One Man’s Dream: Minature Diorama Of “So Dear To My Heart”

Every time I venture into One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios I always take a lot of time to take in the So Dear to my Heart Minature Diorama.

Last September, The Walt Disney Family museum did a blog post on why So Dear to my Heart was one of Walt’s favorite movies, and all this did was heighten my appreciation for this model!!!

What I geek out about is the fact that all the pencil marks and details were made by Walt. It is his handiwork, his point-of-view, and his passion for exploration & creation.

I hope that you enjoy this geek’s look at a little piece of Walt!!!

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Daddy’s Movie Day – Lady And The Tramp

 

Personally I have not been as excited for a movie to be re-released from Disney more than Lady and the Tramp.  This was the first Disney animated movie that I ever saw, and it holds a very special place in my heart.  I remember vividly seeing that iconic scene with of Lady and the Tramp sharing the plate of spaghetti outside Tony’s.  When I heard it was going to be released for the 50th anniversary, I couldn’t wait to share my daughters first time seeing it with her.

A classic love story unfolds in the best Disney tradition as a lovely young pedigreed cocker spaniel named Lady, who lives a pampered life, finds herself falling romantically for Tramp, an amorous street-smart pooch without prospects. Although they have fun together on several dates, including a sentimental spaghetti dinner by moonlight at Tony’s restaurant, their relationship is strained not only by Lady’s loyalty to her human family and their newborn baby, but by Tramp’s devil-may-care attitude that eventually gets Lady in trouble and tossed into the dog pound. However, good-hearted Tramp redeems himself by saving the baby from potential harm and thus wins Lady’s love and the affection of her human family.

When my little princess and I sat down to watch this Disney classic I was instantly brought back to my childhood.  The timeless story is as wonderful today as it was 50 years ago, and the animation has never looked better.  We sat through the entire movie watching happily in silence, which is rare for Zoe.

Overall, I love this movie as much as I did 30 years ago when I saw it for the first time.  It’s unique, original story, and wonderful animation makes this a Disney classic that is a must have for anyone’s library.

httpv://youtu.be/ZNEk6TRbTEo

Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition is available now in stores.

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Daddy’s Movie Day – The Secret World of Arrietty

 

While Shelley was out of town, I was very excited to be able to take Zoe for a Daddy/Zoe date to see a preview of The Secret World of Arrietty.

Now I am going to begin this review with a preface.  The Secret World of Arietty, which opens today in theaters, although a very good movie may not be appropriate for smaller children as it more serious and has some emotionally intense content…You’ll see what I mean in a moment…

The story begins with Shawn, a small sickly boy, coming to his family’s house in the country to get the care that he needs.  While there he discovers Arrietty, a borrower, on her first borrowing.  Borrowers are tiny people who live under the floors and “borrow” the things they need to survive from the people where they live.  They only take the things that won’t be missed, a cube of sugar, or a single tissue.

The story follows Shawn and Arietty’s friendship developing as they share the experiences and struggles of their lives.  Through their adventures together they learn that fear cannot rule their lives and that there are things worth fighting for.

The story is sad and sweet, and has positive messages about courage and caring for others.  The story does tackle some more serious issues that could bring up some uncomfortable conversations with your children if they are not ready.  There is a lot of conversation and allusions to Shawn and Arietty’s mortality and the fear of death, but the story does end with a positive message about courage and fighting for what you care about.

The animation painted a beautiful landscape, and the story was complex and well developed while mixing in enough comic moments to keep the children involved.  Although the story tackled some serious issues, it was surrounded by messages of hope, love and trust making for a wonderful time.

Overall it was a sweet story about friendship and love that ended on a very positive note, and I would recommend The Secret World of Arriety to both fans of the genre and casual movie goers.

httpv://youtu.be/VlMe7PavaRQ

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Briana Alessio’s Look At Dole Whips…

I have to give a special shout out to Briana Alessio who is my special guest writer today! She is an awesome gal, and I can’t thank her enough for her post!!!

The Dole Whip.  Just saying it brings a smile to the face of many.  Whether you are a fan of fruit or not, this is definitely worth a try.  Located in The Walt Disney World Resort, you can get one at either Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort or at the Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Aloha Isle’s menu of assorted Dole Whip treats consists of two different treats: The Dole Whip Soft Serve in pineapple, vanilla, orange, or swirl ice cream for $3.49, or the Pineapple Float which is a pineapple Dole Whip served with pineapple juice for $4.49.  Aloha Isle also offers a Coca Cola or Barq’s Root Beer Float served with vanilla Dole Whip for $4.19.  They also have various other beverages and a couple of additional snack offers.  (Note: The Magic Kingdom does not serve alcohol so you will not find any here or anywhere throughout the park.)

Captain Cook’s is a 24 hour eatery located inside on the 1st floor of the Polynesian Resort.  They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks in portions for both adults and children.  (For a lunch or dinner recommendation, a few friends of mine highly suggest trying the Adult Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  Using a mix of cheddar, blue, and Swiss cheeses along with frisee and tomato, this is served on sunflower multigrain bread with specialty Poly chips.  All for $7.99!).  When I get distracted discussing food, I lose train of thought…right, the Dole Whip!  Captain Cook’s offers a Dole Whip self-serve machine which you can access at any hour of the night.  I, along with a few great friends, went there at midnight last year and had a Dole Whip party.  Even at small places like these, you can have memories which will last a lifetime!!

Personally, I think they are super fantastic.  My first one was this past October.  I tried the soft serve pineapple from Aloha Isle with my friends James and Tammy.  I devoured the whole thing in about five minutes flat.  I had the next one the day after that at Captain Cook’s, where I made myself a soft serve swirl.  I cannot decide which one I enjoyed more!!  It is seriously the best frozen treat which I, and many others, have ever had.

I cannot wait to return in May to have one again!!!  Or two.  Or three.  Or….

Briana and her Dole Whip!
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Daddy’s Movie Night – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie

Every time we get a new movie in the mail I get excited to take part in one of my favorite things.  Daddy daughter movie night is always a hit with my little princess.  This week we received the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I HEART Minnie DVD, which is out in stores now.

Zoe and I sat down to watch this new group of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse videos, and as always, enjoyed them very much.  The DVD has five great episodes including a brand new one that kept Zoe engaged throughout the entire DVD.

We love Mickey Mouse Club House in our house because it always combines great fun and entertainment with solid educational values with themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving.

Zoe particularly liked the Minnie’s Birthday episode because she likes any excuse for cake an presents.  She ran around and interacted with the characters as they scrambled to get ready for Minnie’s birthday party.

 The five classic episodes included on the I HEART Minnie DVD are:

· Minnie & Daisy’s Flower Shower (All-New, Never-Before-Seen) – The botanical highlight of the year is in trouble, unlessMinnie and Daisy can get their flowers to bloom! Together, they board the glove balloon to help coax the clouds to sprinkle much needed rain.

· Daisy’s Dance -Clap your hands and tap your feet! Join Daisy, as she gets ready for one of the most important events of her life––performing in the big talent show!

· Daisy’s Pet Project – The Pet Parade is almost here and Daisy needs to find the perfect animal for which she can love and care. But it’s not as easy as she thinks and soon she has three new friends: an elephant named Bubbles, a giraffe called Longfellow and a bunny called Captain Jumps-a-lot!

· Minnie’s Rainbow – After a brightly colored rainbow appears over the clubhouse, Minnie searches for the pot of gold that’s supposed to be at its end. Along the way, she meets a leprechaun and discovers that not all treasure turns out to be as she expected!

· Minnie’s Birthday – Today is Minnie’s birthday, but the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse friends need to set up her birthday party.

The DVD also comes with two complimentary Best Friend necklaces, and Zoe thought they were cute!

Overall this is a great DVD for any and all lovers of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series, and a fantastic addition to any Valentine’s Day gift for your little princesses.

 

 

 

 

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There’s A First Time For Everything…Main Street Double Decker Bus

This year I have decided that I want to focus on doing things that I haven’t done in the Magic Kingdom before, and so far I am off to a fantastic start!!!

The other day I had the opportunity to knock another one off of the list…Riding down Main Street USA on the Double Decker Bus!!!

When we saw that the bus was taking passengers on at Town Hall, Mike and I quickly made our way up the stairs and to the bench at the  front of the second level.

It was amazing to have such a great view of Main Street, even with all the construction, and what made it even better was that the Dapper Dans were on the bus singing!!!

As we got off the Double Decker Bus at the hub, all I could do was think of how many times I had passed on the opportunity to ride and how I won’t make that same mistake again!!!

 

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TrenD Report – February 6, 2012

The folks down at Downtown Disney Marketplace’s TrenD have been really busy stocking up the store with all sorts of new merchandise that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day!

There are definitely a few pieces that I am going to have to go back for…

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