Day 1253: The Sorcerer's Hat

It's probably not surprising that I follow a bunch of Disney pages on Facebook. In fact, I think I'd be more worried about my mental health if I didn't follow a bunch of Disney pages on Facebook. Regardless, today, while scrolling through my Facebook, I came across a post about The Sorcerer's Hat at Hollywood Studios. It's not unusual to see posts like this, but today's was a sort of poll on whether followers are sad or angry about the removal of the hat that occurred about a year ago. I stopped and, a bit frustrated that angry and sad were the only options, took in what I was seeing for a moment, and then, curious, I hit the likes button to see whether more people were sad or angry (spoiler alert, it turns out more people are sad), and then I went to read some comments, which I usually try not to do on articles because it usually just makes a person mad. After reading a few of the comments though, it occurred to me that it seems most people don't actually know much about this hat that caused a mixed emotion uproar last year.

I should probably come out and clarify that I'm neither sad nor angry that the hat is no longer situated at Hollywood Studios. In fact, my feelings are exactly the opposite, as I pretty much threw a party when it was announced it would be coming down because I was so excited that finally, for the first time in my life that I can remember, the view of the Chinese Theater would be as clear as day. However, I'm going to attempt to put my feelings aside for the moment and share with you the real story of the hat.

If we're going to do this right, we need to go back. Way back. Alright, not that far back, but we do need to revisit the opening day of the park: May 1, 1989. As you may remember, the park hasn't always been Hollywood Studios, as the official opening name was Disney-MGM Studios, and it was created to combat competition from the recent nearby addition (and then still under construction) of Universal Studios Florida. It caused quite the drama, but all in all, they started a studio in Florida, which would eventually produce films such as Mulan and Brother Bear. In addition, a new version of the Mickey Mouse Club premiered on Disney Channel, and was filmed in the soundstages at the WDW Theme Park, and over the years attractions that we know and love popped up throughout the park. Fast forward a ways, to 2008 when MGM declined to renew their license and the right for Disney to use their name, leading to the renaming of Hollywood Studios.

Let's talk about the hat itself then, which first made an appearance in 2001 as a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration at Walt Disney World, a celebration specifically centered around what would have been Walt Disney's 100th Birthday. For 100 Years of Magic, special kiosks were installed underneath the hat for guests to explore the life of Walt Disney, but they were removed in 2003 at the conclusion of the celebration. Since then, the area underneath the hat has been used for pin trading and sales, but on October 24, 2014, it was announced that the hat would be removed as the first step in a full Hollywood Studios makeover. So, if you think about it, Hollywood Studios has now been open for 27 years, but The Sorcerer's Hat itself only stood there for half of that at 14 years.

Now that we know the [abbreviated] history behind the park and the hat we can discuss the conversation about the hat being the park icon, a purpose which it did fulfill for most of it's 14 year run. You can find the hat on all sorts of WDW merchandise, and if you compare it to the other park icons, such as Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, or the Tree of Life, the hat fits in perfectly:

With all this in mind, I can absolutely understand why Disney fans and frequent visitors would be upset about the removal of the hat, especially if you knew MGM or Hollywood Studios like I did, hardly remembering a world without the hat. After all, I hardly remember a time when it wasn't the icon of the park. For that generation, for my generation, it feels like a key part of the park is missing. 

However, we're also forgetting one important piece of information: The Sorcerer's Hat wasn't the original icon of the park. In fact, Disney-MGM Studios didn't really have one, at least not if you're comparing it to the other icons. The Chinese Theater, an almost exact replica of the theater in Hollywood, was the inviting sight at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, leading guests straight into the world of film and accomplishing the initial goal of the park. Officially, on the other hand, the park did have an icon, in the form of the Earful Tower that stood tall on the backlot.

Hardly visible from the front of the park and to most guests, the Earful Tower was quickly replaced by The Sorcerer's Hat as the official icon of the park when it was built in 2001, and for the general public, the Earful Tower wasn't given a second thought. However, it continued to be used as an icon of the park here and there over the years, and following the demolition of The Sorcerer's Hat, returned as the icon for a short period until it's own removal only months ago. My question, on the other hand, is why the Earful Tower didn't get the same recognition as The Sorcerer's Hat, despite the fact that it served as the icon longer and was the original icon of the park.

So now we come to the ultimate question: what are we left with? Both park icons, whether it be The Sorcerer's Hat or the Earful Tower, have been removed from the park, and folks are unsure of what the "new icon" is going to be. There's been discussion about Tower of Terror, which has already been featured on some WDW Merchandise as the new icon, as well as the Chinese Theater, once again visible and serving it's purpose as a welcoming sight. Although, while we're on the topic, can we talk about how terrible this looked?

That's a stage in front of a hat in front of the theater, and honestly that stage is the main reason I started to question whether or not the hat was actually the icon of the park. We don't cover up the Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, or, can you even imagine, Cinderella Castle. But the hat was never permanent, and in regards to the initial plans, it long overstayed its purpose. I guess that's why the removal didn't come as a surprise to many, and it points out the fact that, unlike the other icons, neither the Earful Tower nor The Sorcerer's Hat was meant to stay forever.

I also think it's important for me to mention that it's absolutely alright for people to be upset over the removal of the hat. I can't even imagine how crazy I would go if, for some odd reason, Spaceship Earth was suddenly taken away, and this is no different. Let me know if you're angry, sad, or excited about the removal of the hat in the comments below, and tell me why you feel the way you do! Was the hat a symbol of Hollywood Studios for you, or did you long to see the Chinese Theater again? And what about the Earful Tower? This is, obviously, quite the complicated story, but I really want to hear your memories of the park, the tower, the theater, and of course, the hat. 

Have a magical day! 

Day 901: My Tower of Terror Story

At this point in my life I've been sharing parts of my life with the internet for over two and a half years, so the prospect of including a video of me screaming while on Tower of Terror doesn't really seem so frightening anymore.

For those who might not know, I'm not exactly the biggest fan of Tower of Terror, and up until recently, I'd never been on it at all. Of course, all of it is explained in my Disney Side Summer video for this week, My Tower of Terror Story. If you already know the story, watch anyway, because let's be honest, now you want to see that video of me screaming, don't you?

I actually had the idea for this video a really long time ago, but I'm glad I waited until this past trip so I could include the footage of me actually on the attraction. Like I said in the video, I was pretty terrified of dropping the camera though. Otherwise I was totally fine. Going up kind of messes with my head (meaning I definitely have to take motion sickness medicine to go on it), but I don't even really realize the going down part. 

What are your thoughts on Tower of Terror? Love it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments below! 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on June 25 due to travel).

Day 843: In the Background

In yet another search for a blog post for a day that was far to busy to be blogging, I found something on Pinterest that got me thinking: iPhone backgrounds. I've shared my background before, although it's changed since then. At the moment, my background is the picture of Peter Pan and I that ended up on BuzzFeed, and while I haven o intention of changing it, at least not at the moment, I figured that it might be a great time to share some of my favorite Disney inspired backgrounds!

I love throwing Disney backgrounds on my phone, on my computer, and on my social media pages. Pretty much everything I have is something Disney, usually from the parks. As far as I've found, it's one of the greatest ways to add a little extra Disney magic to your life without going overboard, especially since 99% of the time, you're the only one looking at your phone!

These first three come from Disney officially, although unfortunately I can't find a direct link! However, they ARE part of the #DisneySide campaign and seriously, who wouldn't want that Haunted Mansion one? Brilliant! 

These next two are part of a collection of 15 Iconic Disney Characters designed by Chris Taylor! I particularly am in love with the Incredibles, but I can never pass up anything Monsters Inc. related! Find the rest of the iconic phone wallpapers HERE! 

And finally, this is a Rapunzel inspired spring design featured as one of the Spring-Themed wallpapers on the Disney Style blog! All of the backgrounds in that set are adorable, but as a Tangled fan, this is absolutely my favorite, and definitely at the top of my list if I ever change my background to something non-Disney Parks related! 

Of course, you can only have one background, unless you have an iPhone, then I suppose you have the separate lock screen. I don't change mine often, whether because I'm just too busy to notice that it hasn't been changed in months or because I just really love what I have now, I don't know, Regardless, which of these backgrounds do you love, or is there another Disney one out there that you think should be added to the list!?!

Have a magical day!

Day 734: Tower of Terror

Way back when I first started Everyday Disney, I did a post on fears I had. It was discussing something I'd learned in psychology class, and honestly, even to this day, I think that's one of my favorite posts. I think about it all the time. Regardless, recently I was certainly thinking quite a bit about it, as that post outlined the fact that while there are few attractions at Walt Disney World I'd never been on, the Tower of Terror was one that I hoped to keep on that list forever.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the line I decided to go against what I apparently didn't learn watching Once Upon A Time and make a deal that I would go on Tower of Terror in June on the band trip, as long as Megan and my Band Director, Mr. Alban, were both there. Much to my satisfaction, the attraction happened to break down just as I was about to go on it (we went and rode Star Tours instead, much to the dismay of Mr. Alban), and so once again I avoided the dreaded tower. However, apparently without my consent, a new deal was struck (you'd think I would learn with the whole Rumpelstiltskin thing), and since I couldn't go in June, I was forced onto the attraction twice on this trip.

Now, I didn't really mind the ride, and it doesn't make me sick, and I'm certainly not scared of it, but I didn't particularly enjoy it either. I'm not a huge fan of the whole weightless dropping thing (I used to hate Splash Mountain for that exact reason), and the speed at which you go up made me sort of dizzy, so I'm not especially eager to go on it again anytime soon.

But yes, I did finally go on Tower of Terror. It's funny because my friends have witnessed three attractions that I've never ridden before. In June we hit Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom, and on this trip we went on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tower of Terror, which leaves one singular attraction that I've never been on...Mission SPACE. However, I won't be going on that one due to motion sickness. I have a pretty intense case of it (I can only go on Star Tours or Expedition Everest twice in a row...at most, and sometimes not even that), so something tells me I wouldn't really enjoy Mission SPACE.

As for Tower of Terror, I suppose that now that I've been on it twice, I'll end up on it again. Sigh.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on January 11 due to the Disney Trip!)

Day 626: The Twilight Zone

You all know that I've never ridden Tower of Terror, but over time I have actually had the chance to watch some of the Twilight Zone. It's on television from time to time, but not all the time, and that means that I can't watch it constantly...at least I couldn't before. The other day I was going through Netflix and finding new things to add to my List to watch over time and I stumbled across a ton of different stuff, including THE TWILIGHT ZONE!

Honestly I'm not sure what I'm trying to accomplish with watching this because seriously, I don't need another television show to watch. I'm already in the middle of like five of them, and premiere season is only beginning, so things are going to get interesting to say the least. For now though, I'll start watching The Twilight Zone.

You know, this probably isn't the show to be watching in the evening when it's plenty dark outside and I'll be going to bed within a matter of hours, but it's not like it's a super crazy show, right? Just weird and interesting and something that inspired a Disney attraction, and that's awesome to begin with.

Maybe this is my way of preparing myself for the unpleasant experience of being forced to ride TOT for the first time in January. I need to never make deals again.

I'm just watching the first episode right now and honestly if I were this guy in a town where there isn't anyone, then I would be pretty darn creepy. This show is like old school creepy though, not scary enough to give you nightmares but just scary enough to keep you on edge until the end. I kind of like it. And such symbolism with different elements that you see throughout the episode. That's some good writing right there.

I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. What in the world!?! Gosh, I feel like this is such a key element of television history, and I love it.

Have a magical day!

Day 545: Lights, Camera, Action!

That title seemed like a good way to start these three posts that give a more in depth look at all the crazy we managed to accomplish during our short three day trip to Walt Disney World. It's funny, because I didn't write the newspaper article for this trip as I did the previous ones, so it almost feels like I haven't actually done this yet, especially since I also haven't begun editing the vlogs from those days.

But on this first day, and now the title will make even more sense, we went to Hollywood Studios. Actually, our day started out with that recording session I talked about in a previous blog post, and then we headed to Hard Rock Cafe, which I also talked about earlier, so we didn't really get there until around three, but that didn't stop us from getting a ton of stuff accomplished!

As soon as we got to the park, we made a quick stop for a photopass picture with the hat in the background. I love stopping at these because they generally have the frame and just who doesn't like that? It's brilliant. Plus, don't we all look adorable in those matching shirts? More on that in a minute though!

After our pictures we went to see Indy. Since it sounds like the show will be closing in the near future, it's sort of bittersweet. My first-time Disney peeps had never seen the show before, and here I was possibly facing my last time seeing a show that has found a special place in my heart. Sadly, it was cut short due to rain, and although I attempted to be chosen for the extras, I wasn't. That's alright though. I tried. Plus, everything was ok afterwards because WE MET INDIANA JONES.

For those that don't know, if you stick around after the show down near the bottom, you may be able to meet the stunt actors who play Indy and Marian. We did, since I figured it would be a great way to start out our Disney experience, AND it was something new for me. I've been meaning to try this for a while, and here I was with my friends getting to meet INDIANA JONES. You guys just don't know how amazing this was for me. As Ashley likes to say, his sweat is soaked into our souls.

After our incredible time meeting Indy, we headed out across the park for a try at Toy Story Mania. Thank the maker for Fastpass+! Now, I can't really speak for Megan and Ashley, but if I remember correctly, they both really enjoyed this one, even if Jonny did cream each and every one of us. I have to say though, it was a relief actually getting to play the game this time, unlike the last trip through when I videoed it for the band trip video!

Then it was off to dinner at the Sci-Fi, and we were lucky enough for our band director to join us. Let's just say there were some interesting moments involving the car parked outside, but what really made it special was what happened right beforehand! My parents had shirts to match ours, since they ordered theirs extra, knowing they would be there, and a cast member stationed at the DVC booth outside of SciFi had stopped them earlier in the day, commenting on how much she loved the shirts. When we came back later, she was still there, and I had the chance to talk with her about them. Apparently, she's been working for Disney for about 5 years and had never seen the design that graced the back of our shirts (which you can see in my Disneybound there...Genie!), and her comments LITERALLY MADE MY LIFE. As the designer of the shirt, and having spent countless hours trying to figure out what to do with it so it wouldn't infringe on copyright, having a cast member freak out about them made every ounce of it worth it. Needless to say, I wear that shirt all the time, and I can guarantee I'm going to try and get my friends and brother to wear it on a day in January.

Dinner was great, as usual, and then our band director was dead set on getting me on Tower of Terror. I've never been on it, of course, and he just had to see me on it. Problem was that there was 120 minute line, and we had less than that before we were set to meet back up for Fantasmic. Turns out the attraction was down and while our director and a few others tried to get on, they weren't successful. We made the right choice and instead headed across the park to use Star Tours fastpasses we had reserved, followed by a chance to build a droid, which Ashley was very excited about. I still don't know what hers is named, but mine is Harrison and my brother's is Gene Jones. Don't ask.

The Muppets came next, which left us just enough time to get back across the park to meet up for Fantastmic. So maybe we were two minutes late, but we were in contact with our chaperone, and everything worked out alright. Being 120 seconds late never hurt anyone.

Our day was rounded out with Fantasmic, which was entertaining mostly because we spent the hour long preshow next to our director...which I have mostly on camera. It was the most entertaining experience ever. Back at the hotel then, that night, we also ate our (slightly deformed) butterfinger cupcake and some zebra domes! Day well spent!

Although I am not looking forward to the Tower of Terror deal I made. Since we couldn't go on it, I told my director I would go on it in January, and I'd film it. He told me I must venture on it twice. We'll see if I make it through the first time.

Total things accomplished on Day one: Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Met Indiana Jones, Toy Story Mania, Ate at Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, Star Tours, Build-A-Droid, The Muppets in 3D and finally, Fantasmic: 8 things.

Not bad for only a few hours in Hollywood Studios, right?

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on August 1).

Day 486: Never Have I Ever

No, not the drinking game! Its...

Day 6 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of something you've never ridden/seen in the parks! 

Blast from the Past: 

Tower of Terror...it's as simple as that.

Why have I never been on this ride? It's not the story, and it's not that I don't like thrill rides (I LOVE the mountain range at Magic Kingdom and I think Everest is awesome!). I just don't enjoy the weightless feeling of dropping 13 stories on a broken elevator. I think this is partly because when I was little, I went on Splash Mountain, one of my favorites now, and they didn't have lap bars. I was a pretty little kid, and the nearest thing to hold on to was about two feet in front of me. So, naturally, when you go down a giant drop into a briar patch, I was freaking out that I was going to fall out...and with a drop of that size, you have a weightless feeling. It scared the crap out of me then, although I don't mind it much on that ride anymore, and the drop on Everest is pretty thrilling, but I will not...EVER...go on Tower of Terror.

I love the thought itself, the storyline is great, and how they connect it to the Twilight Zone show is just awesome. It really does look like an old hotel from the time period, just completely abandoned...including a chess game that goes unfinished. It's a thrilling line, and I almost always walk through the line and then take, the ironic, elevator down to the end and skip the ride. The cast members that work there must have so much fun. They just get to act all creepy all day. I couldn't do it...I would start smiling and ruin the creepiness.

And that's just one of the few I've never ridden. I've also never been on Mission Space at Epcot due to some health restrictions (motion sickness...lovely), but otherwise I've done pretty much everything at least once. There are some restaurants I've never been in, and I'm still discovering new things each time I go, but someday I promise...I will do everything, other than maybe Tower of Terror.

Back to the Future: 

I'm funny, aren't I? Here I am two years later and I still haven't been on Tower of Terror despite the fact that my band director was dead set on me going. The world worked with me though, providing me with a breakdown just in time to skip the attraction in June. Although in order to get out of it I had to make a deal that I would go on it in January. Not looking forward to the day I die.

But let's take a step back and look at another thing I've never done that I can't wait to experience: the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and New Fantasyland. My parents got to go on the Mine Train in June, but we just didn't have time, meaning that I won't get to experience it until January. That's alright though, I mean, I've waited this long, haven't I? I remember when we first learned about it at D23 in 2011, and now all of New Fantasyland is finally finished. Since I'll have more time on my next trip, I seriously am looking forward to experiencing more of what the new area has to offer, since I haven't really done most of it (I haven't been on the new Dumbo or met the characters or anything like that).

Unlike Tower of Terror, however, this is one new experience I'm pretty darn excited about.

Have a magical day!

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

Day 171: Must Watch Movies

A while back I read a list of movies you have to watch before you go to Disney World. In fact, here's the list:.

The list is pretty good, with, if you were too lazy to read the list, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Swiss Family Robinson, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasia, Tom Sawyer, The Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc., Lilo & Stitch, Little Einsteins & Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, A Bug's Life, Song of the South, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Lady & the Tramp, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Twilight Zone, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Singin' in the Rain, and finally, Casablanca.

Now, before I saw this list I had seen 16 out of the 25 (although really it would be 30 because of Star Wars, and then 33 with Pirates if you've seen them all). That list includes Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasia, The Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc., Lilo & Stitch, A Bug's Life, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Lady & the Tramp, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones. I've recently added another two to that list, as I've now seen Singin' in the Rain and Casablanca (And I will have watched Song of the South before I go to Disney this July).

Honestly, I think some of them are unnecessary. Many of those films are ones that you need to have seen before visiting Walt Disney World, but if you ask me there are a couple missing and there are some that really aren't important. I guess I've put some thought into it because of a couple reasons. One, it's a question I get a lot, and two because my band will be going to Disney World, many people of which will have never been to Disney before and may not have seen all these films.

So here's my own list of movies and/or TV shows you need to have seen before visiting Walt Disney World, and a brief description as to why:

1. I agree with the list that Toy Story is a must see, although I would add Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. There aren't actually any attractions based off of the original Toy Story, as Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is based on Toy Story 2 and Toy Story Mania now features characters from all three films, but specifically the third.

2. Finding Nemo is also a notable addition to the list, as it is the inspiration for multiple attractions just as Toy Story is. You have The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot and Finding Nemo the Musical at Animal Kingdom. Without seeing the movie at least once, you may be a little confused with the seas at Epcot, so if you find yourself at Disney having not seen the film, maybe check out the musical first, because it is a spectacular version of the story.

3. Peter Pan is a  must see if you plan on going on Peter Pan's Flight at the Magic Kingdom. But that's not all, Tinker Bell now plays a key role in much of the parks, and while I don't think you need to have seen the Tinker Bell movies specifically, you should at least have some knowledge of the Peter Pan film.

4. The Lion King, again, has multiple attractions inspired by the movie. One can be found at the Animal Kingdom, where there is the Festival of the Lion King, where a bit of the broadway production comes right to Central Florida for daily productions. Also at Animal Kingdom is Rafiki's Planet Watch, which isn't necessarily quite as important, but it's still helpful to know who Rafiki is! And lastly, at Epcot there's the film "Circle of Life," which includes many of your favorite characters from the Lion King to help explain environmental issues.

5. Beauty and the Beast is still on my list as well, and now more than ever! With New Fantasyland you absolutely HAVE to have seen this film to understand the wonder and magic that is the Beauty and the Beast area, specifically the restaurant "Be Our Guest." But there's also the Beauty and the Beast stage show at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

6. Fantasia, but more specifically The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I think you could go without seeing the entire film, but you'll need to at least see that short to understand multiple things, like the big hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Mickey's PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom. There's also a bit in the Great Movie Ride that is Fantasia.

7. The Little Mermaid is quite similar to Beauty and the Beast in this respect. With New Fantasyland, it's essential that you see it, and there's also a show at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

8. Monsters, Inc. continues the relationship between my list and the original, as it would be pretty hard to understand the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor at the Magic Kingdom without having seen the film. I mean, I suppose it would still be entertaining and funny, but it's just funnier if you've seen the movie.

9. Lilo & Stitch, especially if you plan on going on the attraction. But it really is only for older kids, as it's kind of scary. So if you only have younger kids I think you could skip this one. If you're old enough that you're not going to be afraid of a wild alien on the loose, then go ahead and watch this adorable film!

10. A Bug's Life is a good idea, as there are multiple references at Animal Kingdom, but especially inside the Tree of Life, where there's the 4D experience, It's Tough to Be  Bug. In order to understand the characters who are talking to you, and pick up on many of the jokes, it's just a good idea to watch it.

11. Star Wars is a bunch of movies you just kind of need to see. Now, I spent 15 years of my life not seeing these films, and I lived a pretty happy life. BUT, I never went on Star Tours, and now that I've seen the films, Star Tours is one of my absolute favorite attractions. I've found that I actually love Star Wars. Granted, it isn't for everyone (as I probably wouldn't even like it without Harrison Ford), but if you do plan on going on Star Tours, it's essential to see all six films, probably more than once.

12. Either the Twilight Zone or The actual movie the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror should be on your list. The TV show is one thing, and I actually could add it to my list of things I've seen because I have seen a couple of episodes, but I think the movie based on the attraction would really be more helpful than the TV show. Or, you could just watch both.

13. Indiana Jones is like Star Wars, kind of. You know, you just need to watch it, because not only is it one of the greatest movies of all time, but the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is based on it...plus there's a bit of it in the Great Movie Ride.

14. Singin' in the Rain is one that while it doesn't have any specific attractions based off of it, it will be a real help. I didn't see it until earlier this year, but it is honestly one of my favorite movies. There's a reference to it in the Great Movie Ride, and a hidden reference in the back streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios as well. PLUS, I think it does fit in perfectly with Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it will give you a different perspective of films in general!

15. The Muppets are a group that you need to know before you go to Disney because it's just going to make your experience better. Trust me. My relationship with the Muppets actually started at Disney, and I ended up getting the first three seasons on DVD for this past Christmas. I now absolutely love them, and I can't wait to see how the attraction is different and better for me now that I've seen so much of the show.

16. With the addition of New Fantasyland, you will need to have seen Dumbo, as an entire section of Fantasyland is now based on the circus theme of the movie. I mean, everyone needs to see Dumbo anyway because of the classic attraction, but I think it's even more important now.

17. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs needs to be seen no matter what. Partly because it's the first Disney film and partly because in 2014 there will be the addition to New Fantasyland. So watch it.

18. I think it should be obvious that you should see Cinderella, because of the castle. If you walk through the middle of the castle you can find a mosaic of the story, and Cinderella's Royal Table has many references to the film. In this same category is Tangled, as there is now a new rest area based on the film. That and Tangled is a great movie and you should see it anyways.

19. The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are both interesting. I think The Haunted Mansion would be a great one to see because it is based off the attraction, and I know that the only reason I now love the attraction itself is because of the movie. It does a wonderful job of explaining all about Master Gracy, as well as what some of the mansion's areas are. You should see at least the first Pirates of the Caribbean now as to understand who Jack Sparrow is, as he is a member of the Pirates crew now. My personal favorite Pirates is the third though, as there is some direct recording from the attraction in it.

BONUS: Song of the South is kind of a weird one. I have lived all of my life without having seen it, and I love Splash Mountain just the same, but I do think that it's an adorable movie, and that it shouldn't get the bad rap that it does. There are some recordings out there if you want to watch it, but I wouldn't say it's absolutely necessary.

Honestly the list could go on forever, because really you should see ALL the Disney films before visiting! But I have lived much of my life without some of the key movies I've listed above, so it isn't going to be the end of the world if you DON'T see one of them before going. The list is there because seeing these films is going to make your experience that much BETTER when you do go to Disney. Oh, and this is just for Disney World. Disneyland has movies of it's own to see!

Here's Today's Disney History: 1952: Actor John Goodman is born in Affton, Missouri. His Disney voice credits include Sullivan Truck in Cars, James P. Sullivan in Monsters, Inc. (and now Monsters University), Pacha in The Emperor's New Groove, Baloo in The Jungle Book 2, and Eli "Big Daddy" La Bouff in The Princess and the Frog.

Have a magical day!

Day 6: Disney Fears

Today's blog post comes with a connection to my homework. I'm taking a class in psychology at the moment, and currently we're studying learning. While I've been taking notes for the last few hours I've noticed and realized two things.

First, our psychology book has a strange love of using snakes as the example for phobias. It's said it at least 6 or 7 times...an Indy reference if I've ever seen one. Then again, there sadly isn't a picture of Harrison Ford like the following one anywhere in the book...even though I feel like it would be the best example ever.

Second, I have been thinking about my own personal fears. I have a few, and while thankfully I'm not afraid of snakes like Indy is, I am deathly afraid of tornadoes, or severe weather and thunderstorms in particular...as well as loud noises. This of course means that I absolutely can't stand "Stormstruck" at EPCOT (I went on it once...big mistake). I also feel that Twister (and thankfully it's not a Disney movie!) is the most terrifying movie of all time. I'd much rather watch Indy up there.

But I have this one other fear...of Tower of Terror. Yes, this is how this all relates to Disney, other than the Indy thing. When I was little and got to the age to ride Tower of Terror I just refused...of course at the time I was also afraid of  the Haunted Mansion, but what kid isn't for a little while? Then I got my brother afraid of it, but my mom tricked him into going on TOT and that was the end of that. While my brother doesn't particularly enjoy TOT, and generally stays off it with me while the parents go on, my family has still been trying to get me on for years...I still refuse.

Now, I have said that the only way I'm ever going on TOT is one of two scenarios...one is if my band goes and my friends all go on it with me then I would. Two is if someday I have a boyfriend or husband that, for some strange reason, loves TOT and forces me on it (yes...he will then be forced to ride Spaceship Earth many times over). But the question is why won't I ride it?

I guess I have a bad experience and have been "conditioned" (using psych terms!) to dislike the weightless feeling...one largely associated with TOT. It's a feeling present on Splash Mountain and I always hated the drop because I was a pretty small kid (and I'm still not that big) and there wasn't a strap or safety bar until recently. I always felt like I was going to fall out. So I associated the feeling of weightlessness with the idea of falling out, or in any case, something bad happening.

And that's why I'm afraid of TOT. Someday I'm sure I'll be dragged on it...but hopefully that day isn't anytime soon...at least until I ride Splash enough for me to like the weightless feeling a bit more...or in other words, recondition myself to not associate it with danger.

Have a magical day!

Day 4 : Featured Attractions

A very very long time ago, when I was originally planning this blog, or really my Disney blog in general, I always envisioned myself doing a series of blog posts all on different attractions from the Disney Parks.

See, I always thought it would be a longer blog post when I have time, featuring a brief history of the attraction, my own personal description of it and a video if there is one. There are just so many attractions in the Disney Parks that this could be done for, but I guess I just got discouraged because it's not unique. It seems every Disney blog has something like that. So I didn't ever do that. 

But now I realize that this blog doesn't have to be as unique as it has to be mine. It can be whatever I want it to be. So I'm going to do that, a weekly featured attraction. I have no idea which attractions I'll do or how I'll do them exactly, but it should be entertaining, and when I do end up going to Disney I'd love to include some of my own pictures and videos in these blog posts.

So, in the future, that's what I'll do. At the beginning of every month I'll share which attractions I hope to feature, and I'll do them periodically throughout the month. Each month will have a theme, and yes, I already know what I'm doing for the entire year. I planned it out yesterday. Here's the attractions I'll be featuring this month, with the simple theme of "Starting Out":

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The Universe of Energy
Tower of Terror
Kilimanjaro Safaris

Have a magical day!