Alive in Wonderland

Disney Helps Spread Message of Hope and Encouragement to Bullied Kids

By now, you've seen this heart-wrenching video from a local teenage boy who was being tormented by bullies at school because he is gay, but just in case you've been in a holiday stupor, please watch it. Over eight million people have already viewed it ...

 

 

When I first watched Jonah's tear-filled face and read his words, I too cried. But what could I do to help other than teach my kids to be tenderhearted, compassionate and accepting? Then I learned about The Trevor Project.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization that aids gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning teens and young adults through crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Everyday the Trevor Project fields hundreds of calls from kids in crisis and over 23,000 use their Trevor Space message boards to connect and get support. The Trevor Project Lifeline -- open around the clock and staffed by 210 counselors -- has taken over 200,000 calls since it opened its lines in 1998.

The Trevor Project also offers classes and support for parents and teachers and an online "Ask Trevor" service that fields questions of a non-time sensitive nature to anyone who needs more practical questions answered, like where to find a good counselors in the user's area. In every respect, The Trevor Project is reaching out to kids where they are, in the method they feel most comfortable, to help them deal with bullies and with the colossal pressure of being young and gay.

Through connections with other people, wether it's a peer or a trained professional, these kids receive the support of a community and I'm truly grateful for the Trevor Project for offering that to them. "No life is a one person show," says Bruce Vaughn, Chief  Creative Executive Walt Disney Imagineering, in this video produced by The Walt Disney Company for The Trevor Project titled: It Gets Better.  "You need to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are and encourage you to share with the world the unique gifts that you have to offer," says Vaughn.

 

Good for Disney for lending a hand to the incredible organization by making this raw and honest video. I recognize so many of the participants through my work with Disney. These are the people who bring you the products, stories, experiences and magic we all love.

I would encourage you to help spread the word by sharing it to help reach kids in crisis everywhere. The single, simple message at the end might be just what a gay or lesbian youth need to hear right now: It gets better!

If you or someone you know ever needs help, call The Trevor Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). It's toll-free, confidential and available 24/7.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE TREVOR PROJECT:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

YOUTUBE

You can also help by donating to The Trevor Project, here.

 

Photo via The Trevor Project

The Story About Me, Tinker Bell and Veronica Lake

This is me and Tinker Bell. Well, a photo of me and Margaret Kerry, the actress/dancer who was the action model for Tinker Bell in the animated Disney movie, Peter Pan. She is the closest anyone will ever come to meeting Tinker Bell and I met her ... and she was sassy.

At 82-years-old Margaret is a live-wire! I met her in the upstairs archives room at the Disney Studios in Burbank. She was there with many of her contemporaries--Disney Legends--for a photo shoot for the Disney D23 publication, Disney Twenty - Three.

After introductions I asked if I could get a photo with her. She happily complied with the caveat that I pout-it-up with her in Tinker Bell style. After the photo she turned to me and said: "Your hair is driving me crazy!"

"I noticed you outside during the group photo; flipping and pulling it away from your face," she went on as if we knew each other for ages and she was finally getting something off her chest.

"I wish I had a pin to hold it back. No one can see your face under that hair!" She makes a motion toward it and I instinctually dodge small her. 

I explained to her that is the style now. That I like it that way and though I appreciated her concern, hair flipping is kinda "my thing."

"Oh," she said in complete understanding now, nodding her head slowly. "It's just like with my friend Veronica Lake."

You see Margaret and Veronica Lake were in a movie together, years and years ago, and they became fast friends. "She was very, very funny," Margaret remembered with a smile. 

"People don't know that about her, she was a real cut-up, but she always had to play the vixen, you know..." Then Margaret threw her eyes at me to react. 

I sadly shake my head in deep understanding, as if I know exactly what it's like to be a comedian typecast as a sex kitten.

"That happens," I sympathize.

"She had that same hair as you (She squints and glares at my one long bang as she talks) , except hers was just one piece that came straight down the the middle of her face and she'd peek out from under it, very seductive," Margaret tries her best to demonstrate for me that look as we stand there in the bustle of the archives. God bless her.

Then she says she remembered one particular day like yesterday; Veronica Lake stretched out on chaise lounge next to a pool, her hair all up in a towel. They sat and talked and laughed and laughed. Then Margaret told me again how funny she was and how sad it was that she never got to play in comedies.

"It is very sad, dang studios!" I chime in, almost livid at the crime of it.

"You think you're very funny, don't you?" Margaret asked me with a twinkle in her eye, thinning her lips at me.

"I do," I admit quickly. 

"I sure wish I had pin to hold your hair back..." Margaret said as she walked away shaking her head. 

 I'm Margaret Kerry's biggest fan now. 

....and then Richard Sherman sat down at the piano and played this song for us, cut from the movie Mary Poppins. He and his brother wrote it for "Julie" to sing, but it never made it to the movie ... and then my head exploded in sheer delight. 

 

 For more info on Disney D23, go to my blog "Disneyland Locals" at OC Family.

Disneyland During Halloween Time and Those Dapper Dans

There are so many things to love about Halloween Time at Disneyland. There are only six more days to can catch all the spooky fun before it's gone until next September.  

If you haven't been to Disneyland during the Halloween season, check out this video to see what's special about this time of year. 

You'll also get a personal serenade by the world-famous Disneyland a-cappella group--The Dapper Dans. They will sing a song written just for the season. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World of Color lives up to the hype. Read my review...

On Thursday night Disney's California Adventure premiered its new nighttime show, "World of Color." I was there for the red carpet event, the pre-show, and then the fantastic debut of the long-anticipated show. Packing the punch of both Disney and Pixar characters, the water show projected images onto water screens 200 feet in the air and 380 feet long across Paradise Pier. 

The show lives up to its moniker "water spectacular." World of Color will both blow your mind and warm your heart at the same time. It's the kind of show you've come to expect from Disney, but with so many fresh twists and surprising elements, you'll want to go back again and again to catch everything.

"Every child is blessed with a vivid imagination." --Walt Disney.

Projected across the water, this quote kicks off the show and sets the mood as 1,200 fountains, 36 flame projectors, bubbles, fog, lasers and phenomenal surround sound launch you into the stories of  Disney and Pixar amidst a torrent of technical feats that keep delivering the "oohs and ahhs" throughout the show. 

"World of Color is all about the lyrics: 'each dream you chase, each wish you embrace will lead you to a magical faraway place,'" said Steven Davison, Director and VP of Parades and Spectaculars. Quite an undertaking for a 26-minute, standing-room-only show. But Disney delivers by making the show at once grandiose and very personal. 

Scary parts? No, Sir. 

I'd like to frame this portion by saying my kids are afraid of the Winnie the Pooh ride at Disneyland--capisce? They are scaredy cats and although they enjoy Fantasmic and portions of the fireworks show every year, they view the more scary, villain-packed portions through their fingers.  

Now that I've seen World of Color twice, I can confidently say my kids won't be watching any of it from behind my legs.  I would call the Buzz vs. Zurig and Pirates of the Caribbean sequences "intense," not scary.  Fire and loud music ramp up the action, but never the nerves.  The Lion King bit with Simba and the stampede is more emotional than frightening. 

That's the word I would use to describe the whole show World of Color: emotional. Kids will respond to the music, the colors, the characters and the surprises with the delight and wonder that only Disney can deliver. I know that's how I responded--at one point hugging the utter stranger who was standing next to me. I could tell, we were both having a moment as Pocahontas started to sing "Just Around The River Bend" and the entire screen became a panoramic, crystal-clear scene of wilderness.  

World of Color is really that good. So, go.  Maybe not this week, maybe not even this summer, but put it on your bucket list of things to do in the next four months.  Starting in the fall, the pre-show will change with every showing and there is talk of a holiday show as well. So carve out the time to go see it soon with your family.

The lowdown 

"It's like our [Disney's] version of diner and a movie,"  Bob Iger, The Walt Disney Company's President and CEO, told me on the red carpet.  Here are some of the ways Disney is making that happen:

Picnic meals with reserved viewing tickets: Order a picnic meal online or pick one up at Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery the day you want to see the show.  Adult meals are $14.99--Taste of Asia, European Antiposto, Mediterranean Vegetarian--and the smaller kids's meals are $9.99.  Click here to get the details and order.  

All these meals come in a large World of Color tote and the kids' meals include a glow bracelet in each tote.  Important to note here; you'll receive a ticket for a reserved viewing section with each meal.  In my opinion, this is the way to go.

Dining packages with preferred viewing: Wine County Trattoria and Ariel's Grotto Restaurants offer pre-fixed meals at $36.99 for adults and $20.99 for the kiddos. It's the highfalutin' way to experience the show. Call (714) 781- DINE to order, or click here for more information. After dinner these lucky guests will be escorted to their own premier viewing area. 

FASTPASS: To get the best view of the show you'll need to get some sort of preferred or reserved viewing--at least not through the summer.  So, if these meal options aren't in your budget or don't sound delectable to you, there's always the FASTPASS option. 

Pick up your World of Color FASTPASS at the Grizzly River Run Terminal.  **They will not interfere with your other FASTPASS tickets of the day.**  

The World of Color FASSPASS tickets are available every morning when the park opens and the four to six thousand passes that are available have sold out quickly, so get there early. 

It will take some planning on your part, but it will be worth the effort.  

I call the play-by-play of the Premier of World of Color

Please check out my photo slideshow of the Red Carpet event (Teri Hatcher, John Stamos, Jason Segal, Jamie Lee Curtis) along with photos of the exclusive pre-show, four different views of the show, and random facts about World of Color--all accompanied by my running commentary. This will really give you a feel for the show. Click anywhere on the photo below to get started...

 

Can't get enough World of Color? Check out these blogs.

Marcy of "The Glamorous Life." The World of Color Red Carpet (Unless I'm color blind.)

Lisa from "Babes in Disneyland."  World of Color Review with Lots of Pictures.

 

 

Pretty much exclusive photos of World of Color at Disney's California Adventure!

Tuesday night I was among a handful of bloggers and print media types who were invited to view a World of Color dress rehearsal. The long-awaited nighttime water spectacular, World of Color," which harnesses the creative might of both Disney and Pixar and will be performed two times a night for the public starting June 11th at Disney's California Adventure.

I'm not allowed to post any reviews or write details of the show until it opens to everyone. Sorry.  I was given the thumbs up to show only five (of the 300) photos I took last night.  Here is a sneak peek of World of Color:

 

 

 

  

 

  

There will be loads of new meals, treats and souvenirs to accompany World of Color, which I talk about a little in the slideshow below, but will go into more detail in another post.

There will be several different ways to snatch reserved seating (which I would recommend) throughout the summer.  You can reserve picnic lunches starting on June 10th at www.Disneyland.com which all come with reserved seating. 

If you want to avoid the prospect of lining up hours before the show, Disneyland is also offering restaurant Prix Fixe meals at Ariel's Grotto starting at $29.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids.  The Wine Country Trattoria will serve dinners from $39.99 for adults and $18.99 for the kiddos.  After dinner, the lucky restaurant guests will be escorted to a special standing only viewing section.  (Call 714-781-DINE to reserve your restaurant meal.) 

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The Story of the Disneyland Corn Dog

I don't know about you, but I go back and forth.  Sometimes I think life is all about "The Big Picture" things.  Reaching for our dreams. Setting goals then achieving them. The biggies: Births; Marriages; Deaths. Then, sometimes I think life if all about the outtake.  Life's small pleasures.  Sometimes, especially when I'm really hungry, life seems to boil down to the little things, like--Disneyland's corn dogs.  

I know that sounds crazy. Superficial.  Fattening.  But, have you ever had a Disneyland corn dog?  Well, please don't judge me then.  On Friday I spent the day at Disney's California Food and Wine Festival for OC Family.  I took photos, put together a Whrrl report, interviewed Guy Fieri (who, I'm guessing,  probably shares my corn dog theory), and talked to Disney-types about what exactly goes on at the 40 day festival. 

To see my video of the day, click here.

One of the Disney-types I talked to was Gary Maggetti, Disneyland's Director of Food and Beverage.  If there's one thing about Gary (besides looking a lot like David Duchovny and having a voice that would make James Earl Jones sound like a prepubescent boy) it is he can tell a story.  He really gets into it.  When he mentioned he had a "Disneyland Corn Dog STORY"  I hit record on my FLIP and let him have at it. So, even if you aren't into corn dogs (like that's even possible), here is a great little story. (Plus he tells us where to get the delicacy while the park is being redesigned.)  

I suspect the answers to life lies, like most answers, somewhere in the middle.  Right between "climb the highest mountain" and the Disneyland corn dog. 

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For more of my unsound theories and random observations, check out my newly reconstructed "About me" page.  It includes things like: "I have a theory that biscotti is a mafia-backed baked good because I haven't ever met anyone who likes them, yet they are everywhere" and the more earnest "Someday I hope to be the person my mom thinks I am." 

The Kite Song

 

This is a kite that waved and the confetti that floated above Disneyland's Main Street during a ceremony for two Disney legends-- Richard and Robert Sherman.  Two pretty remarkable men you've probably never heard of, but who wrote the soundtrack to many of your childhood memories.

You can read my full story here.  

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While I was editing the photo, this song by Patty Griffin came to mind: Patty Griffin's Kite Song.

 

Disneyland News: A Twitter Ticket Giveaway and Give a Day. Get a Disney Day

As one of our Christmas gifts to ourselves, my family bought Disneyland Season Passes. We haven't had them in over two years.  I know it seems like I'm over at The Happiest Place on Earth all the time, but really I was only there three times last year--I know! Totally unacceptable.  Hence, the passes.

If you don't have passes or if live outside of Southern California, Disneyland has replaced their "Free on Your Birthday" promotion from 2009 with "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day."  I asked a Disney-type all about it in this video that was shot right before the new year.  I think it's a great gesture on Disneyland's part and I hope they reach their 1 million goal. 

 

I would like to note something that I do in my videos that I just noticed: When I make a mistake while I'm interviewing someone, I give a look to the camera that's says "Oh, okay, if you say so."  Like in this video when she says it's "....Get a DISNEY day" I give the look. I also did it in my Ducks TV video when Brian Hayward corrects me and to John Addis from the summer Disneyland videos.  Note to self: Stop doing that. 

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(Image from Overheard at Disneyland who you should all be following on Twitter.)

  Tomorrow Disneyland will have their first Ticket Giveaway on Twitter!  Check out @Disneyland throughout the day tomorrow for details.  

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! complete with tambourines

My interview with Tiana from the Princes and The Frog and also more info on how Disneyland Park visitors can be part of the Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! 

Yesterday I spent the day with some of my favorite people, Marcy from The Glamorous Life, Lisa from Babes in Disneyland and a whole cast of other characters--as in Disney Characters--at a Press Event at Disneyland to kick off their holiday season, introduce the new show Tiana's Showboat Jamboree, and also to tell us a little more about Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day at Disney" promotion for 2010.  

  

Head over to my blog at OC Family for the whole story....

The Alive in Wonderland Radio Show: What Disneyland means to OC

 

I hosted the first Alive in Wonderland Radio show last Friday. Yep, after talking to Kim Porrazzo on Family Radio (OC Family's very own show) a few weeks ago, I became obsessed with getting my own show--turns out to be pretty easy to do through Blogtalkradio.

The Alive in Wonderland Radio Show will be all about Orange County. The OC we love. Local talk about our county: the people who are lucky enough to live here; the places we like to go, and the things we like to do.  I have millions of ideas for topics, but the first one was "What Disneyland means to Orange County Residents." 

I rounded up a few of my friends, all with Disneyland blogs, to help me through my first show. Marcy Massura from The Daily Disney, Aracely Worley from Kids and Mice and Lisa Robertson from Babes in Disneyland all joined the discussion. (Thanks gals!) 

We talked about how the annual pass has changed the way we experience Disneyland, how our kids see Disneyland differently than we did, and of course, we talked about our favorite D-land food. 

To listen to the show, click here and the show will start automatically. 

The Alive in Wonderland Radio Show will be on every Friday--starting Dec 4th--at 11:30 am. The guest on my next show will be Chris Epting, author of "Vanishing Orange County."  We will talk about the Orange County that stands only in our memories now. Listen in to us as we reminisce about our favorite old spots--Think Golden Bear and The Lion Country Safari.

Here's a short video by Chris on what remains of Lion Country Safari in Irvine.

 

You can follow me on Twitter or be my friend on Facebook to get updates on all things Alive in Wonderland.  

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Spreading the Disney Love: Win a day as a VIP Guest of Disneyland

 

(Photos from last year's VIP party.)

You and your family can be my guest at a VIP Holiday Party at Disneyland!  Here's how it all came to happen...

When all the mom bloggers were gathered at Disneyland to preview the Halloween Time Fun, a special guest, Mrs. Claus herself, came by to invite us back for an exclusive VIP Holiday Party at Disneyland with our families on November 21, 2009. (This is where before you would have feigned excitement for me, as you secretly burn with jealously.)  

Then Mrs. Claus  had the idea of letting us invite one of our readers and their family along the to the exclusive Holiday celebration which includes dinner and special Disney activities for everyone.  If it's anything like last year's event--you're in for a treat!

Here, let Mrs. Clause tell you about it herself in this video I shot that day. I follow-up her announcement with a montage of Disneyland all dressed -up for the holidays. (Is it me or is she channeling Jiminy Glick?)

 

If you haven't been to Disneyland during the holiday season you are going to love it.  They deck the entire park out with all the holiday trimmings, offer special desserts, "it's a small world" becomes a Christmas canvas with lights and music all night long and the holiday fireworks show is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.  

Interested?  Click here for the official rules: Tell it like it is Little Lady.  Still interested?  Here is all you have to do:

--Subscribe to my blog--either by entering your email up in the upper right corner or in a reader and become a friend of mine on Facebook.

--Leave a comment here telling me you did it and then share how much you love Disneyland. If you already subscribe and are a friend, thank you, please just leave a comment.  (One entry per IP address.)   

That's it!  I will pick a winner via Random.com, to keep it all on the up-and-up. I'm thinking I'll close this baby down on Oct 19th.  

If you want more than one chance to win this VIP night at Disneyland, these fellow bloggers are giving away the experience as well. Go ahead and enter more than once...

The always funny Marcy at The Glamorous Life.

The charming Debbie at Peace, Love and Momminess.

The beautiful and talented Lisa and Babes in Disneyland. 

I'm excited to share this event with one of you this year.  We attended last year and my kids still talk about how much fun it was.  I'm so happy to spread the Disney love! 

***This contest is closed******

Halloween Time at Disneyland

(Click anywhere on the picture to see the story.)

Although it has been in the 90's in Orange County the last two weeks, the calendar says it's Fall and Disneyland has all their decorations out for the season, which has kinda got me in the mood even though I'm still sporting jeans, a tank top and my Rainbows.

 On Saturday I was treated, along with a handful of other mom bloggers, to a VIP Tour of Disneyland's new Halloween Time attractions, decor, and shows.  Though Disneyland has had Halloween events in the past, mostly in California Adventure, this year they pulled out all the stops and decorated both parks in orange and black, jack-o-lanterns, and ghosts.  

It was the first time Disneyland has ever created a fireworks show just for Halloween  and it only runs from now until Nov. 1st.   So if you want to see it you better high-tail it down there this month because it's all about Christmas come the 1st. 

(Photo by Suzanne Broughton. Please be cool about it and credit use. )

While waiting for the fireworks to start, at the very last minute, a few of us were ushered to a prime spot right in front of the castle and we were treated to what I think is Disneyland's best fireworks to date: Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies. 

From the very first scene with "Zero" flying through the air to the grand finale this show was phenomenal and will mesmerize even the causal fireworks fan.  

Because I'm such a big o' geek and a huge fan of the creative team at Disneyland who put together all the shows --- see video about the show Magical--- I taped the entire show in HD just for you.   

 

I know!  Amazing right? When those fire cannons go off you can actually feel the heat. I also liked that it wasn't too scary, so if you have a kids who are scaredy cats, like mine, they won't be hiding behind your leg the entire show.  

(Photo by Suzanne Broughton. By all means snag this photo, just give credit.)

Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy is another story. Emily, my eight-year-old, really wanted to go on it and after  I saw a bunch of smaller kids getting off the ride, laughing and begging to go on it again, I said okay. She ended up closing her eyes the entire ride and had to be talked down when it was over. She was crying and let me know she did not want to go on it again...until next year. So, though it is a cool ride , it is VERY scary (particularly the soundtrack) and if you have a sensitive kid, have someone take them on Buzz Lightyear while you get the bejeepers (it's a word) scared out of you on Ghost Galaxy. Another blogger,  Kathy at Parent Talk Today,  posted about her teenager loving it.  Sometimes these things are hard to call.   

I also FINALLY got to see that tardy dragon in Fantasmic--totally worth the wait. That guy was HUGE and looked as menacing as he did on all the bus ads Orange County saw throughout the summer.  

(Photo by Suzanne Broughton. You know the drill.)

Thanks again to Disneyland for treating me to a day I will never forget...and neither will my kids.   

Not a post about Disney's D23 Expo, but a Disney post just the same

I was meant to go to Disney's D23 Expo today, but I stayed home and hung out with my sick kid instead.  Sometimes being a mom really gets in the way of being a mom blogger.  As it most definitely should.   

Marcy, from The Glamorous Life was there and wrote this about the first day of the first ever Disney fan expo. We were going to meet and shoot a video of us goofing on all the exhibits, flirting with Mickey, and eating our salads (FYI- when I say "salad" on this blog it always means a burger--in case you're new here).

I will go to D23 on Saturday and report back to you--as long as no other kids gets sick. As a parent all plans are tentative.

So, instead of showing you current, relevant Disney news, I'm going to give you this from a few months ago: OUTTAKES from the Disneyland Press Event introducing the new summer shows. You've seen all the actual video interviews, but this is all the behind-the-scenes stuff.  

I didn't know I was going to be interviewing Alice from Alice in Wonderland and when she came on the set the staff was very polite (Disneyland employees always are) and introduced her to me, "Suzanne, this is Alice" then "Alice, this is Suzanne."

I couldn't help myself, I had to say it, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your first name." The sound guy thought it was VERY funny. (So, if you're counting, that's two people--me and the sound guy thought is was funny.)

Disneyland has done an awesome job embracing bloggers and including us in their media events. I'm beyond honored they chose to invite me. Marcy, an OC native, and I looked at each other at one point during this event and we both knew what was happening: The six-year-old inside us was giddy and happy.

You can still catch The fireworks show Magical and I hear that tardy dragon has made his appearance in Fantasmic. Here is Day Tripping Mom's post about the dragon along with photo!  I can't wait to see it!

What's your favorite Disneyland treat?

What is your favorite special treat at Disneyland? Mine is the Dole Pineapple Whip. I will stand in a long, winding line--the hot summer sun beating down on me, strollers running over my toes trying to get into the Tiki Room--just to get my hands on this fruit flavored delight.

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I was on the fence about whether to get the $99 Summer Fun Pass, then I received word that the $99 can be applied to the price of an annual passes, if by the end of the summer I decide to get them for my family. Which means I might be enjoying my Pineapple Whip throughout the whole year. 

What's your favorite treat? Caramel Apple? Rice Crispy Treat? Waffle Ice Cream Cone from Gibson Girls? More Disneyland things: The Around Disney blog, right here at the OC Register. 

If you belong to Twitter, this group is fun. It's called "Overheard at Disneyland." If you're at Disneyland and hear something funny, "tweet" them, and they will put it up on their blog. Some of the stuff is hysterical. I sent them this story and they post it. It's about my friend Christine, "She sat next to Hugh Hefner on a bench at Disneyland."

Oh. Oh. Oh, It's Magic-al! The new fireworks show at Disneyland

I was invited last Thursday night, along with some other OC Mom Bloggers, to attend a preview of all the new summer Nightastic shows at Disneyland--Magical, the new fireworks show, Fantasmic, and The Electric Light Parade.  

I admit, the show I was looking forward to the most was Magical. One reason was that Magical is entirely new; the other shows are given a makeover, but are classics. Also, its new star is one of my favorite Disney characters--Dumbo, with Eden Espinosa signing my all-time favorite Disney song, "Baby of Mine." 

But, the most compelling reason of all was personal.  I had been dying to see Magical after I was wowed by Steven Davison, creator and director of the show, last spring after seeing him perform a full reenactment of Magical live on stage at another press event.  It's fascinating to me to get a glimpse into the creative process behind such a massive show.  Please watch his entire presentation here, captured by the always awesome, MousePlant. It is well worth the time:  Steven 

Davison's Presentation of Magical: Part 1. and Part 2. 

The show lived-up to his inspired vision and also to its name--Magical.  I think I enjoyed the show more knowing the artistic craftsmanship behind every fireworks shell, storyline, and song.  

When I was given the chance to interview John Addis, Senior Show Director at Disneyland the show, but I also wanted to see if he had the same same flare and kinetic energy as Steven. Watch my video above for the answer.  

What has been one of the most rewarding things for me about being included in Disneyland's press events is being able to meet some of the people behind the scenes. It just served to reinforced in my mind the idea that greatness, begets greatness.  That following your passions and your dreams is the right path and will make you shine in whatever it is you do...and isn't that what Walt Disney was all about?  

Here is the show in its entirety. At the very beginning, you hear Debbie Lavdas' daughter squeal with delight. Debbie wrote about it here on her website, Peace, Love and Momminess; Magical, Part 1 and Part 2. 

I encourage you to go see the show this summer, it premiered last Friday night, June 12th and will light up the Anaheim sky though the summer.  I hope after seeing these videos, it will mean something even more special to you than just a great show.  

Disneyland keeping me busy

I've been busy the last couple of days. Disneyland invited me and some other mom bloggers (... and those other "media" people, too) to preview their Summer Shows--Fantasmic, Magical, The Electrical Light Parade--on Thursday night and then I spent Friday at their Press Junket interviewing some of the cast and creators.

It was an extraordinary experience that held lots of unique one-liner opportunities, like when I was introduced to Alice in Wonderland, I couldn't resist saying, "Hello, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name." Wish I would have gotten that one on tape...

Marcy from The Glamorous Life and I yucked it up with Mickey and his buddies, got our make-up professionally done, and basically ran around like...well, like the excited Disneyland fans that we are, just unabashedly happy to be there.

I will post each of my professional videos in the coming week. I have been feverishly editing them, along with going to grad parties, roller skating, and keeping my laundry hamper at a livable level. I will also get around to all my favorite blogs. I'm sorry I've been too busy to stop by, I miss you.

I'm geeking out over what's new at Disneyland this summer

(The new Celebrate Street Party)

Disneyland invited some Orange County mom bloggers to come to the park to taste the BBQ at the recently opened Big Thunder Ranch, watch the new Celebrate, A Street Party parade, and get a downright fun and entertaining preview of what's new this summer at Disneyland during their Celebrate Summer Briefing.

And here we are: Lisa from Babes in Disneyland, Colleen and Kelly (who is having her baby as I write this) from Just Spotted, Debbie from Peace, Love and Momminess, Dawn from This Life is Worth Living, Caryn from Rockin' Mama, Marcy from The Glamorous Life, Moi from here, and Becky (looking a little too thin) from Happy Hour Mom. --- My family and I have been Disneyland annual pass holders for almost 10 years, but this year we didn't renew our passes. When it came time to cut our expenses, unfortunately (and arguably) Deluxe Disneyland passes, for our family, weren't deemed an "essential." (Remember Marla wrote about the expense here, too.) Disneyland must have heard the moans and sighs of some of us Orange County families who were missing our annual passes, because at their Celebrate Summer Briefing they announced their 3-Day Park Hopper $99 Special: It's three visits this summer for just $99 for Southern California residents. (The regular is $149 for three visits.) The tickets are available between June 1 and August 23 and are good for up to 45 days after first use. This announcement prompted an audible gasp and spontaneous cheering from the audience. Click here for more details. Here is a list of just some of the new things at Disneyland this summer, along with my commentary: ☀ Tinker Bell will be added to the Electrical Light Parade along with "richer" music and a few other surprises. I adore the Electrical Light Parade and listened to the album endlessly as a kid. It looks like the changes will keeping with the retro vibe of the parade--YAY! ☀ The new BBQ at Big Thunder Mountain is open now and serving family style country fare: chicken, ribs, corn bread and the best cole slaw I've ever had. There is also a tofu and vegetable kabob option that is available if you ask and it is DELISH! Too spicy for kids, though. ☀ A massive 40-foot, fire-breathing dragon and Ursula's conniving pet eels will be added to Fantasmic. My kids will be hiding under my coat, but I will LOVE it. ☀ Tinker Bell and her gang will be in their new digs at Pixie's Hollow. ☀ This was a BIG one for me, the new fireworks show called Magical, narrated and sung by Eden Espinosa of Wicked fame, will include a little Dumbo flying across the lit-up sky! GEEK ALERT I know I'm geeking out right now, but Dumbo is one of my favorite Disney movies and his flight will be accompanied by Eden signing " Baby of Mine." I can't flippin' wait! The new show starts June 12. At the Celebrate Summer Briefing, Disneyland's Steve Davison, Director and Vice President, Parades and Spectaculars (only the coolest title ever) gave this enthusiastic description of Magical. (Caught on camera by a giggling Marcy.) His animated description of the new fireworks show is just as good as any Disney production...it's a must see. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlk_UNoHRMQ[/youtube] I love watching people do what they are passionate about, don't you? His enthusiasm is contagious. Going to Disneyland with my family is one of my favorite things to do and I admit, we've missed our passes terribly. The $99, 3-Day Park Hopper might be just what we need to get us through until we can pony up for passes again.

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To further solidify my Disneyland geekiness, watch my Disneyland videos:

"Mickey Mouse's Trick-or-Treat Party" at California Adventure.

We rode "it's a small world" 6 times and saw all the new characters: "Previewing the new "it's a small world."

Check out my photography of Disneyland in my Flickr set.

---- In the time it took me to write this post Kelly had her baby and of course she put her picture up on Twitter. Congrats!

Coming back from the holiday weekend, brutal.

Since I only have enough inspiration for one post today, 

I wrote this for MomCrush, well I more ask you this:

  What's your favorite Disneyland Treat?  

If you have one, please hop on over and tell me what it is. I might try it next time I'm there and the line is too ridiculous in front of the Tiki Room.

Skywatch Orange County: Mickey confetti

Disneyland really is filled with magic moments, you just have to know where to look.

"It's magic, I know. Never believe it's not so."

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For SkyWatch Friday. If you would just love to see what the sky looks like from all over the world, go here. Hundreds of people do each week.

We just keep on dreaming

My friend Marcy and I, you might say we're dreamers.

I had been wanting this shot for a long time.  It turned out perfectly that I got it with Marcy--fellow dreamer.

It's in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland.  It's part of "When you wish upon a star your dreams come true."  

We were at Disneyland on Friday for a Media / Press Event where Marcy and I and other Orange County Mom Bloggers were invited to come and find out what's new at Disneyland for the summer.  

Here's a teaser before I publish all the news: 

This summer, you will see an elephant fly, Tinker Bell and her gal pals in their digs, and Mickey sporting a hoodie in the Celebration parade.  

And as we all suspected, "it's a small (blogging) world," one of the Mom Bloggers I met there was Becky (of HappHourMom ) , Tracey Clark's sister. Tracey hosts Best Shot Monday, which is what I am submitting this photo to today. It's the "Circle of (blogging) life"...

 Tracey always asks a question related to our choice in photos for BSM.  This week it was, "What sorts of captures have brought you to the places you long and love to be?  Disneyland is one one place I "love to be."

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Blondie "Dreaming"

"We just walk on by, we just keep on dreaming."