! It's such a great idea! 

Here are, though, a few of my favorites: Simba (The Lion King), Rapunzel (Tangled), The Tramp (Lady & the Tramp), Belle (Beauty & The Beast), Sebastian (Little Mermaid), Merida (Brave), Woody & Buzz (Toy Story), Dory (Finding Nemo), Donlad Duck, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Brer Rabbit, Fox & Bear (Song of the South/Splash Mountain), The Hitchhiking Ghosts (Haunted Mansion), Rover (Carousel of Progress/Pirates of the Caribbean), Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean), Pongo (101 Dalmatians), Mike (Monster's Inc.). 

There are tons more...but those are just a few of my favorites. If I really have to pick though, there's honestly no one quite like Mickey Mouse. 

Back to the Future: 

Funny how two years ago I couldn't pick just one and now I can. I mean, it's not that I don't have an extreme love of all the Disney characters, it's just I have one particular favorite now.

And if you don't know who it is, then that's just sad.

Ok, so maybe you can see the picture sitting right there and it's honestly not that much of a surprise, but yeah...I love Flynn Rider. Maybe it's because he's basically Han Solo, who is basically Killian Jones, and therefore all of my favorite characters are literally the same person, but hey, that's ok!

Flynn Rider Forever.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on August 20).

Day 491: Make a Change

Day 11 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of the thing you wish you could change about the parks. 

Blast from the Past: 

Something I would change about the parks...hmmm. This is a lot harder than you think. 

I guess something that I wish was different is Epcot. It was such an amazing park back on its opening day almost 30 years ago, and since then it's gone through so many changes, many of which aren't exactly great. Most of the opening day attractions are either completely gone or changed. Actually, the only attractions that still resemble the original on opening day are Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land and slightly the Universe of Energy. 

World of Motion has been replaced by Test Track, which is now once again being updated (I really hope it's open when we go, but there's been talk that it won't be...), Horizons has been replaced by Mission Space. The Living Seas is now "The Seas with Nemo and Friends" and has been dumbed down (don't get me wrong...I love Nemo, but there's just something different about it now...it's not as educational). The imagination Pavilion was changed, taking out the classic addition of "Dreamfinder." Communicore has been changed to Innoventions. The Land has several changes...the movie has been changed (although it hasn't been since The Lion King came out...and I can see it being updated, because it's not obviously stuck in the 90's, but the Lion King idea will probably stay the same), Soarin' has taken over the area that used to house "The Kitchen Kabaret" and then "Food Rocks." Living with the Land has been updated, but has stayed fairy similar to how it originally appeared. Club Cool, which needed an update badly, has been given one, but there's just something different about it when you don't have a giant snowplow out front. And finally, the Wonders of Life Pavilion has been closed altogether, now only used for special events. Even my Spaceship Earth has been changed...taking out some of my favorite portions of the ride and replacing it with an interactive program, which is...unique and amazing in its own way. But there's just something missing when the City of Tomorrow and the hope of the future doesn't follow you out of the ride. 

Epcot was a truly amazing park, and I'm not saying that it's not anymore...it still very much is, but I just wish Future World hadn't changed so much. Everything has been dumbed down, making it easier for people to understand. You know, back in the 80's, people understood very easily what everything meant, and now people can hardly figure out things as simple as the history on Spaceship Earth. And this is why I try to spend some time in one of my favorite locations in the park each trip...the Jumping Fountains that, until recently, even I had forgotten about. I hope those fountains never leave, because it's just one of the things reminding us of the city and the community that Walt had envisioned in his last public appearance. 

"We call it Epcot. Spelled E.P.C.O.T. Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow."

Back to the Future: 

I try to figure out my current answer before I go back and look at what I said two years ago generally, although sometimes I remember what they were. This time I honestly don't remember what I said though, so I'm going to go ahead and give my answer as it is right now:

If I could change one thing about the Disney Parks, it would most certainly be the number of characters you can meet, along with the selection. I understand that it's really difficult to care for all the costumes and constantly have the staff to pull something like that off, but you have no idea how sad I am that I always missed the Long Lost Friends weeks last year.

I mean, most of my own favorite characters can generally be found somewhere in the parks, and I'm more excited every single day about meeting characters in January with my friends, but there are a few I wish would be easier to find all the time.

Namely Flynn Rider.

I know, I know. You're reading this saying "But Lizzie! You've met Flynn!" and yeah, that's very true, but it was honestly by accident. He's not out every day, and for the most part at Disney World he's not there at all. So finding Flynn was like...HUGE. On that topic, I honestly just think that all the Princesses should meet with their Princes. I mean, we all love us some Phillip and Naveen for sure, right?

Plus I really want to meet Olaf. Someone, please...figure that out for real. And Kristoff, who is in the parks right now for Frozen Summer Fun. God, I would love to meet Kristoff.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on August 19).

Day 487: Meet and Greet

Day 7 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite in-park character.

Blast from the Past: 

Hmm, this one is a bit tough again because I generally don't go to see characters...although it's on my bucket list for my upcoming trip to go find as many as possible! 

I guess I'll have to say Pluto. He's just so hilarious sometimes...well, then again, so is Goofy (who seemed to be following us at the Disneyland Resort when we went...it was pretty funny). 

I love Pluto because he's got this...spirit about him every time you go and see him. He'll just hurry up and give you a doggy kiss on...generally...your head. It's pretty funny. I know when I was little my family at a lot at a restaurant at Epcot called the Garden Grill. It was one of my favorites because the entire seating area rotates in a giant circle. So you can start by going left to get in the restaurant, but have to exit from the right because that's how much you moved. And down below there are scenes from the "Living with the Land" attraction...including a rainforest, a desert, a farm and a prairie. 

Anyway, there are four characters in this restaurant, all dressed in their farmer's best...Mickey, Chip, Dale and Pluto. I, of course, loving Disney, would get excited when any of the characters appeared a few tables down...but when Pluto got close I was ready to jump up the second he was done with the table in front of us. Pluto's also known for his hugs and high-fives...which for a little girl who, especially loves dogs, was awesome. 

That and Pluto's signature rocks. =) 

Back to the Future: 

This one's pretty easy for my to identify now. In the past two years I've actually met a whole new wealth of characters, and I DO have some new favorites! I narrowed it down to three, so that's impressive if I do say so myself.

In March I got the chance to meet Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, which was basically a dream come true because you do not know how much I love Flynn Rider. You just don't. I literally ran across half of Epcot to meet him. HALF OF EPCOT.

And then, I really have found a ton of joy in meeting Ariel, especially in her Grotto at the Magic Kingdom. She's super adorable and I can't wait to take my friends to meet her as well, since I mean, everyone needs to talk a little bit about the weird inconsistencies between our world and under the sea.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on August 19). 

Day 256: They've Got Character

One thing I really really regret not having the ability to do is have a so called "Princess Phase." Granted, when I was a kid there really wasn't much of a Princess thing going on. Growing up I had Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle and Ariel. That was pretty much it. I guess Pocahontas and Mulan were there too, but it wasn't as big of a deal as it is now. I didn't have either of my favorite Princesses (I ADORE Rapunzel and Tiana...Belle is a close third and then Ariel), and while there were some of the little dresses, it's not like I remember it being a huge thing. I just wasn't a kid that constantly wanted to meet characters. I have autograph books, and I'm sure my parents remember me wanting to meet characters much more than I do, but it's just something that my family in general never really did a lot of.

That's me...and Goofy, obviously. It's actually one of my favorite pictures from my childhood!

But now I'm going to Walt Disney World with some of my best friends, two of which, if they both go, have never EVER been to Disney. I know that our time there is short and that our real trip won't be for many years, since we really want to plan another one when the last of us turn either 18 or 21, but still, I want to make this trip as magical as possible, and for me, one of those things is making sure they get to meet some of their favorite characters.

I was going through the common character list tonight to send it to one of my friends and honestly, I had no idea that there were so many characters in the Disney Parks. Like the list is much longer than I initially expected. So that leaves the question, who are the must see characters, who do I want to meet and who should they meet?

For starters, I know my best friend Megan, if she goes, absolutely HAS to meet Marie. Her favorite Disney movie is the Aristocats, so that would have to happen. My other friend, Ashely, loves the Pixar movies Up and Finding Nemo. Of course Nemo is a bit hard to meet, but I fully plan on spending time in the Seas with Nemo and Friends and trying to take her to meet Dug, Mr. Fredrickson and Russell. Those are more specific to them I guess. I think my list includes the Princesses because I honestly have never met my favorite one (RAPUNZEL!) and I really can't wait to see Princess Fairytale Hall! And Gaston is probably on that list too because well...it's Gaston.

And me and Marie a couple of years ago!

Aside from that, everyone needs to meet Mickey and Minnie and Goofy and Donald and Pluto and all those guys. Mickey and Minnie for sure. It just needs to happen. When I went to Disneyland Mickey and Minnie walked out and I was right there and I will forever regret not going by them right away. I could have met Mickey and Minnie AT DISNEYLAND, and I didn't. Sigh...regrets in life.

Also on my list? Indiana Jones and Marian! It's not necessarily a secret but if you stick around after the show you generally can meet the actors and I personally think it would be awesome to do that with a group of people from my HS Band, if not everyone! First we need to go to Hollywood Studios, but if we do I promise I will work my hardest for us to get to meet Indy!

Today's Frumpstagram was, surprisingly, easier than the past few days. The topic? Transportation. I couldn't find the Millennium Falcon so I guess a Speeder Bike will just have to do for now! It's kind of interesting though, and I think I'll make that tomorrow's post maybe, about how I used to hate Hollywood Studios and knew very little about it until Star Wars changed my life forever.

And here's today's Disney History: 1941: Walt Disney's father Elias passes away in Los Angeles, California at the age of 82. Walt is currently in South America in the middle of a 10-week trip.

Have a magical day!

Day 113: Opening of Disneyland

Since we celebrating a park's birthday yesterday, I figured today would be a great time to talk about the original park opening...of Disneyland on July 17, 1955. This comes partly for two reasons...one, on the 17th I'll just be getting back from my trip to Florida, so it wouldn't exactly be the best time to write a post on something so different, and two, because I was just watching the opening day TV special the other day.

I have to say it's an interesting TV special, although maybe not quite as interesting as the fourth anniversary parade (I mean...the fourth anniversary had a dead lion on a stick and a live bar fight on a float). It's really interesting to see how much everything has changed. I've only been to Disneyland once, but it's enough for me to know what it looks like (even if I can't exactly picture it in my head like I can do with WDW), and in this TV special, it's interesting because everything looks so much more...green. There's obviously no Matterhorn there yet, since that wouldn't open until 1959 (At that same fourth anniversary celebration), and there are several other things casually missing from the park (some wouldn't appear until after the World's Fair in 1964-65). It just looks...empty.

But along with that, I have to say that as a student who works mainly on a wireless laptop, using wireless internet, and has a wireless cell phone...it's kind of funny to see how everything has changed technology wise. In both the opening celebration and the fourth anniversary celebration, there are ads from Kodak for cameras and such...and boy have those changed. I'm pretty sure our out digital video camera cost a few hundred dollars...and back in the 50's you could get a COLOR video camera for just $3.95. If that doesn't show some perspective I don't know what does.

This also goes along with a series of pictures that have been floating around various Disney blogs for the past several weeks...having started on the ImagineeringDisney blog. There's a series of pictures of "Then" and "Now" from many of the Disney parks (or at least those that are old enough to have then and now pictures). There are pictures such as those below, from Disneyland, and then there are sections for The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, River Country and the 1964-65 World's Fair (which I'll have to do a post on soon since it keeps coming up in discussions!) Check the entire series out here. 

These are just pictures from Disneyland...although I think there are two things to note from these. One, how much Tomorrowland has changed. I'm one of those that feel it's going to need an update soon (although I think WDW more-so than Disneyland), but the difference from the past fifty (almost sixty now!) years is incredible. And second, how different the characters are now. I decided to share that particular picture because the characters, I feel, are just down-right scary. I'm so thankful for the costuming department at Disney and all the work they do (and you can head inside the one at WDW on certain tours...it's well worth it! Of course, you can always see it on the Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios). 

Here's today's Disney History: 1928: Shirley Jane Temple, the popular child star who presented Walt Disney with special Oscars for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is born in Santa Monica, California. As an adult, she took part in a 1957 Disneyland dedication and later served on the board of directors of some of the largest enterprises including the Walt Disney Company (1974-75). (Today is also my dad's birthday! Happy birthday Dad!)

Have a magical day!