Day 497: Shopping Spree!

Day 16 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite place to shop. 

Blast from the Past: 

Ahh, another difficult one. I knew it was coming. 

While I have a special place in my heart for the Briar Patch, the gift shop near the end of Splash Mountain, I have to admit...Mouse Gear at Epcot is probably my favorite. You see, at Disney, the shops are just sa themed as the rest of the park...making it hard to choose. 

I love Mouse Gear because it incorporates so many pieces of Disney...and it has just about everything. From Board Games to charms to stuffed characters to princess dresses and more. Plus, it's in Epcot...and it's giant, so when it's warm out...just come up with an excuse to look in Mouse Gear and enjoy the air conditioning. 

Other notable shops I love include pretty much everything at Animal Kingdom...I love the decor there! And you can't go to Downtown Disney without a stop at the "World of Disney" store, or the "Art of Disney" store either (or the other one at Epcot!). Of course, I love the Art of Disney store because once and a while an amazing piece of art shows up there...like SOLO! I love that painting. So if you want to give me a $500 present, find a copy of "Solo." I'll love you forever. 

Now, actually, that I thought about it...there's one other store that I hold dear to my heart. My dad loves antiques, and we can never make a trip complete without a stop in the antique store at the Hollywood Studios. It's got signed pictures and more from many of the most famous actors, singers and other artists in the world. Someday...SOMEDAY I TELL YOU...I will find my Harrison Ford signed Han Solo picture. Or at least an Indiana Jones one. So there..if you want to get me a little less expensive, $200 present, get me one of those Harrison Ford signed things...and I will love you forever...maybe more than the person who got me "Solo." 

Back to the Future: 

Good Lord. This is a hard question. STILL is a hard question, even two years later.

Sadly, the Antique shop has closed and been changed into a Fastpass+ Kiosk. It makes me incredibly sad, because I honestly think that was my favorite store. I loved going in and searching through all the autographs. I heard they have some in a different store at Hollywood Studios, but I haven't had a chance to check it out yet. January, for sure.

So now I'm left with a new issue. If my favorite store closed, what's my new favorite store?

I think I'm going to have to go with The Art of Disney. As much as I still DO love all the other stores on my list, I think I end up in the Art of Disney store at both Epcot and Downtown Disney at least three or four times on a normal trip. It's a little bit of an issue, especially since I literally can't afford like anything in them. But I can dream, right?

Have a magical day!

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

Day 496: Let the Rain Come Down

Day 15 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of what you do when it rains in the park. 

Blast from the Past: 

What do I do when it rains at Disney? I go to Disney...duh.

You see, when it rains at Disney World, especially in the winter months, no one is there...at least for a while. Back in 2007 I believe, we headed down there in January. One morning we were going to Magic Kingdom, and amazingly we were up to go for park opening. Anyway, at about 8:#0 it POURED. Like...there was a serious thunderstorm, warning and all. Hail, pouring rain, wind. It lasted 10 minutes. We left for the park, and were the 9th car in the lot. No one showed up until 11, and even then it wasn't that busy. 

So, a tip for you...if it rains, buy a poncho and go to the dang park anyway. A little water never hurt anyone.

Back to the Future: 

If it rains I do what I do any other day...I go to the park. I may get soaking wet in the process, but who really cares? Back in July 2013 it rained just about everyday, but luckily I had packed a wardrobe that was great for getting wet in, and then in June 2014, on our last day, it just POURED and POURED and POURED, almost canceling Illuminations, but we survived that too.

After all, the only person ever hurt by a little water was the Wicked Witch of the West.

Have a magical day!

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

Day 495: Late Into the Night

Day 14 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite night time activity (Existing or past) on Disney Property. 

Blast from the Past: 

I'm going to think a bit out of the box here on this one, because the first thing I thought of about night time at Disney was Extra Magic Hours. And then I thought about my favorite attraction to ride at night, and decided that's actually my favorite night time activity. 

As awesome as Extra Magic Hours are, especially at 3 in the morning and the park is just EMPTY, I really love riding Test Track at night. Now, this ride is, sadly, changing, although I'm excited to see what they are going to do with it. Anyway, after going through a series of tests with your car, you pass the surprsie test and head out on the high speed loops, which are located outside. You go out the door, take a drop and then head into the next turn, around a parking lot. In order for this to work you have to be seated on the right side of the car, and there's a point in the banked turns (making you about 5 feet higher than the person on the left) where you can look out to your left and point directly at Spaceship Earth. You are level with it...and it's just this good feeling. If it's just my family in the car I always yell out at that point and then you pull into a straight line and speed up until you turn again. There's a speedometer there, a giant one, telling you how fast you're going...which is generally between 64 and 65 MPH. Jonny and I always yelled it out, regardless if we're in a car with other people. The highest we've gotten is 64.7...which is pretty good. Test Track is the fastest attraction in any of the Disney Parks, and honestly, is way more fun to ride at night. It's just different from during the day. 

Back to the Future: 

Oh dear...so many to choose from here because I am literally such a night owl when it comes to the Disney Parks.

But currently, I'd have to say my favorite part of the night time atmosphere at Disney World is the Kiss Goodnight at the Magic Kingdom, which occurs about a half hour after park closing. I saw it for the first time last July and have just loved it ever since, trying to catch it as often as I possibly can. There's just something extra magical about it, especially when the park is super empty.

Going into the past for a second though, probably the Tapestry of Nations parade from the Millennium Celebration tops the list as well. It's a piece of my childhood to be honest because that celebration makes up some of the very first Disney memories I have...plus the Millennium Celebration brought me Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, which I love to the ends of time.

Have a magical day!

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

Day 494: Right at Home

Day 13 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite "Home" Resort. 

Blast from the Past: 

I often get the following questions/answers...

Other Person: "Wait, how many times have you been to Disneyland?" 
Lizzie: "It's Disney World...and over 20 times."
OP: "20!?!"
L: "Yes."
OP: "Are you rich?"
L: "No."
OP: "Then how do you get to go to Disney so much if you aren't rich?"

It is, honestly, one of my pet peeves when people ask me if I'm rich. I HATE IT. I am not rich. My family owns a business, we take a trip to Disney once a year as a family vacation...as a tradition, and that's it. And my house only looks big because we have a double deck, a sunroom and a "tower" which isn't anything more than where our kitchen table sits. That's it. Sorry for disappointing you. 

Anyway, one of the main reasons I am able to head to Florida with my family is because we are long time Disney Vacation Club Members. My parents joined back right at the beginning in '96, and it's the reason we got to ride in a limo. Anyway, DVC is is kind of like a time-share, but you buy into one of the Disney Resorts, and then are able to use the points you get yearly to help pay for your stay at a Disney resort...and you can pick any resort with the DVC program. When my parents bought into DVC, the only option was Old Key West. So that's our literal "home." The OKW resort has some of the best rooms on property...and it's great for our family. Everything is close, but the one-bedroom includes a Master Bedroom, a bathroom that's more like a double bathroom than anything, including a whirlpool tub, a laundry room, which really helps for packing, and a full kitchen/dining room plus living room...which includes both a pull-out couch and chair (yes...a chair). The theming is awesome, based on classic Key West Style...specifically Conch Flats (also the name of the "town" that Old Key West makes). There's rental stuff, for shuffleboard, ping pong, two tennis courts, a basketball court and plenty of bikes and boats. Plus there's two pools at the resort. 

It's where my family has always stayed, although I've been to plenty of other resorts too, and it's part of the reason we're able to go back. The DVC costs a lot, but when you travel there every year like we do, it pays itself off within about 4 years. It's not the only reason, but it's one of them. 

And my favorite part of Old Key West? No matter if it's 9 in the morning, noon or 2 A.M., when you pass security to get into the resort, you can always expect the security guard to give you a "Welcome Home." And they're right...I am home.

Back to the Future: 

Oh, for sure Old Key West...that's not going to change, at all.

But there's one other resort that's wormed its way into my heart as well, and since I know I talked a bunch about Old Key West already, I'll tell you a little bit more about Bay Lake Tower.

BLT (Yes, B.L.T.), is the DVC portion of Disney's Contemporary Resort, and connects to the main building via a pathway on the fourth floor. I've only had the chance to stay at BLT twice, but the second time especially was well worth it, getting to stay on the top floor and visit the Top of the World whenever I wanted. I think I spent more time up there than I did just about anywhere else on that trip.

The two resorts are vastly different, with the Contemporary being closer to Magic Kingdom (within walking distance), therefore right in the middle of the action, while Old Key West is spread out a bit further, with the closest park being Epcot, although Downtown Disney is just a boat ride away.

Will BLT ever actually overpower my love of OKW? Goodness no, but it does deserve an honorable mention!

Have a magical day!

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

Day 493: Little Bites

Day 12 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite Disney food item. 

Blast from the Past: 

Oh no, not this again. 

Actually, this one is a bit easier. Not easy, but easier than the restaurant itself. 

I really...REALLY...love Turkey Legs. 

If you haven't had a Disney Turkey Leg, you haven't lived...sorry, but that's how it is. Well, maybe you've lived, you just haven't eaten. These things are as famous as the classic Disney Mickey Bar (Produced right here in Wisconsin!). The Turkey Legs are giant...and fatty..but DELICIOUS! It's a food that you can't eat yourself...so I have my brother. We're Turkey Leg buddies and share our turkey, often while watching a parade or sitting taking a break from the heat of the day. 

They're not cheap, but I do suggest, if you go to Disney, find a friend and bite into one of these Turkey Legs. They're so good. 

Back to the Future: 

Right now? Dole Whips. After the dream I had last night about dole whips I've wanted one ever since. Too bad I'm too far away to find one.

For real though, you just can't beat a dole whip. Cold, creamy, pineapple goodness that I can actually eat...and gosh, I'm just making myself want one more, aren't I?

Have a magical day!

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

Day 492: Yes, I'm Alive

Hello to my faithful blog readers, if there's any of you out there. I actually have no idea how any people read this, other than my general stats on views to the site in general, but whether you're just finding me or have been here for a while, just silently lurking, welcome. 

I figured that after about two weeks of silence I should let you guys know that I am indeed still alive, I'm just super busy. Finals this semester is paired with the 2 Hour Season Finale of Once Upon A Time, meaning that I'm freaking out for just about every reason possible. I'm half on a social media hiatus, which will go into full effect on Sunday evening, since I won't be watching the season finale until Monday since my friends and I all have a Monday morning final to study for. Will I probably go insane? Yeah, but somehow I'll make it through the two hours which I'll spend in the library or music building, and then retreat back to my dorm room to will away the hours until I can see it. 

This need for the finale is not being helped by my final research paper in Classic and Contemporary Fairy Tales, since I'm writing mine on the element of hope within fairy tales, specifically in the respect that it is necessary to keep fairy tales relevant in newer adaptations such as, you guessed it, Once Upon A Time. It's like a mix of a psychological and cultural analysis of fairy tales, and I'm actually quite excited to dig in and write it...if I can ever get myself to start. I guess I don't really want to write it because that means that the semester, and freshman year, is almost over, and I'm just not ready for that yet. I feel like I just got here and now I'm almost done with my first year! Crazy! 

Anyways, I also have a bunch of music stuff going on, which is always a joy, and once I finish my paper, I've got reading and studying to do for just about every class before finals next week. In other words, the next 6 days should just be a real joy. But hey, finals. That's a thing. And, since I promised it, here's some Once inspired finals motivation: 

Now, after the last episode especially I'm really not a Rumple fan, but I had to share these anyways, even if I do prefer this one: 

Yeah, that one along with the "Not Studying? Bad Form" one might just be on my desk, although everything's going to have to move in a couple of days when we take our lofts down (NOO!) In general though, yes, I am still in the land of the living, and don't worry, I've got a document on Google full of my upcoming blog posts, once I get around to actually writing them. Every day I've missed WILL be made up (and considering that after finals I'm spending three days watching movies with Megan, I think there'll be plenty to talk about). Plus, I've got another Disney trip coming up soon, and there's still a few days left of freshman year...which is plenty of time for new and random Disney references (like one I'm working on today...which will most likely end up being a blog post on one day or another). 

Until then, note that I'm not on Instagram save for a few minutes on Sunday night to post my Disneybound for the finale (which I'm actually wearing on Monday). I'm also off of Tumblr for the week, and come Sunday night I'll be on NO SOCIAL MEDIA (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google, Instagram, etc.) for a period of about 18 hours. Don't worry, you'll know when I'm back. Oh yes, you'll know. 

Good luck to everyone in my situation, also facing the cruelty of finals, and may the force be with you! 

Have a magical day!

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).