Day 59: End of the Month 2!

That's right, it's the end of yet another month in 2013. It's sure going by quickly isn't it?

Anyway, today marks the day that I've been blogging for two months. Once again, it's been kind of interesting, since I don't always get on. But I do go back and create a post for every day I miss, so I figure it ends alright.

It's been an interesting month, considering the fact that I had musical, and auditions, and I've been gearing up for Solo and Ensemble. I've watched several movies over the past month, and I've done the Disney history everyday now! There's just a lot that's been going on, and it's all so fun!

So here's to yet another month here at Everyday Disney, and to finish it off, here's your Disney History: 1997: Wookiee Chewbacca and actress Carrie Fisher (who portrayed Princess Leia) cut an opening ribbon with a lightsaber during a Star Tours re dedication ceremony at Disneyland. The event highlights the attractions 10th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the original Star Wars films.

Have a magical day!

Day 58: Snow Day!

When I woke up this morning I was assulted with texts telling me we had, at first, a two hour delay, and then a Snow day. This was kind of a bittersweet moment because we love snow days, but at the same time it also meant that unless we wanted an extra day added to the end of the school year, it was our last snow day. I guess it's alright for us seniors because we wouldn't have an extra day anyways, but still.

On this lovely day I decided to watch a movie, and my cat suggested The Muppets (not really, we just pretends that's what she suggests). So I pulled out one of my new movies I got from my parents, "Muppets from Space."

I have to say that this movie is adorable, and probably ties for my favorite Muppet movie I've seen so far. I think my favorite part was the opening though, because watching how a house full of muppets functions in the morning is just entertaining. Despite the fact that the food was all burned and the bathroom had a line a mile long, I still think it'd be fun to live there. 

Here's today's Disney History: 1995: Michael Eisner and filmmaker George Lucas are on hand at Disneyland for the official dedication of the park's newest attraction, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Although the attraction had its grand opening ceremonies the day before, Indiana Jones won't open to the public until March 3. 

Have a magical day!

Day 57: Dapper Day

I've obviously talked about Disneybounding before, but this is one time I really wish I had been at the parks.

Thursday wraps up the current Disneybound contest, Dapper Day, which is an extension of the event that occurs at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. What happens, basically, is you dress up, inspired by a Disney character as Disneybound does, in a "Dapper Fashion," so basically you're dressing up. You could do it any number of ways, but generally it's somewhat inspired by the fashion found in Walt's era, and I think it's a pretty cool idea. 

Here are some of the pictures of the large groups at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland...and honestly I wish I had been there. It's a bit cold to dress dapper here in Wisconsin at the moment, so I had to skip out on this one completely since I don't want to freeze, but hopefully when I head to Disney in July I'll make one of my days a bit more dapper. =)

Here's today's Disney History: 2006: The Timekeeper - located in Disney World's Magic Kingdom - permanently closes (although it hasn't operated since late 2005). A poorly attended Tomorrowland attraction, if first opened in 1994. 

Have a magical day!

Day 56: Out on the Test Track

Continuing our current theme of sorts of Epcot Future World Attractions, I take you to Test Track.

No, not the new one that I refuse to look at until I head to Disney in July, but the old version...the one I grew up with. As excited as I am to try out Version 2.0, I'm certainly going to miss the old humor that came with the original Test Track, and the traditions my family always had riding it.

But the reason it's the part of the blog today is actually my Physics class. Today we watched a video on car crashes and the physics that go with them. It was a nice little video, but of course, I found that I had already either seen or knew most of what was in the video, and it explains why I understand Physics compared to other math I've taken throughout High School.

There was one part of the video that I almost laughed too. If you have walked through the queue for the previous version of Test Track sometime in your life, you would have seen something like this, or rather, this:

It's a test used to measure the impact of an object hitting the chest of a "human," in this case a test dummy. In today's video they used this same test to explain the different types of Energy, and everyone in my class was in awe of the impact on the test dummy. I of course just sat there and watched as I had previously, relishing in the connection to Disney. It turns out we do learn quite a bit just standing in line! 

Now I just have to wait until July to try out 2.0 for myself!

Here's Today's Disney History: 2012: Walt Disney Imagineering and cast members at Disney California Adventure bury a time capsule, containing items specific to the park, in Buena Vista Plaza. It is to be opened by Disneyland Resort cast members in 2037. 

Have a magical day!

Day 55: Orange Grove

If this was real, I'd buy it in a heartbeat, and if you've gone on Soarin' more than once, or even just once, you'd probably say the same. The smell of the Orange Groves on Soarin' is amazing...and how it smells so realistic I have no idea. Do they just have a bunch of oranges backstage everyday? 

The other day while sitting in my Physics class I had this moment where all of a sudden I smelled orange, and it seems that I can always smell it long before anyone around me. Is it odd that this happens? Probably not, but it might just be my imagination. And the funny thing is that I always think of Soari'n, as do most of us Disney lovers I'm sure when we smell Oranges. 

So, Disney I plead, please make this real. I'd buy it. 

Here's Today's Disney History: 1955: Steve Jobs, one of the leading figures in the computer industry, is born in San Francisco, California. A co-founder & CEO of Apple Computer, Jobs bought Lucasfilm's computer graphics division in the mid-1980's and helped turn it into Pixar Animation Studios. 

Have a magical day!

Day 54: Spaceship Earth!!

Randomly, sometimes I like finding pictures of Spaceship Earth. Whenever I come across one on Pinterest, I repin it, and whenever there's one on Tumblr, it gets reblogged. There is no such thing as too much Spaceship Earth. 

Today in one of my business classes we were learning some awesome things about Google, and one of them was that you can search through pictures by color...which of course I tested out on Spaceship Earth. I found both of these beautiful pictures and figured I'd share. =)

This Day in Disney History: 1935: Disney's Mickey Mouse short The Band Concert is released at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This is the first official Mickey cartoon in Technicolor. 

Have a magical day!

Day 53: Directing

Tonight was an interesting, nerve-wrecking and exciting night. My band director was out of town, and since my high school's boy's basketball team is in the playoffs, it meant that we, as a band, should be at the game. We have another game tomorrow that we're not playing at, but that's a whole different story. Either way, he wasn't around, and that meant that I, as drum major, got to direct. I've never really directed pep band before, other than the national anthem a couple of weeks ago, and my directing in the fall, so I really was only going off of one rehearsal with the band and the things I've seen my director do in the past four years.

But I have to say, it went well. Very well. Now, how does this relate to Disney? I really don't know, but I guess it is kind of like what I'm talking about in my memoir. Through Disney I've been given examples of great leadership, and I'm able to take those examples and develop them into my own skills for instances such as band. Three and a half years ago I wouldn't have ever thought I'd be band president one day, but here I am in that position, and I wanted it!

I remember very early freshman year when we voted for band council. It was me against one of my friends for freshman representative and I won by a couple of points. It was a close race, if you can really call it that, but it started me on my way towards where I am today. Since then I've been Treasurer, Vice President and now President and Drum Major, and I've worked a lot to get where I am. I still have lots of challenges that are thrown my way, like the whole thing with Disney that I talked about way back on Day 3 of this blog, but I really do enjoy what I do.

Plus, our team won tonight's game...so that helps too. =)

Here's today's Disney History: 2001: At Disney World, at bird's nest catches on fire on top of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority attraction, forcing the ride to close for a short time. People on board the ride are evacuated as a precaution and no one is injured.

Have a magical day!

Day 52: Disney News

I follow a myriad of different blogs about Disney. Like...a lot of them. I put them all through my blogger account and everyday I scroll through the long list of new entries, and I'm always amazed at the variety of topics.

For instance, today's news consists of a patent for a floating omnimover attraction, the increased discussion of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill returning for Star Wars, An Imaginer's view on the new Test Track, Oz the Great and Powerful, The otters at Animal Kingdom and new Hidden Mickey Pins. There's always something new and interesting.

I made it a plan this year to try and keep up with Disney news. Last year I'd eventually hear about things, but this year I seem to be pretty much on top of everything. I know what's going on pretty much all the time. Maybe it's because my Disney trip this year occurs in July, which isn't as far off as it seems, but still! Or maybe it's because I write a daily blog about Disney and there are somedays that I just need to add a little more Disney to my life. I have no clue, but watching Disney news is fun. I'd be completely ok if there were a TV show just for news about Disney.

Here's a selection of great blogs to follow:

Disney by Mark
The Disney Parks Blog
The Disney Blog

And here's today's Disney History: 1997: The very first Star Wars Weekend ever debuts at Disney-MGM Studios in Florida. They will be held for the next 5 consecutive weekends. Although a success in 1997, Star Wars Weekends won't be held again until 2000.

Have a magical day!

Day 51: The Great Movie Ride

This morning, after reading my AllEars.net Newsletter, I grew quite jealous that Tables in Wonderland is offering a dinner inside the Great Movie Ride. While it isn't my favorite attraction, it is one that I would love to work at, and plus..who doesn't want to eat dinner IN a Disney attraction?

So I ended up telling my friend pretty much the entire "plotline" of The Great Movie Ride, and then realized that it would make a great post. I told her about the two "guides" and how that works, and how I wouldn't want to be the cowgirl/gangster because they have to face alien, and I wouldn't exactly be fond of that. Ever since I was a little kid I was terrified of that part of the ride, and hated it up until a few years ago when I realized the connections to Star Wars and Indy (not that Indy wasn't my favorite part of the attraction before...).

Anyway, I had to look up some of the history on this attraction for this post, since, as I said, it's not exactly my favorite attraction. But As I was researching...I realized my entire life is a lie.

There's a prop from the Millennium Falcon IN THE QUEUE! How did I not know this?!? HOW!?! HARRISON FORD TOUCHED THAT!

Sorry...dying. 

Anyways, The great movie ride. I think my favorite part of the history from the attraction, or at least the coolest fact, is the idea that the plane in Casablanca is split in half, and the back portion can be found along the river in The Jungle Cruise. I thought it was so interesting. Also, of all the movies, none of them are produced by Universal...not one. 

There's a lot that goes into the Great Movie Ride, and while I personally still wish it was the icon of the park (can they cover it up any more? The hat...the giant stage?), it is a great attraction. Plus, it's filled with Harrison Ford and Disney things...which just ups the awesomeness of it. 

Here's today's Disney History: 1995: AT&T and the Walt Disney Company announces the latest project in their 35-year association: the launch of the Indiana Jones Adventure, Disneyland's exciting new thrill ride. 

Have a magical day! 

Day 50: Still Waiting

The countdown to Monster's University continues, but lucky for us, Pixar has released yet another promo for the film...giving us a glimpse at the wide cast of characters.

I'm still pretty excited for this film, and I have to say, for years I've enjoyed the pre-film promo videos they've put out on Youtube. I don't know when it started, but my favorites certainly come from Toy Story 3 and Tangled. Here's the new promo for Monsters University, as well as my favorites from previous films:

Here's today's Disney History: 1985: Mickey Mouse is welcomed to China as part of the 30th anniversary of Disneyland. The touring mouse will visit 30 cities in 30 days.

Have a magical day!

Day 49: American Pickers

This evening I was watching American Pickers with my family...like I often do...but this new episode happened to have a Disney reference.

While looking through a prop house, Mike and Frank came across a large display that was obviously Mary Blair inspired...and that meant a history lesson on Disney and It's a Small World. It actually was a remake from Indonesia, but it was still cool, and they still bought it for $900.

I tried to find a picture, but I can't find one...probably because the episode was new tonight. But it was pretty awesome, and I thought I'd share. If I can find a picture as time goes on, I'll be sure to post it...but for now you'll just have to take my word for it.

Here's today's Disney History: 1995: Disney's The Lion King is released on VHS in the U.S. Some 20 million copies will be sold in the first week.

Have a magical day!

Day 48: True Love Week

As Valentine's Week wraps up at the Disney Parks, I have to comment on some of the limited time magic that was present.

Now, I have no idea about you, but I am very jealous of Rapunzel. Who wouldn't want to marry Flynn Rider? And secondly, I'm quite angry that we never get to meet any of the Princes in the parks...specifically since Flynn was taken out and left Rapunzel alone for her meet and greet.

But for true love week he was back, as were the rest of the Disney Princes, each seen with their Princess. The only ones that I really see around anywhere but in the parade, at least at Disney World, would be Naveen, Aladdin, and Charming...that's it..well, other than the Beast. No Flynn, no Eric, no Phillip. WHY!?!

I think this brings us back to a link I shared this past week, and here it is again. It's a letter from a little boy to Disney Cruise Line, expressing how disappointing it was that he wasn't able to meet many of the boy characters he loves...but yet you can meet any Princess you like. Why is it like that? If you ask me, Flynn Rider is more awesome than any of the Princesses...so why isn't he in the parks regularly?

What's your opinion on this? Should the Princes be visible in the parks for more than just a parade. Should they always appear with their Princess?

Here's today's Disney History: 2009: Walt Disney World Resort welcomes a black and white colobus monkey - the first of its species born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Have a magical day!

Day 47: O.D.D.

Sometimes I find pins on Pinterest that are so very true...and this is one of them. 

Obsessive Disney Disorder is just about the truest disorder I've ever heard of...and I often find myself suffering from it. Before and after each vacation I seem to have it, and I also have a case of Disney Depression quite often, especially at about the 6 month mark after my last trip. Too long without Disney is just bad. 

And so, since I found this on pinterest, I figured I'd share it, because I thought it was funny and true...and it's certainly something that affects me each and every day...that's why I have a daily blog about Disney, isn't it!?! 

Here's today's Disney History: 2007: Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's live-action feature Bride to Terabithia, based on the Katherine Paterson novel, is released. 

Have a magical day!

Day 46: Posters & Footloose

Today is an interesting day.

First, I just finished making a poster for my Business teacher to promote taking business and technology classes. Of course, I had to put my own little mark on it. Let's see if you can figure it out?

I'll give you a hint. One of the figures looks awfully familiar...doesn't it? 

Anyway, the other thing that makes today interesting is the fact that it's opening night for my high school's musical, which this year is Footloose. I run sound board, so all of the mics to make sure that everyone can hear the actors on stage...provided their microphones don't die and they talk loudly and they have the correct microphone. It requires a lot of attention, but I like my job, and I'm quite sad that it's my last musical. I joined musical last year, when we did The Pajama Game, and made the decision to stay in it this year. It's been a great, yet frustrating, exciting and learning experience.

And so, no matter what, even if the entire system blows like it did last year, like the saying says, "The show must go on." 

Here's today's Disney History: 1899: Lillian Marie Bounds (the wife of Walt Disney) is born in Spalding, Idaho.

Have a magical day!

Day 45: The "Harrison Ford Sit"

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! And of course, because of this fact, I'm going to do a blog post on a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with Valentine's Day! Well...almost.

So a few months ago for Christmas I got a few things I was very excited about. The seasons of the Muppet show, of course, my Empire Strikes Back poster I got from one of my friends, and my Spaceship Earth phone case and 30th Anniversary Epcot Map. But aside from these, I also got "The Making of Indiana Jones" and " The Making of the Empire Strikes Back."

Since I love pretty much anything Harrison Ford, these were both amazing books to get! And of course, they're filled with tons of behind the scenes stories and pictures...of which I combed for anything relating to HF. I came across some great stories, especially from "The Empire Strikes Back", but that's not what this is about.

While my friend and I were looking through the books she came across something. There were two pictures, one a very famous picture of Ford, Carrie Fisher, George Lucas and Mark Hamill from the set of "The Empire Strikes Back" and the other a picture of Ford on the set of one of the Indy movies. But it wasn't just the pictures that intrigued us...it was what was in them.

Notice how he's sitting? Despite the fact that he's in two very different places on two very different movie sets wearing two very different costumes and playing two very different characters...he's sitting the same way! And so, this was determined as what we call "The Harrison Ford Sit." 

But it get stranger. I found yet another picture in the Indy book to show that he really does sit this way a lot..and then another picture in which he's not even in a chair! He's sitting almost that way on the ground!

But here's the real catch! Last night while on Facebook one of the pages I follow posted this picture...

Not only does Harrison Ford sit the same way all the time...but he SLEEPS that way too? Now quite honestly he probably doesn't do this all the time, but I found it interesting that there are so many pictures of him sitting the exact same way...and the sleeping thing is just a mix of awesome and weird. 

Granted, is it weird that I study how Harrison Ford sits? Probably. But you have to admit that it's kind of weird and intriguing at the same time! 

On a side note, and here's the Valentine's Day part of this blog post, I found the absolute perfect Valentine. If this was a little prettier, it would be amazing!

Also, be sure to click here and check out this adorable letter and help it get a response! 

Here's today's Disney History: 1929: The Original Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant opens at 1624 Vine Street in California. The Hollywood Brown Derby will serve as the inspiration for the restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Have a magical Valentine's Day!

Day 44: Monsters University

Over the past few days there has been a lot of hype over two things. Oz the Great and Powerful, which is having it's World Premiere today at Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and Monsters University.

While I'm excited for both movies, I think I'm more excited for Monsters, which might be because the music in the original is some of my favorite in any Pixar film and the fact that I think we all love the two monsters and we really want to see how that friendship was created.

Last night I watched the UK preview in high definition on my home computer, which was pretty amazing. The trailer was amazing too, and it really gives us an idea of what the plotline of the film will be about. It's so exciting to see the monsters a little younger, and I found myself trying to spot differences while I watched. There are differences between the Mike and Sully we see in Monsters Inc, but it's not bothersome. The attitudes they both share are what I think is the most different, as Mike is so excited to be at school and to become a scarer and Sully is almost already a scarer.

Here's the trailer:

Also today, I'd like to share my Disneybound outfit. I went for Iago from Aladdin! My hair is a little different the way I'm actually wearing it, as I took these pictures the other day when I was planning the outfit, but it's pretty close!

Here's today's Disney History: 1993:  Lumiere's Kitchen restaurant opens in Fantasyland at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. In 2006 it will become the Village Fry Shoppe and in 2009 the Friar's Nook.

Have a magical day!

Day 43: Ratatouille

Apparently I know how to spell Ratatouille. I had to go check on Google of course, just to make sure, but I typed it in and it came up correct. I count that as a success for today!

Anyway, last night I had musical practice until 7 and I ended up going home after that with a headache...which meant that I wasn't going to be practicing any of my instruments any time soon. That would probably only make things worse. So instead I decided to watch a movie...and I spent a good amount of time deciding on which movie to watch. After sitting on my bedroom floor next to my movies for a good twenty minutes, debating between a Disney movie and Indiana Jones, I decided to go find Ratatouille and watch that, since I've been meaning to do so for quite a while.

I realized last night while watching that I feel old. Like not really old, but it's strange to think that Ratatouille came out after Cars, and Ratatouille feels old! It feels like some of my favorite movies came out so long ago, which I guess is kind of true because high school has gone much faster than I'd like. I do think it's awesome though how Pixar now does a movie every year, and I don't know about you, but I'm super excited for Monster's University.

But Ratatouille is one of my favorite Pixar movies...if I really can distinguish my favorite. Maybe it's the food, or how awesome Remy and Linguini are, or the fact that it's in France. No matter what though, it's a pretty awesome movie...if you like watching it and ending up feeling terribly hungry.

As I was checking the spelling on the title, I decided to look into some trivia from the movie, which I do from time to time because I love movies and find it enjoyable to bring our random facts about things every once and a while. It's like how I know the "backstory" of the Carbon Freezing Scene in "The Empire Strike's Back" by heart, but that's for a different blog post!

For instance, did you know that in order to create a realistic compost pile, the animators photographed and researched how real produce rots? There were fifteen different types of produce left to rot and then photographed, including apples, berries, bananas, mushrooms and broccoli. Or the fact that the shop with the window of dead rats actually exists? And that to save time and money, the human characters were designed and animated without toes?

Yeah, there are some pretty interesting things in the making of this movie! And there's plenty more out there that I'm sure you can find if you are really interested!

Here's today's Disney History: 1809: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, is born in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Lincoln is the subject of such Disney attractions as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Walt Disney World's The Hall of Presidents. Walt Disney was always fascinated with the life of Lincoln. As a young boy, Walt recited Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to his elementary class...dressed as Abe!

Have a magical day!

Day 42: Disneybound Day!

I don't believe I've ever talked about Disneybound on this blog. I know I did a feature for it a while back before I started this blog over, but not since I've started the blogging everyday. 

For those that don't know, Disneybound is a Tumblr run by a lovely lady from Canada, and the idea is to take modern, everyday clothing and make it into a themed Disney character outfit. Of course, it's not just Disney characters...it's Disney everything! Here's a few of my favorite outfits that she created: 

The thing to remember is that you don't need to buy this specific clothing to make the outfit work. You can, but that would end up being pretty expensive. You want to look in your own closet, at the thrift shop, goodwill, or anywhere you regularly shop and create Disney themed outfits with what you have. It's not meant to be expensive...it's meant to be creative and fun! 

So now I'm trying to do a Disneybound a week...which doesn't always work, but I pulled out one I've been meaning to do for a while for my outfit today. What better to Disneybound as on a Monday than Epcot!

I found everything for this outfit pretty easily. The Sweatshirt was out for the 30th anniversary and I got it on my last trip to Disney. It's honestly probably the most expensive part of the outfit, but I love it. It's light, and will certainly be coming with me to Florida in July. Second is the American Adventure shirt...also out for the 30th. My parents got it for me for Christmas...even though I got it before then because I found it when they opened it and I stole it right then and there. The last part of the outfit is the shoes...which my Grandma gave to me. Yeah, every once and a while we play that "Here's some shoes for you to look at" game, and to be polite I'll take like one pair. Well, the last time we played this game she pulled out these shoes and I immediately thought of Disneybound. It's like a pair of shoes that screams Epcot. So I got them for free. 

Will I wear this outfit to Disney on my next trip? I have no clue...but maybe! Of course, the next time I go is July...meaning it's going to be super warm. I'll have to change the outfit up a little bit since I won't be wearing jeans...but it's a possibility. I might bring the shoes along just for that point...and Disneybound as Epcot at Epcot. We'll see. 

For more Disneybound, head over to the official site.

Here's today's Disney History: 2007: Randy Newman's "Our Town" (From the Disney/Pixar film "Cars") wins best song written for motion picture, Television or other visual media at the 49th Grammy Awards.

Have a magical day!

Day 41: Once Upon a Time

Today I've been a very excited person. Why? Because Once Upon a Time has returned!!!

Yes, it's been three weeks since the last new episode, and yes...I've been going crazy. I counted down to the minute of the show and was all ready sitting on my bed with my dinner so I could watch like I do every Sunday night!

I suppose I'll talk briefly about my favorite parts of the show...since I've never talked about it on this blog before. I guess if you haven't figured it out yet, this is obviously my favorite show of pretty much all time. I first saw the ads a year and a half ago and thought it looked interesting...and decided to watch the first episode. Yeah...I kept watching. 

My favorite character, easily, is Charming. He's probably the favorite character of a lot of people...but he's certainly mine. Granted, I loved Graham in the first season...but he died, so...that leaves Charming. Henry is pretty awesome too, and I'll always have a special place in my heart for Belle, Hook and Archie. I guess Emma is in there too, but throughout the second season she's just gotten to be another character for me. Maybe because Charming took such a pivotal role in the beginning of this season. 

Last night's episode brought me to realize that really, I know what's going to happen. I am 95% sure that Rumple's son is Henry's dad...which just kind of messes things up for Hook and Emma..if anything was ever going to happen there. It'd be kind of awkward to date your son's step-grandfather. Then again, this family is so messed up already you might as well add something else. What really concerns me is this new guy in town and his talk at the end with Belle. 

Belle did make me think this week though. If she doesn't remember being Belle...what does she remember being? I mean, is there just no memory there at all? But she knows how to talk and that she still apparently likes books, but where does she think she came from? It does make me feel terrible to see what she is going through though...it's just ridiculous. Poor Belle. 

Luckily we only have a week for the next episode...which already promises to be good! 

Here's today's Disney History: 1951: Robert A. Iger is born on Long Island, New York. In 1999, Disney named Iger president of Walt Disney International, and in 2005 he was named Preside and CEO of the Walt Disney Company. 

Have a magical day!

Day 40: Auditions

Today was the day that I had auditions for music scholarships at the college I plan on attending next year, and I'm happy to say that it went well!

Of course, I think you can always expect to make a few mistakes...and I certainly made a few mistakes...like not breathing for the second half of one of my pieces. That was probably a really bad idea. But still, the whole process was pretty casual and I didn't really have a lot of questions about the program since my mom went to college there and I've spent a lot of time on the campus growing up. It helps that one of my best friends is already going there this year, and she too is a music major.

I guess I really haven't talked about what I want to do though...like what I want to major in. I plan on attending a four year college and double majoring in English with a writing emphasis and Alto Saxophone Performance. Of course, my band director isn't happy with this since he believe I should go into Music Ed...but I just can't see myself as a music teacher for the rest of my life. Not when I want to pursue a career with Disney.

I know that there are plenty of writing opportunities in Imagineering, and they have a music area too, so either major would hopefully eventually help. The truth is, English and Music majors aren't exactly the best majors...there aren't really a lot of jobs in either one. But I figure that while I'm at college and have the opportunity, I might as well double major. I love writing and I love music...so between the two I'll hopefully be a happy...and stressed out...person!

Here's today's Disney History: 1996: The Disney Institute Opens at Walt Disney World, Florida. The Institute offers more than 60 programs in 8 interest areas such as animation, culinary arts, rock climbing and wilderness exploration. The institute is an attempt to allow guests to have a vacation...with a dose of educational entertainment.

Have a magical day!

Day 39: California Adventure

Oddly enough, my day was so busy I really didn't have a lot of Disney to look into today. But, of course, Disney still found me as I turned on my computer upon returning home and found that it was indeed a very big Disney Birthday!

Yes, back in 2001, 12 years ago, California Adventure opened. It's not every day that there's a Disney Park birthday, so it's always something to talk about.

While I've only been to the park once, I do know a little bit about it. When I was really little I remember seeing the ads for the park on TV and on the videos...and quite honestly I remember thinking that it was the strangest looking thing ever. I just couldn't understand why Buzz Lightyear was going on a missing to a park with a giant dog mountain and riding a Roller Coaster while everyone else was freaking out back at Disneyland. Granted, I wouldn't travel to Disneyland to understand what everything looked like for another 10 years, but the park was still something very new to me. And it's true...it's the newest Disney park in the U.S.

I went during the renovation period...so I saw construction on CarsLand and on Buena Vista Street and that's about it. Paradise Pier was finished thankfully, so I spent a lot of time over in that section of the park, but otherwise the park was just a lot of walls and loud noises. Still, I enjoyed my trip very much...especially World of Color. It's one of about two or three things I wish we had at Disney World (the others are Indiana Jones and the Pirates of the Caribbean version they have there).

And so, I'd like to wish Disney's California Adventure a happy 12th birthday. May you have many more!

Here's Today's Disney History: 1960: Walt Disney receives two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for television and one for movies. The TV star is located on the North side of the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard, while the Movie star is at the North side of the 7000 block of Hollywood Boulevard.

Have a magical day!