Thursday, December 15, 2011

What if Disney Characters had Said AFI's Most Famous Movie Quotes? Cont...

Today I continue the countdown...So what if the top 100 movie quotes of all time were said by Disney characters?  My goal is to take the 100 "Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time" as determined by AFI and determine what Disney movie or Disney character would have said the line.  I will start the countdown at 100 and then countdown five at a time. Let me know what you think.  Did I make any obvious mistakes or overlook an obvious choice?  Leave your comments below.   I hope you enjoy.  If you missed the earlier lines click HEREHEREHERE, Here and Here.


#75

#74

#73

#72

#71


See you next time...







Thursday, December 8, 2011

A Disney Scholar...172

Well I have been teaching for 12 years.  I have been blogging about Disney for 8 months.  In February I get the chance to combine those two things.  That's right, I am going to teach a two hour class about planning a trip to the World.  It will either be called Walt Disney World 101, real original I know or Planning Your Trip to Walt Disney World.  What do you think?

I will be teaching it at our Career Center.  I don't know if all the planning and preparation will be worth the $40 I will be paid but I am excited about the opportunity.  I may need to change my name from the DisneyMacAddict to Professor Disney...ok maybe not.  I am still in the planning process, but I will keep you up to date on my progress.  And if you ask real nice I may make my Keynote (it's like PowerPoint only better) available for your viewing.  Pretty cool how God opens doors.  Wonder will this one leads.

If you have any great ideas or suggestions please leave me a comment.

Thanks for reading.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

What if Disney Characters had said AFI's Most Famous Movie Quotes? Cont...

Today I continue the countdown...So what if the top 100 movie quotes of all time were said by Disney characters?  My goal is to take the 100 "Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time" as determined by AFI and determine what Disney movie or Disney character would have said the line.  I will start the countdown at 100 and then countdown five at a time. Let me know what you think.  Did I make any obvious mistakes or overlook an obvious choice?  Leave your comments below.   I hope you enjoy.  If you missed the earlier lines click HEREHEREHERE and Here.

#80

#79

#78

#77

#76

Come back next week and check out the next five...




Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Start Something That Matters...181

So I know I have taken some time off from my blog.  I understand this is a big no no if you are wanting to build a loyal following, but I felt stuck.  For several weeks I have been reading some very good books.  It started with Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz.  Then I went to another Miller book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  Both of those books moved me and I wouldn't say shook my faith but they had me questioning the way I was living out my faith.  Seemed to me like I was just paying lip service to a big part of Jesus' ministry.  Me and Jesus were fine but somehow I had forgotten the part about loving and serving others.



The next book I picked up was Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes.  He tells an amazing story.  From such a tiny upstart company, with an unproven business model and concept, he began something remarkable.  The book would be worth it just to hear his story of TOMS, but the book also details so many good stories of entrepreneurs, starting companies, and giving back to society.  I think the book does a good job of achieving the author's goal of inspiring the reader to get involved and begin taking steps to create a better world.

I don't know where all this will lead me but I think my attitude toward certain social and environmental issues has changed.  My wife and I have begun volunteering at an outreach program that helps underprivileged kids with homework and reading.  This next weekend we will help our church pack meals for Feed My Starving Children.  Please believe me when I say that I am not trying to pat myself on the back and make myself look like a saint.  I just feel like it's time to begin taking my focus off of me and begin looking at a world that needs shoes, love, food, fathers, generosity, mothers and Christ.  I know this is pretty deep for a Disney World blog but it's my new voice.

At one point in Blake's book he asks the question, "If you didn't have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?  What kind of work would you do? What causes would you serve?"  So the first two were easy for me to answer...I would go to Walt Disney World and I would work for WDW.  The third one was more difficult.  So my new goal is to try to figure out how to combine my love of the World with my new found compassion for the world.  When I discover that...watch out!!

Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

On Main St...201


The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

This Week's Theme: On Main St.







Thanks for reading...looking.



Focused on the Magic

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Defending Disney...202

This past weekend I found myself surrounded by people who did not understand my love for Disney.  They took issue with my Cinderella Castle picture as my wallpaper for my iPhone.  They thought it odd that I went to sleep listening to Walt Disney World music on my iPod.  And basically, they questioned why a 37 year old man had such a Disney obsession.  Then I went all Evil Stepsister on 'em and put them back in their place.  Ok not really, but I wanted to.  Later, I had an internal argument with them where I laid out my case for why I love Disney and Walt Disney World.  Keep in mind that this was internal argument and they were not around to hear it.



Why I love Disney Reason # 1.  Raised on Disney Movies and Disney Channel.
When I was growing up we were not allowed to watch shows that had more than three curse words in it.  That meant we watched a lot of black and white shows and Disney programs.  I was raised on Disney movies.  I remember when we first got the Disney Channel.  It was not 24 hours and Hannah Montana was not even born yet.  Good days!  I remember watching Dtv which was like Mtv but with less popular songs and Disney cartoons.  



Why I Love Disney Reason # 2.  My First Trip to WDW in 1982.
I don't remember much about my first trip to the Magic Kingdom, but I remember loving it!  I was seven.  We went right before EPCOT was finished and we only went for two days.  But they were two great days.  I remember not being able to ride Space Mountain but my older brothers loved it and told me all about it.  I remember not liking Big Thunder Mountain because I felt like I was going to fall out of the train.  I remember loving the Main St. Electric Parade and my brother bought the album as his souvenir.  That family vacation will live in my memory forever as one of the greatest family moments ever.  I want to create those types of memories for my kids.

Me with Cinderella...I'm the short one.

Why I Love Disney Reason # 3.  It's Like Art.
I like to relate my fascination with Disney to art.  When I go to a museum and look at paintings or pictures, I can say that they look nice but I really don't get anything out of them.  The color, the shading, what the artist is trying to say.  I don't get it, but other people do and I need those people to tell me what I am looking at.  When I go to WDW, I get it.  I see not only the creative design,  I also see the deeper meaning.  I look for the story that the Imagineers were trying to tell.  I feel like I am a part of the story and want everyone to see it as I see it.  The great thing about WDW and all their parks is that it's like they took the pictures off the walls and movies off the screens and allow us to actually walk through them.  I also realize that just like me at a museum, not everyone is going to get WDW like I do and those people can suck it!

Backside of water


Why I Love Disney Reason # 4.  Family.
The first time my wife went to Walt Disney World was in 2006.  We took our four year old son and 1 and 1/2 year old daughter.  It was amazing watching the fireworks that first night.  My daughter's eyes were just so wide open and my wife teared up as she looked in her face.  Great moment!  I also think there is power in a place that can make you feel like a kid again.  The excitement I feel is the same excitement my kids feel.  The only other place that has that time travel ability is around the dinner table at Thanksgiving when I feel like I should be with my cousins at the kids table.

Enjoying their first fireworks.


Why I Love Disney Reason # 5.  Food.
Walt Disney World Food...seriously...it's AMAZING!!!!

The Kitchen Sink


Well, I feel better now that I got that off my chest.  I just wish I would have been able to articulate it to my friends this weekend.  Oh well, maybe I will send them to my Disney Blog to read this.  Thanks for reading.






Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween...210

This year's Jack O'Lantern


It took two hours to gut and cut but it was worth it.  Unfortunately the cat knocked it over and Mickey's face fell off.  Oh well...it was fun while it lasted!  Happy Halloween.

Monday, October 24, 2011

My Disney Daughter...217

So my six year old daughter had an assignment the other day where she had to identify her favorite place and how you use your five senses there.  I was so proud to see that she picked Disney World as her favorite place.  She went on to write that you can see Disney cerktrs(characters), taste popcorn, touch toys, smell fod(food) and hear birds.  That's my girl.  Her teacher wrote that Disney World is wonderful!! Yes...yes it is.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Haunted Mansion...223


The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

This Week's Theme: The Haunted Mansion





Thanks for reading...looking.





Focused on the Magic

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A Little Love for the Square...229


The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

A couple of shots from Liberty Square and a great article from Jim Korkis about the area.  It's a great read if you have a few minutes.  He is an amazing Disney historian with hundreds of great stories.  Enjoy.





Focused on the Magic

Sunday, October 9, 2011

What if Disney Characters had said AFI's Most Famous Movie Quotes? Cont...

Today I continue the countdown...So what if the top 100 movie quotes of all time were said by Disney characters?  My goal is to take the 100 "Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time" as determined by AFI and determine what Disney movie or Disney character would have said the line.  I will start the countdown at 100 and then countdown five at a time. Let me know what you think.  Did I make any obvious mistakes or overlook an obvious choice?  Leave your comments below.   I hope you enjoy.  If you missed the earlier lines click HEREHERE and HERE

#85

#84

#83

#82

#81

Come back next week and check out the next five...



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Star Wars and Motor Cars...244

The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

This Week's Theme: Face Characters 

So to be honest the Face Characters have always kind of weirded me out a little.  Sorry.  I like the princesses but I'm just not a fan of the others.  That being said I had to look pretty hard to find a picture I liked.  I really miss the Stars and Motor Cars Parade and am a huge fan of Star Wars.  I wish I would have gotten the entire car/Landspeeder in the shot.  Still it brings back good memories of a good parade.  I added a couple more shots for free.   Hope you enjoy.






Focused on the Magic


Monday, September 26, 2011

Breakfast Lasagna from Crystal Palace...245

I miss Breakfast Lasagna or as I like to call it, Manna from Heaven.  I'm not a huge fan of traditional breakfasts.  I don't like biscuits and gravey.  I like sweets.  I want donuts, chocolate gravy, "puffed" french toast (also from the Crystal Palace) and stuff with lots of syrup.  Then there is the mother of all breakfast dishes...Breakfast Lasagna.

In the summer of 2006 I was a Disney novice.  It was our first trip as a family and I didn't know much about the World.  After talking with the good people at Disney I decided we would try one character meal. My choice was the Crystal Palace for breakfast.  It was also my wife's birthday.  Perfect...


The characters, Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore were all great and the food was amazing.




But the standout dish was Breakfast Lasagna.  It didn't look pretty but I feel in love after the first bite.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/04/02/disney-breakfast-dishes/
Breakfast Lasagna consists of pancakes, waffles, pound cake, custard, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and pastry cream.  Put it all together and bake it until it becomes one, life changing dish.  Here is the receipe at AllEars.net.  I discovered during my visit in April that sadly the Crystal Palace no longer serves Breakfast Lasagna.  I could have almost cried.  I still recommend the Crystal Palace for breakfast but no longer consider it a MUST.  I'm thinking about starting a petition to get it back.  Let me know what you think.  Did you ever have the Breakfast Lasagna?  Leave a comment below.   Thanks for reading.

**I would also like to thank AJ over at the DisneyFoodBlog for the use of their photo.  Check them out for great information about all the amazing food at Walt Disney World.  They are a great resource.  Enjoy.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Essential Gear for Walt Disney World...246

As Scar told us in Lion King, "Be Prepared."  That statement couldn't be more true when it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation.  Here are the top five essential gear for a successful WDW vacation.  Keep in mind that I usually go to WDW in the summer and Florida can be pretty warm and humid.



#1 - Good Comfortable Shoes - Seems obvious doesn't it.  I would not encourage you to wear flip-flops.  You need tennis shoes that you have already broken in.  You can plan on walking several miles in the course of a day at the park.

My Addie and her Brown Dog and comfortable shoes!
#2 - Sun Screen - A sunburn on vacation is never fun.  We love the spray on sunscreen for our kids but be careful not to spray it in your daughter's eyes...not fun moments!

#3 - Bottles of Water - The good folks at WDWToday recommend freezing your water bottles and then putting them in your backpack.  Try to get them to rest up against your back and you will be thankful that you get to wear the pack.  Another tip...the counter serve restaurants will give you a cup of ice water for FREE!



#4 - Backpack - Last time we went we had a 6 month old.  That meant that we were carrying formula, jars of baby food and diapers.  The pack was crazy big.  Now that all our kids are out of diapers and eating big people food we will still be using a backpack but a much smaller one.  They are still great for a change of clothes, water bottles, cameras, maps and anything else you might want to carry.  If you can rock the fanny pack you are much more secure in your adulthood than I am.

#5 - iPhone - Or other SmartPhone.  This is like the Swiss Army knife for your vacation.  You have a pretty decent camera, video camera and countless apps to assist you.  Facebook and Twitter can help all your friends and family keep track of all the fun you are having.  The Lines app and the one from UnderCover Tourist will help you determine the wait time at all the attractions.  It's also great to be able to check the menus and reviews at all the great places to eat via AllEars.net.  Remember that you will be using 3G as there is not free WiFi in the parks.

Well those are my essentials for the park.  Did I miss anything?  Let me know by leaving a comment below.  Thanks for reading.

*My wife and editor just told me I left off an essential, snacks.  Yes, snacks are very important for children and adults too.  It's amazing how a simple fruit snack or crackers can help save the day.  So let's call snacks #5a.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

What if Disney Characters had said AFI's Most Famous Movie Quotes? Cont...

Today I continue the countdown...So what if the top 100 movie quotes of all time were said by Disney characters?  My goal is to take the 100 "Greatest Movie Quotes of All Time" as determined by AFI and determine what Disney movie or Disney character would have said the line.  I will start the countdown at 100 and then countdown five at a time. Let me know what you think.  Did I make any obvious mistakes or overlook an obvious choice?  Leave your comments below.   I hope you enjoy.  If you missed the earlier lines click HERE and HERE.


#90

#89

#88

#87

#86

Come back next week and check out the next five...







Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Crystal Palace...250

The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

This Week's Theme: Architecture 

One of my favorite places on property for a great breakfast.  I just wish they would bring back the Breakfast Lasagna!  I also love seeing Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.






Focused on the Magic