Zootopia: where anyone can be anything

Brody (the three-year-old) and I always go see the newest Disney animated film together. Friday we tried to see Zootopia. To keep a long story short, he has to leave due to a potty emergency. Yesterday, my husband and I decided to take both boys to see the movie. Cooper is almost a year old. Infants and movies don't mix well. So I had to watch most of the movie standing up in the doorway. 

Anyway, I really enjoyed what I got to see if the movie. It has a great storyline. Big fish (or in this case rabbit) in a small pond leaves for the big city to fulfill her dreams. The characters were so entertaining and relatable. Of course, everyone LOVES the sloths. The characters are so well developed that many times you forget you are watching a film about animals until they do something characteristic of animals. 

The animation is great. The animators take us into a new world where animals are able to coexist seemlwssley. Elephants live in the same world as otters, and no one questions it. There are many witty jokes about the Zootopia  and the animal characteristics. Apparently, rabbits can't add, but they can multiply. I love when Disney can poke fun at itself. I don't want to give too much away, but a certain Duke Wesealton makes an appearance for a hilarious scene. 

The story line keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. At the forefront of the   plot, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are trying to solve a case of a missing otter. The missing-otter case turns into a bigger mystery affecting Zootopia and the world around them. 

The film has some great themes. But throne that sticks out the most is prejudice. Many of the characters are judged based on their species of animal. 

Zootopia is a great film. After all, it received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, an almost impossible feat. I think Disney has entered another Renaissance period led by Frozen. I can't wait to see what they have in store next. 

But for now, I'll be researching Once Upon a Time in preparation of the second half of the season starting tonight. 

Baymax? Yes, please!

Today, Disney just announced that staring in 2017, Disney XD will be the new hole of a Big Hero 6 animated series.

I am very excited about this. My son Brody loves Big Hero 6. I have to admit that I find Baymax adorable too. Brody really likes super heroes. The problem is that most cartoons are suitable for his age. Sure we watch PJ Mask like crazy, but eventually he will get burned out. My husband and I allowed him to watch The Avemgers and Spider-Man, but they are a little too violent and caused Brody to act out. I also like the the characters in Big Hero 6 are scientists. It proves that intelligent people can be strong heroes. 

Ticket Increase? Again?

Early this week, Walt Disney World and Disneyland changed their ticket prices, again. Typically, price increase occurs every year in August. This time, very suddenly, Disney went to a tiered ticket approach. Just like hotels, tickets now have a value, regular, and peak season.

I am not happy about this change. I already have a difficult time justify ticket prices. The press releases claim that the reason for the tiered pricing is to get people to travel in the off season; I get that. I don't understand why those who have to travel during the peak seasons are punished though. The one day ticket for the Magic Kingdom, with tax, is now $132. While many people can choose to travel in the slower times, I must travel during the summer. I am a teacher. I don't think my boss would be too happy if I asked for vacation time. Good for those who can travel in the month of February though.

I'm afraid that Disney is going to eventually price itself too high. One article I read in the Orlando Sentential made me a little angry. The interviewee stated that WDW may not be for the middle class anymore. Who will travel to Disney year after year if not the middle class?

I miss the days when Disney would run real promotions. Not that long ago, the theme parks had to run "Buy 4 get 3 Free" in order to keep attendance up. I can remember when the adult ticket was $75. Now it's almost double.

But when does it stop?  What is the breaking point?  What becomes too much?

Who is the real protagonist of Peter Pan?

I never give my students an assignment without doing it myself. For fun this year, I let my students watch and write an analysis of Peter Pan. They did a great job. They were super insightful. Below, you will find my own analysis of the film. Keep in mind that this was written as a teaching tool. It is in no way the greatest analytical essay ever written. It was just for fun with my students.

While many see Peter Pan as a story about the boy who refused to grow up, the timeless classic is really about the quest of the coming of age for the female protagonist, Wendy Darling. Throughout the film, growing up is seen as a negative, yet unavoidable, part of life. Even though Wendy's parents first state it will be Wendy's last night in the nursery--a symbol for childhood--they eventually concede, allowing Wendy to stay a child for a little longer.

Wendy's quest begins at bedtime when Peter Pan enters the Darling house. The setting is dark and foggy, typical London weather; however, it represents a time of mystery and possibility. Wendy and her brothers (John and Michael) are unaware of the adventure that awaits them. The dark setting signifies the negativity surrounding adulthood. While childhood is broght and sunny, just like Neverland itself, adulthood requires responsibility-- a topic that most try to avoid. Once the Darlings reach Neverland, the sun is up. Neverland resembles a Carribean beach complete with a mermaid Lagos, natives, and pirates. Neverland is in stark contrast to London. Summer is often used to symbolize childhood and youth. The Darling children are free to play and explore--two activities often associated with youth. In Neverland, Wendy is free to be the young girl she wants to be, rather the the woman her parents are expecting in London. 

Although there are many different character within Peter Pan, the characters who most support adulthood are Wendy's father and Catain Hook. Interestingly enough, in many stage versions, the two characters are played by the same actor. Captain Hook, the antagonist of the film, is in constant conflict with Peter Pan:  the ultimate symbol for childhood. Captain Hook is a vampire with his dark features and dark read clothing. He attempts to lure Wendy and the lost boys into becoming pirates, trying to hook them in. While the young boys jump at the chance to enter the negative and dangerous type of adulthood equipped with violence and tattoos, it is Wendy; however, our young heroine, who rejects the worse type of adulthood by rejecting Captian Hook. 

One of the most memorable scenes in Peter Pan is the first flight. Within the film, flying is a symbol of escape from the realities of life and consequently adulthood. The lyrics for the song "You can't Fly!" Instruct the Darling children to "think of a wonderful thought."  All of the thoughts involve happy childhood memories to which even adults can relate; Christmas, snow, etc. the Darlings, most notably Wendy, escape the impending growing up and fly to a child's dream world.

Yet, in the end, Wendy realizes the growing up is not the worse fate. She is never able to fully convince Peter that the real world is not so bad. Instead she returns home ready to move on from the nursery showing her growth through her quest in Neverland.

Disneyland 60

Due to various engagements on Sunday, I watched ABC's special on Disneyland 60 last night. I wasn't completely sure what to expect.

I really enjoyed the music. I thought the performers did a wonderful job. I especially loved Tori Kelly and Kermit's duet and Idina Menzel's "Let it Go."  I'm not sure why Little Big Town sung "Steve McQueen."  If you are performing in a tribute, you should perform a song from the catalog. I loved their wardrobe, and the performance was great; I just wish they had performed a different song. There are plenty of songs from "Cars" that would have been appropriate. The dancing during the medley was amazing. Even after 90 years, Dick Van Dyke's still got the chimney sweeper moves. 

I downloaded and used the Disney Applause app. That was an interesting element to the show. I feel like Disney is testing a new technology that will feed into the parks, TV, and movies. Share Your Ears is a very touching campaign. It's also another way Disney used technology to connect multiple forms of media.

I would have liked to see more discussion of the actually park and history of Disneyland. I thought Josh Gad was going to take a big your of the park, but then he kind of disappeared. There were many tributes, however, that made me get a little ready eyed. 

I am a sucker for movie trailers. The Jungle Book is very anticipated in the Conley house. Pete's Dragon was one of my favorites as a child. The trailer looked very different from the original. I'm very curious to see the final product. Because I have a three-year-old, I will be seeing Zootopia on release weekend. 

I really hope to travel to Disneyland one day in the next few years.  But for now, I'll just prepare for my next WDW trip. 

Disneyland Paris

Tonight at 8:00, ABC will be airing a special "Wonderful World of Disney" all about Disneyland 60.  I've been told there will be airings of some upcoming movie trailers that I am very excited about.

I have yet to visit Disneyland.  Originally, the plan was to visit the year of my tenth wedding anniversary, which is this year.  However, we have two very small children.  While I could leave them at home, I don't see that as fair.  I mean, come on.  Who wouldn't want to visit Disneyland?  Instead, we are traveling to Walt Disney World for Cooper's first visit (and hair cut) and putting off the big trip for five years.  It came to my attention, though, that will be WDW's 50th anniversary.  So there's another dilemma.

So today, instead of talking about the Disneyland I have yet to experience, I will be living in nostalgia for another Disneyland:  Disneyland Paris.

I have been extremely fortunate enough to visit Paris, not once, but twice in my life.  The first time I visited, I was living in the south of France (Montpellier) as a study abroad program.  The second time was with my husband on a tour of Europe (as a generous gift from my father) for our fifth anniversary.  The first time I went to Paris, I wanted to go to Disneyland very badly but didn't really get a chance.  So when my husband and I went to together, he made sure that my dream of visit all of the Disney parks could come true on June 27, 2011.  What a prince!

The best way to describe that visit is HOT!!!  Paris was experiencing record highs during that trip.  Needless to say, we were miserable.  For some reason--we still ask why today--we did not go to Walt Disney Studios, Disneyland Paris's second park.  The price for one park was 57 euros.  The price for two 69 euros, that's still less than a one day ticket at WDW.

The hotel at Disneyland actually sits above the entrance to the park.  Imagine getting to wake up and look out your window with Main Street just below!  Main Street looks very similar to the Street that I'm familiar with.  The big difference is located at the end of the street--Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant, which does in fact house a dragon underneath.  It was so odd for me to see the castle from Sleeping Beauty rather than Cinderella.

We traveled to Discoveryland first which is how we typically tour the Magic Kingdom.  The overlay is interesting; instead of futuristic, Paris has opted for steampunk.  There are many refers to H.G. Wells throughout the land.  We road Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast and Space Mountain:  Mission 2.  My family are big Star Wars fans; I just had to see this in French.  The Parisian version of Space Mountain is unreal.  Like its sister rides, the ride takes place inside in the dark.  However, this ride remains me of Rock n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.  It's faster and goes upside down.

Fantasyland was next.  The overlay is very old European.  Among several of the extractions we rode "it's a small world" (Janson's favorite in any language), Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Casey Jr. Circus Train.  I really just wanted to torture Janson with his favorite ride and see how France portrayed America.  It was hilarious to see a football player doll.  I really liked the canal boats.  It's how I imagine Fantasyland in Anaheim.

Much of Adventureland was down that day due to rehabs.  I was disappointed that I didn't get to ride Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril.  But we did enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean.  This version is much longer than the one in Orlando.  By the time we got to Adventureland, we were miserable due to the heat and starting to call it a day.  We decided we would try to make it around the park and head back to the city.

In Frontierland, we rode Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor.  I love both of these attractions in the Magic Kingdom.  Paris did not disappoint.  Phantom Manor is much scarier and darker than other versions.  The storyline centers around a wedding that didn't happen.  Big Thunder Mountain was located on an island in the river.  The guests load the train on the main land the actually travel by tunnel under the river to the track.

We were able to watch the "Once Upon a Dream Parade."  Many of the floats held the go-to characters:  the princesses, the fab five, the popular movies at the moment.  The floats also held a lot of references to Fantasia.  One character that I just can't get over is Maleficent.  She wore a red gown that resembled fire (the literal witch on fire?).  Even five years later, I can't help but stare at this picture.  Do I love it because it is reminiscent to the dragon, or do I hate it because it is not her film costume?  I'm not sure.  But I can't help but post this picture.

I have a minor in French, so I had little difficulty with the language.  Janson, on the other hand, had a hard time dealing with the French.  Everything uses both French and English.  I will say visiting Disneyland Paris gave me new appreciation for those who visit Disneyland or WDW knowing little or no English.

I loved my visit to Disneyland Paris, and I'm so thankful to have gotten to experience.  I just still don't understand why I didn't visit the other park.  Oh well, maybe one day!  Here's hoping to go to the other parks eventually too!

A Whole New World

What would happen if Aladdin never rubbed the lamp?  What would happen if Jafar succeeded?

Those questions are more are answered in Liz Braswell's A Whole New World-- the first in A Twisted Tale series.

Beside Disney, I have a passion for reading. It makes sense. I'm a high school English teacher. I am so thrilled that Disney Press now publishes young adult novels, or, as I like to call it, fast reads for busy adults. I actually found out about A Whole New World on Instagram. Of course, I had the get the book on my next trip to the library.*

Overall the book is pretty good. The first few chapters follow the film quite well. Currently, Brody loves Aladdin, so I can recall most of the movie without thought. The chapters run a little long though. I don't want to give much away of the plot. I hate spoilers.

Aladdin and Jasmine are very well developed and true to character. However, most of the others are a little flat. Several new characters were added for foils to the two protagonists.  The death of one character seemed unnecessary, while another was definitely a must in order for Jafar to rule.  I didn't like the character of Jafar at all. He seemed to be an imitation of the antimatter villian. Genie was a little dry too. His personality was sad throughout with little inaction with Aladdin, which is how the plot would be if Aladdin hadn't gotten the lamp. Brasswell did a nice job using quotes of Genie from the film and creating an awesome exposition for the character. There was a little more violence than I expected but not over the top. There were a lot of instances of political conflict, good for young adults to learn about the world. 

Like I said, it's a nice easy weekend read. I recommend this book for young adults. The next book is titled Once Upon A Dream and centered around Sleeping Beauty. It's being released in April. I'm excited about that one. I love Aurora's story. 

* Who am I kidding? I made a special trip just for this book. I wasn't sure if I would find it at a bookstore, and I live closer to the library.

Nice to meet you...

I have a problem, a big problem.  I am a Disney addict.  I can't help it.  I love everything Disney:  the parks, the movies, the music, everything.  So I've created this page, mainly for me, to write about and share my relationship with the mouse.  Some posts will be about past visits, some about planning, some about movies, but mostly I plan to just write about my experience.

So I'll just start from the beginning.  My earliest memories of Disney include memories of Mickey Mouse and animated films.  I have lived most of my life in Southeastern Kentucky; however, for a time during my childhood, my family lived in Orlando, Florida.  My dad worked for the Disney Company.  One of the many perks of company is free passes.  So I had a kindergartner's dream.  I could go to Walt Disney World whenever I had the chance.  It was great.  I really missed it though when we moved back to Kentucky.  But since I still had extended family living in Orlando, I got to visit the Happiest Place on Earth every year or two.

In college, I met and married a wonderful man.  I was able to convert him to the House of Mouse.  He accepts me for my obsession and after almost ten years of marriage, he enjoys Disney too.  We have visited Walt Disney World several times since we have been married.  We even had the opportunity to   visit Disneyland Paris while on a vacation in Europe.

I am now a mommy to beautiful and wonderful little boys--Brody (3) and Cooper (10 months).  Brody has already been to Walt Disney World twice in his short life.  And we will be visiting for Cooper's first visit this summer.

So I've seen a lot.  I've visited the World as a child, an adult with no kids, and now as a parent.  I'm very excited to share my memories and thoughts about my obsession!