Howdy! Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times, this is a wild ride!
This wild ride, my friends, is the bar review, soon to be followed by the actual bar exam. Tell me THAT'S not a seriously scary dark-ride!
As you may have noticed, I have been absent for quite some time. My final year of law school, combined with full-time work, family, and now studying for the bar exam, have sucked up all my time. Still, I notice I have quite a few visitors each day. What I'd like to know is - are you constant readers, perhaps referred from my other blog, or just passersby seeking Disneyland information?
It would be cool if I had a built-in survey option here, but I don't and setting up a survey from an independent site seems like a hassle at the moment. So, if you feel like it, would you mind posting a quick comment to let me know if you are a regular reader, or are just passing through?
After the bar, which is at the end of July, I'll see if I can update with more useful Disney information. Until then, happy travels!
Feature Articles
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, October 24, 2008
Which Land is Not So Much Your Land?
Today I'm having a little silly Friday Fun by considering which of the Disneyland lands I could do without if I had to.
Actually, this is a really easy question for me - ToonTown. I know, my kids would probably be crushed, so maybe this is not fair, but if I couldn't go to ToonTown on a trip, I would not be terribly disappointed. It's too new to have "classic attractions," and somehow, I feel the fact that Walt never had a part of this. There are certainly a lot of attractions now that were never a part of the original plan, and that is as it should be. The Imagineers should be allowed to run wild, to some extent, but ToonTown just doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the park. Does this make sense? Is anyone with me on this?
What about you? What land could you live without, if you had to?
Actually, this is a really easy question for me - ToonTown. I know, my kids would probably be crushed, so maybe this is not fair, but if I couldn't go to ToonTown on a trip, I would not be terribly disappointed. It's too new to have "classic attractions," and somehow, I feel the fact that Walt never had a part of this. There are certainly a lot of attractions now that were never a part of the original plan, and that is as it should be. The Imagineers should be allowed to run wild, to some extent, but ToonTown just doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the park. Does this make sense? Is anyone with me on this?
What about you? What land could you live without, if you had to?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Remembering the Classics
I was scouting around for a picture of Disneyland's old sky tram, or sky buckets, I think they were called. I found them, but I also came across this on http://history.amusement-parks.com Seeing these pictures totally stirred up a memory from my childhood. I remember being on this train as a young child, but years later not remembering where I'd been - maybe Disneyland, maybe Knott's Berry Farm....I just couldn't place it.
A little online research tells me why. This attraction was called The Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland and was replaced by The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad thrill ride in 1979. I was 13, and the last time I'd been to the park, I was probably about 7.
If you are interested in more details about this attraction, check out yesterland.com.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Disneyland History in 30 Seconds
Disneyland history started on July 17, 1955. On that historic day Walt Disney opened his dream of a place where families could have fun and create happy memories together with the following words:
"To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Indeed it has been that. Although the first day was rough, with sweltering heat, unexpectedly large crowds that the park was not equipped to handle, workmen still planting trees and paint still drying, by its second year, the park was turning a profit. The original park covered 160 acres and cost 17 million dollars. There were 18 attractions. Today, the entire Disneyland Resort encompasses approximately 500 acres and features over 60 attractions, three hotels and a shopping district. In 2005, a study revealed that Disneyland contributes about $3.6 billion in annual economic impact and creates about 65,700 jobs throughout Southern California.
"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
"To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Indeed it has been that. Although the first day was rough, with sweltering heat, unexpectedly large crowds that the park was not equipped to handle, workmen still planting trees and paint still drying, by its second year, the park was turning a profit. The original park covered 160 acres and cost 17 million dollars. There were 18 attractions. Today, the entire Disneyland Resort encompasses approximately 500 acres and features over 60 attractions, three hotels and a shopping district. In 2005, a study revealed that Disneyland contributes about $3.6 billion in annual economic impact and creates about 65,700 jobs throughout Southern California.
"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
Monday, October 13, 2008
A few tidbits of DL tips
I keep meaning to update this blog, and life keeps getting in the way.
A couple random thoughts that I meant to write more about but will just touch on:
- Dressing kids in brightly-colored T-shirts really is worthwhile, and makes them so much easier to spot in a crowd. If they have matching T-shirts they are willing to wear at the same time, that is even better. Though we were not at Disneyland, over the past few weeks, I have had the kids in large-crowed situations and was so thankful for the bright, matching shirts. Not only are they easier to spot, but if one does get temporarily lost, you can say, "He was wearing a shirt like this," and reference the other child's shirt.
- Flavor packets. Have you seen the tiny packets of drink mix that you pour into a bottle of water to provide flavor? I avoid the ones with artificial sweetener, but I know some people might prefer them. Either way, they are handy as a special treat, especially if you have a child that needs to stay hydrated but doesn't like water. Throw a couple in your purse, and anywhere there's water, you can instantly have a delicious beverage.
- Remember, Disneyland is all decorated for Halloween! There are fun activities, treats, decorations and more, only for the Halloween season - Sept. 26-Nov. 2. For more details check out the resort site. Happy Haunting!
A couple random thoughts that I meant to write more about but will just touch on:
- Dressing kids in brightly-colored T-shirts really is worthwhile, and makes them so much easier to spot in a crowd. If they have matching T-shirts they are willing to wear at the same time, that is even better. Though we were not at Disneyland, over the past few weeks, I have had the kids in large-crowed situations and was so thankful for the bright, matching shirts. Not only are they easier to spot, but if one does get temporarily lost, you can say, "He was wearing a shirt like this," and reference the other child's shirt.
- Flavor packets. Have you seen the tiny packets of drink mix that you pour into a bottle of water to provide flavor? I avoid the ones with artificial sweetener, but I know some people might prefer them. Either way, they are handy as a special treat, especially if you have a child that needs to stay hydrated but doesn't like water. Throw a couple in your purse, and anywhere there's water, you can instantly have a delicious beverage.
- Remember, Disneyland is all decorated for Halloween! There are fun activities, treats, decorations and more, only for the Halloween season - Sept. 26-Nov. 2. For more details check out the resort site. Happy Haunting!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Lots to Learn at Disneyland
There are about a gazillion educational opportunities to take advantage of while in Disneyland, and much of it can be done while having fun. Kids may not even notice that they are learning. The obvious ones are things like budgeting money for souvenirs, telling time, and counting change. For the pre-school crowd, color and shape recognition are simple to do while standing in line or grabbing a snack. For older children, the history of Walt Disney or Disneyland itself, and history of various inventions, such as the steam engine can be started on various attractions and supplemented by books and information available in Disneyland, bookstores and on the Internet. All ages can partake in a little art and music appreciation.
This weekend a new idea came to me - that of social observation. Yes, people watching. A specific idea came to me as I was talking with our six-year-old son.
"Mom, next time we go to Disneyland, I think I will be ready to go on Splash Mountain again, and that big space ride that is like a box that moves."
"Star Tours?"
"Yes....and (everything except the Haunted Mansion)"
When his was four, he was traumatized by the elevator ride into the attraction when everything goes dark and the person is seen hanging above the riders' heads. What scared him was that the elevator was full of teens and everyone screamed when it went dark.
I explained how he is older now and knows what's coming so it shouldn't be scary the next time around. I could see he was considering my words.
"You know what?" I said, "Next time you will know what is coming, but some people won't. You can watch them and see if they get scared."
"Yeah!" This got him. He seemed delighted with the idea that he might catch others being scared while he stayed cool and calm.
So, maybe watching the reactions of others - fear, delight, impatience, etc. may be another skill to be honed while in Disneyland. We shall see!
This weekend a new idea came to me - that of social observation. Yes, people watching. A specific idea came to me as I was talking with our six-year-old son.
"Mom, next time we go to Disneyland, I think I will be ready to go on Splash Mountain again, and that big space ride that is like a box that moves."
"Star Tours?"
"Yes....and (everything except the Haunted Mansion)"
When his was four, he was traumatized by the elevator ride into the attraction when everything goes dark and the person is seen hanging above the riders' heads. What scared him was that the elevator was full of teens and everyone screamed when it went dark.
I explained how he is older now and knows what's coming so it shouldn't be scary the next time around. I could see he was considering my words.
"You know what?" I said, "Next time you will know what is coming, but some people won't. You can watch them and see if they get scared."
"Yeah!" This got him. He seemed delighted with the idea that he might catch others being scared while he stayed cool and calm.
So, maybe watching the reactions of others - fear, delight, impatience, etc. may be another skill to be honed while in Disneyland. We shall see!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Parade in Town
My son called me at work today very excited about something.
"Mom, do you know they have a new parade at Disneyland?"
He went on to say it had Cars and Sully and Woody and lots of other guys in it, but no Green Men (toy soldiers that were in the Block Party parade). He had clicked on a link in his favorites and seen a video of it and says we really have to go to Disneyland. He is right, of course.
It is called the Pixar Play Parade, and looks similar to the Block Party in that it is high energy with fun music and features Pixar characters. Our kids loved Block Party and so I am sure Play Parade will be a huge hit with them, too. Can't wait for that "someday" to happen!
Below is a picture of our Boy Wonder shaking his booty before the Block Party parade during the warm up activities hosted by the Green Men.
"Mom, do you know they have a new parade at Disneyland?"
He went on to say it had Cars and Sully and Woody and lots of other guys in it, but no Green Men (toy soldiers that were in the Block Party parade). He had clicked on a link in his favorites and seen a video of it and says we really have to go to Disneyland. He is right, of course.
It is called the Pixar Play Parade, and looks similar to the Block Party in that it is high energy with fun music and features Pixar characters. Our kids loved Block Party and so I am sure Play Parade will be a huge hit with them, too. Can't wait for that "someday" to happen!
Below is a picture of our Boy Wonder shaking his booty before the Block Party parade during the warm up activities hosted by the Green Men.
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