Disney Snow Days on Netflix

I thought this particular topic would be totally appropriate for today because we have had two snow days just recently. So on these two days I cuddled up under my heat blanket with all the lights off and watched Netflix on my new Nook I got from my grandma for Christmas (streaming Disney classics of course).  It was the most relaxing two days I have had in awhile, well that was up until I had to go to work.

Netflix is such a great way to use up snow days because no one wants to do anything on those days because I mean in reality they are pretty much lazy days for everyone. Yes, you may have to do some homework here or there but once you are finished, just know that on Netflix there is something you get to watch to turn your day completely around, and the bonus to it is that they have a ton of old Disney Channel movies taht don't get played anymore!

I suggest getting hooked on a series because normally you can never go wrong with that. You will not want to walk away from it which could be a bad thing but it also waste time and would probably keep you from just eating all day like you would normally do on a snow day, I know it did for me.

Watching Netflix actually made me feel really good about myself even though I did absolutely nothing. I did get my house work done, and even way faster than I normally would. So all Netflix did for me was help me relax, get my work done faster, and not eat as much. What better could you ask for on a snow day? It also allowed me to get caught up on the classics!

We are still kids and enjoy to just relax every once in a while because there is all this pressure put on us to do so much better than everyone else and sometimes, at least for me, it just gets way to overwhelming and I need time off to just think. Watching movies and shows of my choice without any commercial breaks, because those stress me out even more, lets me forget about those things and when there is a day like a snow day, that is exactly what I am going to use it for, a nice break to get my mind off things. Everyone needs a snow day every once in a while because kids do get way to stressed about school, and some of the shows even portray ideas like this that you can find on Netflix, because although the show isn't "real" it makes you feel that way and not so alone.

So the next time anyone ever complains about having a snow day and then having to make it up later, how about you be thankful you get to watch one of your favorite shows, catch up on the classics  or start a new one you learn to love in Netflix.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Disney Friends are the best friends

Having really close friends is something I think everyone, no matter who you are or what you have done should have. They are people who will always be there for you, even if you have gone off the deep end into some stupid pile of shit, if they are REAL friends, they will dig you out. I think that friends like these can be identified in most Disney shows, such as Wizards or Waverly Place with Alex and Harper, or Hannah Montana with Lily and Miley.

I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the whole and I just wanted to share just how important friends really are. I have siblings, as well as many other people, and sometimes they are not the easiest people to talk to because well many times you aren't getting along or the age gap is to big it would pretty much be pointless to talk to them about what you are going through. Same goes for parents, there are just some things teenagers do not talk to parents about, and that is where your friends come in. Like Lily and Miley and Alex and Harper, they are the best people to talk to because they are you age, and understand best what you're going through, but hey that's what they're there for.

Having long heart to hearts is one of the best things about being a girl in my opinion, but for me at least, I need some guy time as well, and I am lucky enough to be one of those girls who has so many guy friends, but that is all they are, friends and I get a long with all of them so well and having people like good guy friends is important to me because you can talk to them in more of a joking way but sometimes they can be serious and that is when you know they are truly being honest, and I really wish that every girl had a guy to talk to.

Drama. Having drama in friendships is such a common thing but I promise it never lasts long. If whoever the drama is between is a true friend of yours, you will soon kiss and makeup and forget it ever happened. Everything in life has some bumps in the rode and you just have to surround yourself with people who will help you through it because no one should go through life a lone. Friendship is the most magical thing I believe this world has to offer, so if you have it, do not let it go because TRUE friends, are not always easy to come by, so grab yourself a Lily and Harper and never let them go!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney 

Gleeful

As of right now in my life, I am watching the popular series of ‘Glee’ on Netflix. If you are not familiar with it, it is pretty much about the Glee club at McKinley High School, which is a singing group, and how their lives change throughout their journey and why Glee club was the reason for it. 

The people in it are amazing singers and actors. They make everything so relatable even though it is somewhat taken to the extreme, like most movies and shows. But that is what makes it so entertaining, well that and the fact that pretty much all the guys in it are super yummy. Like honestly, which girl doesn't love to see hot guys sing their hearts out? In my opinion, there is nothing better than a hot guy that can sing.

Another big thing Glee has for people is the message to be yourself, if I were to pick one topic or idea that Glee portrays, that would be the one that sticks out the most to me. All these kids are said to be "outcasts" and everyone starts to feel that way sometimes, I know I do, but watching Glee these last few days have really changed my perspective on so many things in life. The thing that I got the most out of is the fact that it is okay to grieve and feel guilt, you don't always have to put on a strong face because if you have true friends, they are  going to be there for you, no matter what. 

I have never cried over a movie or show or anything, but when it comes to music with a story behind it most of the time it gets me and I have cried or at least been teary these past two days because of Glee, but in a good way. I have really been relating to the topics on Glee anyway just because of what is going on in my life. I believe there is at least one episode that totally relates to whatever someone is going through and that is kind of the point. 

So if you have Netflix, or something that you are able to watch Glee with, do it. I get guys probably would not be a big fan but I promise it is seriously a great show! 

Disney Love Poem

I am going to attempt to write a freely expressioned poem with no sort of criteria that will likely end up being mediocre and that is really okay.


I love Disney
Yes I do,
I love Disney
It is true.

Disney is special
In my mind,
Everyone is special
and very kind.

Memories are made
good and bad,
to look back on
if you are sad.

Disney is love
Disney is life,
Disney is happy
I love Disney.

Wow that was very well written.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Disney Cookie Stand

Since this weekend was our annual Christmas cookie baking, and ther holidays are a mere 12 days away, a thought crossed my mind. In light of my Disney suggestions I found this most appropriate, why doesn't Disney World have a Christmas cookie baking shop? I mean would it not be most appropriate being as the amusement park is predominantly for a child, I believe this shop could be a large holiday attraction. 

         The shop could feature Disney characters as cookies of course, and appropriate frosting for decorating, but they should also have pre decorated cookies for those who are decorating challenged, or simply to lazy to decorate said cookies. This shop could also feature different culturally diverse treats to match the different countries like in Epcot. 

One reason I think this is something Disney should look into is because their competition is Universal Studios, a short drive away from any part of the Disney World, has a Grinchmas every year which brings in a lot of holiday travelers to see reenactments of the Grinch, and to visit "Whoville". I mean if you are going to travel all the way down from Iowa to Orlando and had to chose Universal or Disney around the holidays, I hate to say that I'd probably chose Universal, but if Disney took up that cookie shop I may have a tougher time deciding. 

        Let's imagine ourselves in a scenario that we have children and are fortunate enough to take our children to Disney every year. If you aren't spending the holidays in the comfort of your own home for whatever reason, I don't think you should lose Christmas traditions such as cookie baking. With a shop like the one I have described I think you could make traveling holidays have their own traditions, maybe you would even be able to reserve areas for your family specifically to make it more personal. 

         Coming back to reality I realize that the possibility of Disney actually following through with any of my thoughts in this blog and other recent blogs is unlikely, I'd like to dream.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

The Santa Clause

       One of my more favorite Christmas movies of all time is, The Santa Clause, with Tim Alan. Disney just so happened to make it, so that's another plus on top if it's already found greatness. Although I am biased because I love Christmas and Disney, I truly do think this is one of the most heartfelt movies ever made, and it truly is for all ages.
       Starting from the very beginning, you get a working man around the holidays and his child who is predominantly with his mother and step father due to his workaholic life style, causing a gap in his relationship with his son, Charlie. On one Christmas Eve night after he and Charlie had gone out to dinner after burning the turkey, Scott (Tim Alan) had settled in and was reading The night Before Christmas, with Charlie. Shortly after Charlie had fallen asleep he awoke to said "clatter" coming from the roof, and woke his dad to go and check it out. Looking in disbelief they saw Santa on the roof, and as they called out for him, he slipped and fell off the roof. What they didn't know is that when Santa falls off the roof he is no longer able to be Santa, and the next person to put on the suit knowingly or not, will transform into Santa over the course of the next year. As you can imagine this happened to Scott, despite his effort in denial, shaving and working out. 
       After Scott had put on the suit the sleigh kept him in route as Santa would be and then to the North Pole, where he got the low down on being Santa even though at that point he was still in disbelief and Charlie was in awe for his belief in Santa had returned after his psychiatric step dad and mother had convinced him otherwise with their scrooge like minds.
       Charlie and Scott came back home, and did Christmas day activities before his mother picked him up. When his mother arrived Charlie told his mother that his dad was the new Santa and he was boasting with pride, while his mother was not amused in the slightest with whatever game Scott was trying to play. Over the course of the next year tensions rose between Scott and his ex-wife and their opposing views on how Charlie should see Christmas, and Charlie being so obsessed with the idea of t]his father being Santa did not help Scott's case. Because Neil, Charlie's step dad was a psychiatrist he thought Charlie was much too old to believe, in the midst of Scott becoming Santa only made matter worse for Laura and Neil wanted fell custody of Charlie being that they thought Scott was going crazy.
       Almost a year had passed, and the holidays were coming, and Scott had completely transformed and now accepted his new role in society, forcing Charlie away even farther. On Christmas Eve Laura and Neil find that Charlie is missing, and armed forces were now on the lookout for Scott, perceived to be a mad man now holding his child hostage which is not the case at all; Charlie saw his dad coming down the chimney and wanted to ride along so his dad agreed. (I would too if I hadn't seen my child all year) The police caught Scott and took him to jail but still couldn't find Charlie, who was just stuck on the roof in his sleigh. After he was put behind bars, elves came and rescued him and Charlie, and went back to Charlie's house to prove to Neil and Laura the truth. In disbelief they finally understood, Scott went up the chimney back to his work away from the police, and dropped gifts to everyone, even Laura and Neil who got their childhood dream gifts; the same gifts that caused their disbelief in the first place. Only something Santa would know!
       If this movie can't break an old scrooge of his non-merry ways I don't know what can, but I think this is one of the greatest holiday films, next to the Grinch, with real scenarios that are relaetable and heart warming; something for the entire family to enjoy. So snuggle in and cuddle up because you're going to need it on these cool winter nights!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

My Disney Quiz

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/take-quiz.php?id=1512061646016420&lnk&


Above is a Quiz I have created to test your Disney greatness, try if you dare, but I doubt you can do it because you're not that good.

"...it all started with a mouse." -Walt Disney

Possible Christmas Scenarios

As I mentioned in my last blog, I am slightly unamused by Disney's lack of Christmas contribution. In an attempt to solve this problem, I have created a list of possible movies followed with loose scenarios that Disney can create and build off of to add to the holiday season and make it that much better.

Holiday Hollow: a story that follows Tinkerbell and her fellow fairy friends throughout Pixie Hollow. This feature could show the newly found fairies in the winter woods and how they are having issues keeping the Christmas spirit alive which somehow makes the snow melt causing a lack of need for the fairies, which then the fairies have to find a way to keep the spirit alive, so the fairies can stay in Pixie hollow.


Inside Elf: a spin off of the movie Inside Out, which instead of following Rylie, will follow a troubled elf who cant seem to find his Christmas spirit because he was in a reindeer accident and his emotions got mixed up with a human, Rylie. Upon this discovery, he has since left the north pole and has set out on a journey to find Rylie who now has his elf based emotions. As you probably can predict the Rylie is getting older and is turning out to be rather Grinch-like, and she slowly turns into an Elf, and the Elf begins to turn into a human under the ticking clock he faces to find the emotions to stay an Elf. In the end they'll both love Christmas.


Clara's Christmas: this story would be about a little girl named Clara, a new princess whose parents shower her with gifts could never understand why she is so unhappy around the holidays, and with very few friends her age to encourage her to keep believing, she leaves a not for her parents explaining why she's leaving, and sets out on an adventure to find the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way she meets an assortment of new friends, one of them being an elf who will eventually show her that she new the true meaning of Christmas all along. At the end she'd meet Santa and he would bring her back home, and her parents and her would hence forth live the holiday season giving back and creating tradition for the future generations of the family.

I suppose I could probably go on countlessly, story upon story that Disney could, or should create to help fulfill the empty space in my heart, but now that I have a few out there maybe, just maybe the Disney God will see them and create them. So please, Disney God, if you are seeing this, take my story and do with them what you will, but please give me more.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Disney God

       As the holidays are just around the corner, and myself being a Christmas fanatic, I like many of the rest of the country snuggle in most nights and watch Christmas classics; Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, The Santa Claus trilogy, etc. As much as I love these movies, I cant help but wonder why Disney doesn't have more to offer in these holiday selections. Off the top of my head the only Disney has really only contributed The Santa Claus movies and Mickey's Once/Twice Upon a Christmas. Disney is about kids, and kids love Christmas, so Disney, why are you not contributing more to my holiday binge watching?
        The Grinch is my all time favorite movie let alone my favorite holiday movie and it kills me a little inside that Disney didn't have anything to do with it. Disney could make a fortune making Christmas princess', or fairies, and could have very beneficial lessons to teach kids, and example would be the importance of giving not receiving. The way I see it Disney has nothing to lose.
        If there is a Disney God that I could write a letter to I would, but I'm not sure if he exits so I'll write one here:

Dear Disney God,
       I would really like you to make more Christmas movies. It makes me sad that you don't have more because I love Christmas and I love you and you're not giving me very many options to do both at the same time. :( I'd appreciate you making an effort to address this problem, because I would hate to have to contact you like this again.

Thank you,
Megan Wagner
aka your biggest fan


"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

The Actual Story...I Found It!

       My most recent blog was about just one of the many rewritten Disney classics, Cinderella. I told you what I have come to know of the original story based on my grandmothers telling of it. It later occurred to me that I could probably didn the actual story of it online, so, you're welcome I found it. More detailed and properly composed, here's the link to the actual story written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm:

http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm021.html

I hope you enjoy the original story!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

The Original Cinderella vs. Disney's

       We all know of the beloved Disney classic, Cinderella. The story of the sad girl who lost her parents, and the wretched step mother with her two children to match, making poor Cinderella's life miserable even though she always does what she's told. Later she wants to go to a ball so naturally the horrible mother gives her a list with an enormous amount of things to do before she can go, blah blah, she gets them done and low and behold step mom says no, shocker right? Fairy God mother comes gets her the dress and the carriage with horses, but the catch is she has to be back at midnight. As Cinderella is dancing with the prince who gravitated towards her out of all of the other candidates, she realizes that it's time to go, she runs loses her slipper and then the prince is on a wild goose chase to find the one who fits into the slipper. The princes people come to the door the step mom doesn't let Cunderella try the shoe on, locks her upstairs, she gets out and comes down stairs with the shoe that didn't fall off, fits her perfectly and her and the prince get married and live happily ever after. Perfect story of love and tragedy and nice people always winning right? Three real life adaptions and still no one has the original story straight. Not Hillary Duff, Selena Gomez, or Lucy Hale, no, no, and no. 

       Let's get the story straight. In the beginning, it is the same in a sense, but her mother died and Cinderella was so sad that she would sit at her mothers grave where a beautiful tree grew. Without out quoting it word for word because I'm not sure of it exactly, but her mothers dying words were stay kind and God will give you and help you with what you need. Her father later remarried, to the same nasty lady and had two beautiful girls with ugly souls like their mother. The girls and she were greedy, and were never kind to Cinderella, which is why she was called what she was. Ella was her given name, but with all the cleaning she did, she was rather filthy coated with cinder, so the lovely girls decided to nickname her 'cinder-ella'. When it came time for the ball, her stepmother told her she had two hours I believe to clean up small lentils from around the fire place, and if she got them done then and only then could she go to the ball. Ella called on her bird friends to help her sort the good ones from then bad so she could get done on time. As you can imagine she got done, left to the masquerade type of ball wearing golden attire that her mothers tree and birds supplied, which was how she went unrecognized, and danced with the prince leaving in hurry just like Disney's version. The prince then help another ball trying to catch the girl he had danced with last time, so he put something syrupy on the steps to catch her when she ran, causing her to take her foot out of the shoe and leave it. As the princes people came around, Ella's stepmother and sisters knew they would not be able to fit their gargantuous feet into the shoe, so naturally they cut their big toes and or heels off in hopes that would help, which it would've if the princes helpers wouldn't have noticed the blood and then figured that this was not the right girl. The prince saw Cinderella and insisted that she try on the shoe even though her step mom tried to say she is much too dirty, she tried on the shoe and it fit for obvious reasons, and they got married. Everyone in the kingdom went to the ceremony including the nasty sisters, but they were blinded because birds had pecked their eyes out probably for revenge in the name of sweet 'Cinder-Ella'. 

The End

This is not quite word for word, but this is more or less the original story. Nice try Disney;)

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

My Origins

       Disney movies has always been my favorite things to watch ever sense I was a little girl. Even today I can't get enough of them! For those of you who love them as much as I do this blog will most definitely appeal to you. I will be comparing all kinds of different Disney movies from The Little Mermaid to Pirates of the Caribbean. Old to new movies will be the main focus and on how much they have changed. Why they bring joy to people and a smile to my face is a question I really want to try and answer as best as possible. Disney is one of those things people will never forget, I know I won't. When I was younger all I ever wanted to be was a Nala from the Lion King, and I am sure young kids today still have the same 'dreams.' I still know all the music and songs from all the movies and it's just a fun thing to be able to do still, it gives me a taste of being a kid which is always a great feeling!
      I work at a daycare and once in a while we will put in a movie for the kids and, believe it or not, it has always been some kind of Disney movie. I absolutely LOVE watching them with the little kids because I know how they feel, I still get that feelings; and to know that Disney is still bringing that to kids today is the coolest feeling in the world. By finding out all the work and heart that goes into making these life changing films and looking at them from a different perspective, I might be able to figure out just what it is that makes these movies so great! I may be over exaggerating the excitement and greatness of Disney, but it does have two major amusement parks based around it, so it must be just that great.
     Disney has hundreds of movies with so many different stories behind them. They have changed so much throughout the years from the classic Disney movies like, Cinderella and Lion King, to the newer ones like, The Hannah Montana Movie. Whatever direction they go, they always seem to do something great with it. So far, Disney has never failed to satisfy and I see no reason why they ever would in the future.
    

Families of Disney

       One thing I look forward to in life is the days that I will be able to spend with my own family watching Disney movies, and wandering the parks, but I always wonder why the Disney Princess' never, for the most part have children. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Ariel, who got married to Eric, and had Melody. This bothers me because I'm a big advocate for children because I think they have a lot to offer us, and I wish Disney was more active on the children of Disney.
       I think that Disney could make these children much like Melody, where they learn of the pasts of their mothers and fathers, in some ways repeating the mistakes of their parents. When kids see how these children react, I know that children are going to learn and they will grow and understand parental guidance more. I also wish that they showed us more of a family aspect of the Princess', because for the majority of the movies, its only about the life of one of the family members, and when shown the whole family, I think it makes for a more relatable piece.
       Another part of children being apart of Disney, is showing them or giving guidance on how to or not to grow up. A lot of times they just skip right over growing up right into marriage but nothing ever after, just happily, because there isn't ever an ever after to show. This isn't sending children the right message, because kids are more often than not trying to grow up too fast, I am one of the biggest culprits. I wish Disney would focus on the way some of them grew up, like Ariel's mom died, I wish they would've talked more about it, and how it changed her life, but also how she moved on and how her family helped her. Or talk about Aurora, and growing up with three fairies not knowing anything from the outside world, but we miss all of that and go straight into trouble, then happily "ever after" but we never see the ever after.
       I suppose in an attempt to conclude my thoughts, I really just Disney had more sequels, like 'Awake Beauty', and 'Un-Tangled', because I'm always left wondering what happened after. So, Disney please hear my cry for more movies because I need to know what happens next!

"...it all started because of a mouse."-Walt Disney

Disney Weddings

       As I was attending my cousins wedding this past weekend, it occurred to me that you never get to see a Disney wedding all the way through, no planning, no reception, nothing. For example, Ariel's wedding, you see the tail end of they kiss and that's it, Cinderella you just get to see leaving in the carriage, Tangled you just assume they had a ceremony because its so close to the end that you don't see any of it. After all these thoughts ran through my head, I later wondered, why? As of now I don't have an exact reason, but I'll share with you some of my biggest hunches with this no wedding business.
       Hunch number one:

• Wedding ceremonies are boring and no child wants to watch that.

My issue with this is that then when it is time to attend a wedding your children are sitting there asking you questions the entire time because the only things they know about weddings is that at some point the bride an groom kiss and that's the signal for the end.
       Hunch number two:

• Disney wants to stay away from any religious subjects, so they just skip over the ceremony part so no one can critique it.

I believe that Disney should stay neutral religiously as they are now, because as soon as they say they are a Christian based, or Islamic, or Jewish, people that don't fall under that category will feel not welcome, and could lead to a downfall for the company, or even violent protests. One thing I wish they showed is the difference in cultural/religious wedding practices, because I believe that we as people should be well versed in different practices and ways of people around the world.
       Hunch number three:

• They don't know how to wedding.

Although farfetched, for as many movies, shows, and shorts as this company has made, I have yet to see even five minutes of a wedding. I guess I just really want to see how it would play out, I want to see the vows, and the rings being exchanged, I want something.

Weddings are a very special part of peoples lives, shared with ones they love much like Disney. I've shared countless hours, and days watching films, roaming the parks, or humming the tunes of the great Disney classics, and one time, just once, I would like to see some Disney magic happen in a wedding ceremony.

"...it all started because of a mouse."-Walt Disney

Disney Channel Is Crap

       Growing up is a part of life that is applicable to most everything you come into contact with, whether it be a person getting older, a building deteriorating, or in this case, Disney Channel's new and evolving shows. When I was a kid, I came home from school and watched what I like to think of as Disney classics such as Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire, That's So Raven, Wizards of Waverly Place, and many more. I believe these shows ran for as long as they did because they had good plot lines partnered with great actors, which in turn made these shows as popular as they were, with long running times. Three out of the four shows (Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire, Wizards of Waverly Place) listed even came out with movies that I still at sixteen watch today. These shows were relatable to my generation, for the most part, because they were based around kids and their friends, family, and school related activities, unlike the new shows where they are based on talking dogs, and secret agent spy kids.
       One reason why my childhood Disney Channel is better and should be playing reruns still is because they are more relatable to a kids life, which is who the channel is targeting as their audience. For example, if you compared Lizzie McGuire, to a newer Disney Channel show such as Dog With a Blog, you can tell just from the title which one is going to be slightly more realistic than the other. Lizzie McGuire is the person the show is about, you follow her through her life, although she is accompanied by her thoughts, or the animated version of her, you see her life in school and at home. On the other hand, Dog With a Blog, is about a dog and his owners, and after the adventure he types a blog on a computer, very realistic. Did I mention the dog talks?
       Overall I think that the Disney Channel has gone to crap. Without the classic shows, and an actual plot line, why would you watch these shows?


R.I.P. to Hannah, Lizzie, Alex, and Raven:(

"...it all started because of a mouse."-Walt Disney

Disney Worlds

     We have all heard of and some of us even been to the place where your dreams are suppose to come true, Disney World. This wonderful place of 27,000 acres has been a great destination for family, friends, and a place to celebrate the winner of the Superbowl for 37 years. It is a place full of smiles and fun. You can find something new to do around just about every corner from roller coasters to dropping elevators even Harry Potter World! Please tell me you would not give just about anything to be there, seriously though, it is Harry Potter. Something that is almost nearly as cool is there is an area of the park completely based around the Disney classic Cars! I would say it is mostly for little kids but I mean I would most definitely have a kick ass time there!

     The people that think or say that Disney World is for little kids, well those type of people make my skin crawl! Like you can not honestly tell me that you could go there and not have fun? Do they not know what they all have there? They have beaches, rides, water parks, HARRY POTTER WORLD, Sea World, swimming with dolphins, safari's, all the Disney characters, and so much more! You have to be the most boring or extremely abnormal person ever born to this planet if you could go there and not have fun.

      I have been there only once and although I do not remember it all that well because I was about four or five when I went, the things I do remember was so much fun! Taking pictures with all the fun characters in costume was one of the most memorable things in my life! Looking at the pictures is so much fun and it just takes me back and making me miss it! Another fun thing I recall is riding on one of the roller coasters called Space Mountain. It is still by far the most scariest ride I have ever been on but most definitely my favorite!

     So my advise to everyone who will ever read the most amazing blog on the internet is to beg your parents, or I guess if you are allowed and can afford to do it on your own, take a trip to this amazing place! Disney World will never upset you, and hopefully neither will I by telling you this! Good luck and hopefully, if you are lucky, have a fun and wonderful trip! 

The Little Mermaid

       So most of us know the amazing Disney Classic movie The Little Mermaid about a young mermaid Ariel who falls in love with a human prince but her dad, King Triton, disapproves? Sound familiar? Well I bet some of you didn’t know they made a Little Mermaid 2 or at least haven’t seen it. Everyone, well most people, know the cliché about the second movie of some kind. That it’s, not as good as the first one or the characters aren’t the same, well in this case, I believe the second one is just as great!

        It is Ariel as an adult, she has a baby whose name is Melody and when she was being introduced to her family of the sea an evil sea witch named ‘Morgana’ tried to steal her away in trade for the magic triton. She failed, but from that day forward Ariel did not allow her daughter into the sea until the evil lady was found. As Melody got older she grew more in love with the sea, so much so that she would swim under the giant wall to keep her in. Always being followed by the crab, Sebastian, Melodies secret was pretty much always safe with him. Melody just mostly collected sea shells when she was out at sea until one day she came across something shiny that was in a big hole in the ocean. Once back in her room after her birthday party she almost destroyed, Melody looked at the shiny object which happened to be a locket with her name on it. When she opened it a song started to play, it sounded familiar to her, like it was meant for her. It also showed a picture of the sea folk tale, Atlantica, which her mother told her was fake. Realizing the truth, Melody got upset and ran away from home, more specifically to the sea to try and figure out what the locket meant.
        Rowing away in her boat she came across to fish and a tiny shark that claimed they knew someone who could tell her exactly what the locket meant, they lead to her to the evil sea witch, Morgana. Long story short, she turns her into a mermaid and convinces her to go steal the magic triton that “belonged to her” and Melody did just that but in reality she was stealing from her own grandfather also known as King Triton King of the ocean. Ariel finds Melody just in time but Melody is so upset with her mother that she gives the evil witch the triton anyway and she tries to take over the whole ocean. Melody, who feels terrible about what she had done, saves the day by stealing the triton back and giving it to her grandfather and in return Morgana is frozen in time and the wall between land and sea is destroyed and people with feet and fins reunite. Although I love the first one, the second Little Mermaid is just as good with great music like the first!

Disney Babies

       In some older Disney movies like Sleeping Beauty, or even the newer version of this movie, Maleficent, you actually start the movie during the infant stage. In this part of the movie, you see this perfect baby, never cries, gets gifts from Flora, Fauna, and Merrywether, and has an easy and smooth sailing childhood. I would just like to state this is far from reality.
       Coming from someone who works at a daycare center, has a not yet one year old niece, and who is as I'm typing watching a not even two month old, a quiet and compliant baby is not even slightly realistic. I'm going to give you just a few reasons this idea of a baby being perfect, is so not true.

Reason number one this is unrealistic:
Babies, although they can understand some things you say, you cannot understand what they want. This is a tough reality because you sit there as they cry and you don't know what they want, and you can only do so much to try and relieve them. In other words, regardless if you're at a daycare or watching this baby at home, you can't expect them to sit there patiently when usually you and them both don't know what they want.

Reason number two this is unrealistic:
When babies are in a new setting such as a daycare, or a home different then their own, they are uncomfortable, with that said, when baby Aurora lives a lot of her baby life in the castle with her parents and is abruptly moved into the fairies home with no sort of adjustment issue or complications is rather strange. These babies are in a routine, much like myself, I do the same things from a day to day basis, so when children are moved from their normal setting, it's expected that it will take some adjustment time, and will not happen in such a smooth manner all the time.

Reason number three this is unrealistic:
Babies do not, and will never follow your schedule, they will not be compliant, but that's all part of the process. No one said taking care of a child would be easy, but it's part of the fun. Even without the help of magical fairies to watch and care for child's every need, they'll turn out just fine, because you're learning just like them, so forget Disney's ideals, just do the best you can do!



"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

The Magic of Disney

       If you've followed me this far, you know how strongly I believe is Disney's entire enterprise, from the movies, to the shows, I trust in it all. I think a common theme from all of my blogs thus far is the meaning you can pull from whichever Disney movie you're watching. Sometimes I think they hide messages or meanings so well it's like a subconscious thing, and you don't even realize they do it. To me, Disney truly does capture most all aspects of life, and they do it in such a graceful way that it may not seem as hectic as your life in that same situation. What I think Disney has mastered is the way they care. They care about people from all walks of life, animals real and make believe, and all of those whimsical things that fall between. 

       Something that sets Disney apart from others, is their personability with their viewers. Whether you are visiting Disney World, or snuggled into your bed, binging on Disney movies, we all feel some sort of connection to them. A very general example would be, when you're at a Disney park, and you're meeting the characters, you stand and talk to them as if you've known them your whole life. Although you haven't met this character before, you probably have 'known' them your entire life on earth, not physically, but on a mental level.

        With all that said, the older I've gotten the more I feel this pulling connection to Disney, it's almost as if it's embedded in me at this point. What Disney has done is made something so wonderful you feel like you're apart of it, maybe only a small dot in the scheme of things, but definitely apart of it. Disney cares, and when they care the people who receive them care too, it comes back full circle. I guess you can call that the magic of Disney!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney 

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

       Being a big proponent of Christmas, I really enjoy all of the holiday movies and shorts that Disney comes out with. More recently, they've made shorts, or spins off of the movie Cars about the characters from Radiator Springs, which are all fine and dandy, but I am personally a fan of the classic Mickey mouse Christmas films with the original characters; Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto. I think one of my favorites is, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, because it tells classic stories from Mickey's perspective, Donald and his three nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie's perspective, and Goofy's perspective of their holiday adventures. I think that I really enjoy these stories because they are relatable to real life scenarios, allowing for more of a connection between the film and the observer.
       The first story is Mickey and Minnie's, and it tells of how the two gave up very important things to exchange for gifts. They showed their worth to each other by putting their needs on hold for the other because it would make the other happy. This story is relatable to me because during the holiday time I know that my mom sacrifices whatever she needs in order to fulfill my sisters and I's, ridiculous or not, Christmas list. She shows me the real meaning of Christmas; giving, not receiving.

       The second story follows Goofy and his son Max, it tells of some very comical events leading up to Christmas, which leaves them distanced for a while, until Santa visits making it one of the most magical holidays yet. Goofy and Max can be parallels to many parent to child situations, but I think what makes this one so special is that they learn that the parent is only trying to do what's best for their children to make them happy for at least one day of the year.

       In the third portion of the film, you follow Donald Duck's nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie, and learn of their Christmas dreams and how they turn into a constant rerun of Christmas day. As great as this may seem, the boys soon grow tired of what they thought would be great, Christmas everyday. Although it takes a few days, you see the boys transform from the greedy children you met, into boys who understand what a blessing it is to have Christmas one day, and the learn to appreciate all aspects of the holiday, not just the part when they get gifts. To me the three boys can be compared to most children, now grown, at a young age, because when you are young you dint understand the point, and as you grow older, you see the beauty in all of Christmas day not just the gift portion.

       As you grow older, I think that yet again Disney is right of the money, and has shown us the beauty in the holidays, and taught us how we need to appreciate what our loved ones do for us, and know that there is more to Christmas than gifts. Disney has taught me to appreciate the little things, and hold on to family traditions, because without them none of this would be possible.

 

"...it all started with a mouse." -Walt Disney

Mermaids Etc.

       If you are keeping up with my blog, you know that Ariel is my favorite Disney Princess, for many reasons, one of them being that she is a mermaid. The more I think about it, the reasons I want to be a mermaid is almost endless, but I'll just give you five. :)
       Reason number one that I want to a mermaid:

• No walking

I see no downside to not having to walk, and to constantly have the ability to swim all the time.
       Reason number two that I want to be a mermaid:

• I get to live out my life wearing a swimsuit

Wearing a swimsuit, to me at least is really comfortable, and is a very freeing feeling to be able to be virtually naked for my entire life.
       Reason number three that I want to be a mermaid:

• Majestic hair

Needless to say Ariel has this mop of hair that flows beautifully cloud like behind her whilst she swims the day away. When I had long hair, and went to Disney, I obviously met Ariel, and she told me I have Mermaid hair. No big deal, but the coolest mermaid ever told me I had mermaid hair.
        Reason number four that I want to be a mermaid:

• Crazy good singing voice

No matter what mermaid you are a fan of, they always have an amazing voice. They have a special song that they sing, that almost mesmerizes the people around her. I'm vain and self centered and want people to want me in my mermaidness.  

          Reason number five that I want to be a mermaid:

• Ariel is perfect and gets whatever she wants in life

Being a mermaid, Ariel lives a blessed life in an under water castle, with her 6 sisters. Ariel later gets the man of her dreams, and has a baby to complete the perfect family. With many adventures along the way, I see no down side to being a mermaid. 

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Disney Parents

       Today I would like to talk about Disney parents. And if you are a Disney parent, then listen up because I am about to praise you till days end. But seriously, I think you are so amazing if you still continue to love Disney while being an adult. I think it keeps you young, and who does not want to be young these days? Anyway, parents who still love to go to Disney world with your kids on a yearly bases and buy then those fun little shirts and knick knacks at those Disney stores you can find places, well you rock! You have no idea how much I appreciate my mom have done that to me and my sisters as a kid! 

       Now for the yahoos who did not do that for your children, well I pretty much think that you just suck. Kind of sort of maybe a lot. Honestly, what is your reasoning you have not done those things? Okay I get that Disney world is like super expensive but you should have at least taken them there one time so they would have gotten the chance to experience that! I went when I was really young and remember how much fun it was! It makes me want to take my kids there. Disney has a ripple effect and you dumb parents who did not or are not promoting Disney and exposing your kids to it, well you are just hurting the good of people. 

       Disney loves everyone, even those parents who don’t show their kids the magical of it. Does that not count for something? Disney is like God in a way. In some ways it has an answer to everything. You see, the movies act as the Bible, a way to lead people to do the “right things.” So my suggestion to all you stupid naïve parents out there, take you and your kids to the store, whether it be Target or Wal-Mart, and just buy all the movies you can think of, The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Aristocats, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., or whatever it may be. Just do it, worship the “Bible” and learn what it is telling you and I am sure you will soon find yourself in a pool of regret because of what you deprived your kids of as a child. No worries though, you still have time to change your ways and take them to Disney World!!  

"...it all started because of a mouse."-Walt Disney

Mickey Mouse

      We all know the face of Disney, Mickey Mouse. We know him from all sorts of things, Disney World, movies, TV shows, and you have probably seen him on a commercial or two. I personally LOVE Mickey because he has been with Disney sense the beginning, and he is still there going strong. He was the start of Disney and a reason why it has been so successful.
      On the other note, he is one of the funniest cartoons ever created! Who doesn't love how silly and fun he can be? And the fact that Goofy is his best friend who is also a dog but there is also Pluto, his pet, who is a dog as well.. does that confuse anyone but me? Oh well. You still have to just love the whole idea in general. All Disney is, is a huge sea of great ideas and imagination filled with some of the best people and feelings ever experienced. What I would give to work for something even related to Disney would most likely be one of the best things of my life.
      So anyway, back to THE Mickey Mouse. Well personally I don't particularly like Minnie because I think she steals Mickey's spot light which is just not okay. #Mickey4lyfe :) Besides that, I do enjoy having Minnie around to please Mickey because he is great and deserves to have someone to love just like everyone else. He also deserves the best, which is Minnie.
      I know I am talking about him like he is an actual real person but he has been apart of my life and been around for so long that it seems that way. Over the years Mickey has really come to life in everything he has been in. I honestly believe that that's what Disney wanted to do, bring their characters to life, especially the main one which happily is Mickey. One of my many wishes is to meet the voice of Mickey because who wouldn't love to do that? Like honestly I am sure not many people get to say that. EVERYONE, well pretty much everyone has heard of Mickey because he is just that memorable and inspirational that people just do not want to forget him. It brings them to a place that makes them happy and have no worries.
      I would like to end this by giving a big thanks from all the Disney lovers to the Mickey Mouse himself, even though he will probably never see this, I am still going to hope he does so that he knows just how awesome I think he is and much he really reached me as a kid and still now being almost 17 years old.  So THANK YOU MICKEY!! LOVE YOU LOTS AND KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO DUDE!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Inside Out Character Analysis

       Disney is known for their cartoon films, and the magical worlds they live in. They have personified most everything possible, from cars to tea cups, they've done it all. This past spring, they took it one step farther, and instead of cars having feelings, or a tea set, Disney posed the question, "what if feelings had feelings?" This question was developed into their most recent film, Inside Out.

 

       In this movie you have Riley, the main characters "home", for most of the story takes place inside of her head. From left to right you have Fear, Anger, Joy, Sadness, and Disgust. Throughout this story, you follow these feelings, and how they work together to keep Riley happy. I think this movie is one of the more important films Disney has ever created, it teaches you things that you already knew, but never really realized were important. Each character gives you something to walk away with, a new perspective.

       Starting with Fear, in the beginning he is exactly what you would expect, fearful of most everything. He is a skeptic of sorts, and when Joy and Sadness are lost, he is in a panic. Fear represents the reasoning part of your brain or thoughts, and without all of the feelings, he doesn't really know how to operate. But without fear, you would never make a thoughtful decision, because every decision has its pros and cons, without it your decisions would be irrational, or not complete.  

       Anger is obviously angry, but he also is the comical, quick witted, and the rash decision making portion of the story. He is hot headed (literally), and sometimes the tough guy. He is brutally honest, but every once in a while, you need someone to just tell you how it is. Although he may not deliver it in the best way, he always has good intentions, he takes his job very seriously, and without him, you may find yourself not being honest to the one person who matters most; you.

       Joy is happy go lucky, never wants anything to go wrong. She is always looking on the bright side, trying to put a positive spin on the worst of situations. Now when she gets lost, the other feelings seem to be a little lost too because she is the glue that holds all of them together. Joy is the boss in a sense, she keeps you in line, because even when you're lost in imagination land, and cant find your way home, she will always be there to help, and even learn a few things on the way.

       Sadness is sad, and yes sometimes are sad, and all you want to do is cry, but there is a time and place to do so. She grows the most throughout the film, because she learns how to control herself, bet she also teaches other how its okay to be sad sometimes, because occasionally sadness is the one who gets you through the bad times, and is able to get you back to your normal state.

       Disgust, who I think has not the biggest role throughout the movie, plays off of Anger and Fear trying to be a leader. She tries to take the lead and immolate something she is not.

        Our feelings, personified or not, tell us a lot about each other, they control who we are, they are the molds of our being, and Disney yet again showed us the greater meaning to ourselves.

 

 

"...it all started because of a mouse."-Walt Disney

Cinderella

       This weekend I was flipping through the channels and happened to run across one of Disney classics, Cinderella. While I was watching this magical movie it got me thinking, "What if this could actually happen?" One of the great things about these movies is that you get to use your imagination. A perfect example of this is the movie, "A Cinderella Story," which stars Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murry. It is a play off the original Cinderella but, put into more realistic circumstances. That is one of the great things about these amazing movies, they can be told in so many ways! For those of you who do not know the story of Cinderella, it's about a young girl whose father got married to a new woman. Her father died and she was left to live with her step mother and sisters. They were evil to her and made her be their made. One day Cinderella came across her Fairy God Mother who allowed her to go to the annual ball where all the single ladies were welcomed to meet the Prince. The Fairy God Mother gave her a new dress, carriage, hair, jewelry, but most importantly, glass slippers. Cinderella arrived at the ball and danced with the Prince all night, it was love at first sight. All though the night wasn't all perfect. At the stroke of midnight the spell would be broken and all of her new things would disappear, so Cinderella had to run to get home. While doing this she lost one of her glass slippers on the stairs. Leaving only this behind, it put the Prince on the search. He went to every house to see if the shoe fits, when he finally came across Cinderella's house, she was nowhere to be found. Her step mother had locked her up in her room because she knew she was the mystery girl. Thanks to the help of her mice friends, Cinderella got out, fit into the slipper, married, then rode off with her prince and lived happily ever after. If only our life could be that way. This movie gives kids hope, and even adults. I believe you can never fully grow out of Disney movies.

"...it all started with a mouse." -Walt Disney

All Smiles

The number of smiles Disney has brought to people’s faces and the number of people they have brought them too is an uncountable number! Everything about Disney is just a big world of happiness and laughter and that is one reason why I love it so much. It has you forgetting all the bad things in your life and makes you happy for that slight time you are around it. I fell as though if there was more Disney in everyone’s life that our world would be just that little bit happier! Imagine if everyone has a few less bad days that could change a kids thoughts of suicide or a possible argument between mother and daughter. Little things can have a drastic effect on people in ways you would never imagine.

   Smiles are free anyway, so why not do something that makes you smile? Disney may not be your first thought but I strongly believe everyone should try it at some point in your life to try and cheer you up. You do not even have to be sad, maybe you just feel like smiling about something good, and Disney could most definitely be that thing for you! Everyone loves to smile, and if you don’t well then I think you have some deeper lying issues that I think you would most likely want to seek professionally help on, but say you can’t afford something like that, your next solution could very well be a Disney movie or maybe even a Disney song. For me I enjoy listening to the songs from just about every movie, not that I don’t enjoy the movies because I love them so much but I love music so much more and it really makes me forget about everything, especially when I have my headphones in and that is all I hear.

               Do yourself a favor and let yourself smile today with a good Disney movie or song, and then go tell someone you think needs to smile a little more about it as well. You could make their day and it could very likely have a ripple effect and influence people to do the same thing in the end making this a much better place to live because of all the smiles being spread around! Disney brings happiness to people and if they ever did anything other than that, then it was in no way their intent. Happiness and smiles is what they want I am sure so just give them another shot. Get and give a smile everyday with Disney.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Finding Nemo: Finding Meaning

       Finding Nemo, one of Disney's most popular films is a story that has been touching people since 2003, is a tale of on overprotective widowed father, a daring son, and friends found in unexpected places. As the story begins, you learn of Nemo's mothers fate, while also realizing why, Marlin,  Nemo's father, is such a helicopter parent. I think that Marlin's character compared to a human, would be quite the same. Marlin experienced tragedy, loss, and guilt, and from that point on he was going to make it his mission and do everything is his power to protect Nemo, the one piece of his wife he had left. I would compare Marlin, to one of my best friends mom, Jill, she experienced tragedy when her son, Chandler, took his own life in 2012. Ever since then, she is always trying to micromanage everything that Erica, her only child left, does. Marlin and Jill are parallels, in that they both grieved and have since slowly recovered from such events in a similar way.
      

       Another character I would like to address, is of course Nemo. The tiny fish has big ambitions, and is determined to be just as free spirited as everyone else his age. Nemo could compare to a child of any age really, but lets stick with the theme, and go with Erica, Jill's daughter. (Recap: Marlin is Jill, overprotective&grieving, Nemo is Erica, wants to be treated like everyone else) Erica, much like Nemo, has experienced grief, but has learned to live with it and move on, some days are better than others, but they have both learned to live with the past and move with the future. I have much respect for Nemo because you watch him throughout the movie overcoming more and more obstacles, and nothing holds him back, same goes for Erica, nothing, not even her brother's death, can stop her from doing or being just like every other kid. I believe that Erica and Nemo have both found that they aren't the only ones going through stuff, and that even though some have it worse than others, they are always able to overcome.

       Finally, I think Dory, the quirky forgetful fish that she is, doesn't represent a specific person, or necessarily have a parallel like how I compared Marlin to Jill, and Nemo to Erica, I think Dory represents what was lost in the tragedy of Nemo's mom and Erica's brother. She is the happy days, and the care free spirit, she its the little bit of crazy we all have, and when you experience such tragic events, I think that piece, the Dory piece, is missing. Sometimes we dwell like Marlin and Jill, and other times we don't want to be treated like a child like Nemo and Erica, and other times we need to remember...Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Disney vs. Depp

       We all have heard of Disney's, Alice in Wonderland, this cartoon classic was made in 1951, well before I was born, but a more recent version of this movie was brought to life in 2013, starring Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp. Most often I agree that remakes of classics are never as good as the original, but in this case, I think there are pros and cons to both sides being that they were so drastically different although it was the same story.

The Original Version Pros:

• Told the whole story without missing any major parts.
• Simplistic and wholesome for the entire family.
• Whimsical and detailed for the age it is.

The 2013 Version Pros:

• Shed light to areas of the story that never were told before.
• Showed more detail to both queens, and their relations.
• Very detailed, and graphic, made the story come alive.

The Original Version Cons:

• Didn't tell the dark and eerie parts of the story.
• Didn't give background information on Alice as much.

The 2013 Version Cons:

• Had a higher rating, not allowing all ages to watch.
• Graphically disturbing at some points.

       Overall, my views on these movies were very split because you could see things from the perspective of liking one better than the other, giving a biased opinion. For me, I love the original version because for most of my childhood that the only version I knew, I grew up wanting to experience what Alice did, I envied her in a sense. I believe I loved the second version because of Johnny Depp's character as the Mad Hatter. The second version brought a devilish sense to this once whimsical fairy tale. Depp brought to life the "Red Queen's" castle, and her evil ways, and told the backstory of Alice that really tied the whole thing together. I guess when it comes to choosing one over the other, I may just have to wait and fall down that hole when I get there!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Frozen Phenomenom

       As we've all heard of or seen of Disney's most recent phenomenon, Frozen, we all were enveloped in that Disney finally changed it's view of "true love." Most all of Disney's stories, shows and movies, follow the same general pattern of the boy and the girl falling into eternal love. Finally the tables have turned, and Disney has said family is your true love, and at the end of the day those are the people that will always be there for you. Even though the songs on repeat are a bit redundant, they help carry the theme throughout the movie.
       Do You Want To Build A Snowman? I think that even though people think that Elsa is just ignoring Anna in this song, its in a beautiful way that she does it. Elsa may be ignoring her sister who is just longing to have a relationship with her, but she also is doing a very sister like thing in that she is trying to protect Anna from what hurt her before. Elsa feels responsible and throughout the song as she grows up, you see that even she is afraid of herself and what she is capable of. From Anna's point of view, her sister is ignoring her, for she doesn't remember the incident in which Elsa hurt her, during the song, she slowly gives up hope on her sister coming out to play, and eventually just stops trying to ask after her parents pass away.
       Let It Go. In this song, I think the message is to be free, to not worry anymore. Elsa, finally feels free, she is no longer a burden to her sister or anyone else. This song is like the anthem to my life. I wish I could be as care free as Elsa is, she just seems so at peace knowing that she's not going to hurt anyone, or at least that's what she thought. While Elsa's going nuts now that she is free, Anna isn't happy because as soon as she is reunited with her sister, she gets taken away, and she is NOT going to let it go. (lol i'm funny)
       Even though these are only a few of the songs on the soundtrack, to me these are some of the most important, and you could agree that these two are among the most overplayed. Although overplayed, these songs have a deeper meaning, and have a great theme, that add to the movie.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Culturally Diverse

       Something that I think is a valuable skill to have in life is being socially aware of different practices and cultures. Disney has done a good job in this area; racially diverse princess', geographically accurate to a specific region, historically correct mythological events, and even the food is factual. What makes Disney special is that they have done a great job in making the settings in movies, shows and books in different parts of the world with different kinds of people, places, species, and things! I think the most obvious and probably well known example would be of Mulan, throughout the movie I learned about spouse selection, gender roles, religious beliefs, and family values.
       In the first few opening scenes, you see Mulan getting ready to meet a "matchmaker" for Mulan to be placed with the man she would later call her husband. I learned that in Asian culture men look for certain aesthetic features that would normally be strange in America such as pale skin. You also see Mulan's mother and grandmother putting different fortuitous items on or under her clothing all in hopes that she will find, "the one." Her attire is loose fitting and traditional to Asian culture, face caked with makeup, and she carries an umbrella.
       Another old fashioned cultural difference that I noticed in the movie is a man and woman's role in society, and family values. The first and most apparent difference is that people are needed to fight in the war, but women cannot enroll, only men are allowed, restricting Mulan from stepping in place for her father who is elderly an disabled. This obviously did not stop Mulan, but her circumstance was not the norm. Mulan's family felt ashamed of her, and felt that her family would be dishonored because Mulan crossed the line into unknown and unwelcomed territory for a woman. In addition to men being the only people in the army, they were usually the bread winners of the family, while the mother stayed home to cook, clean, and take care of children and basic other household duties.
       Religion, or spiritual belief throughout this movie is very prominent in that Mulan visits her families tomb to talk to the spirits and pray and the start and the end of the movie. In the movie I learned that they do not believe in a God, but the spirits of their family, and great leaders, and their powers to protect and punish them accordingly. Mulan's deceased family protected her with Mushu, the dragon who helped her make great decisions, and face the unfamiliar.
       Disney has opened my eyes to cultural adversity, and allowed my interest to grow in learning of practices and beliefs all around the world!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney
      

Unrealistic High School Expectations

       As a child, I, and many other children from my generation, worshiped the worldwide phenomenon, High School Musical 1, 2, and 3. Most people, myself included, could quote, sing, and dance alongside Troy, and Gabriella. What we did not know, was the heartbreak that was included in this elaborate misconception of false hope.

The first and most blatant lie throughout the entire movie series:
Celebrating? Song and Dance!
Sad? Passive aggressive song and violent actions toward walls and imaginary people!
Meeting for the first time? You guessed it, song and dance!
Lunch time? Song and Dance!
Didn't get the part you wanted in the play? Revenge song and Dance!
Conflicted? Why not song and dance it out?!

       Although I love these movies, they gave me a false hope in the realm of high school. Coming into freshman year, I was unhappily stunned with the lack of enthusiasm, more or less music that was not echoing though the halls. I am still waiting for the day that we jazz square and skip down the halls to an upbeat pop song.

Second lie throughout HSM:
Super talented (and attractive) jock boy is conveniently a super great singer, who just so happens to get the super smart, beautiful girl who also happens to be vocally gifted.

       This was one of the more devastating realities of Kennedy high school, that no super hot, athletic, vocally gifted male would go for a girl who is smart and actively involved in music. Being that I associate myself as one of these girls, it came as a real shock that high school was not in fact as fantastic as everyone made it seem, more specifically, how High School Musical made it seem.

Finally the amount of social time throughout the day/week:
Always just chilling in the halls
Never doing anything after school except hanging with friends, or your girlfriend
Constantly late to class due to plotting revenge against someone
Super fun and relaxing lunch with appetizing food choices<-- very important difference

       The last few misconceptions of high school may have been some of the more disappointing parts of my career. Me personally never have time to chill in the halls unless I have some sort of death wish due to the overcrowding, smelly, and slow moving pace at which people choose to move. Afterschool, the things I would do to be able to nap, or hang out, after school, but unfortunately the reality of this is far from the truth. in the after hours of school I am, working, doing homework, studying, at practice for soccer or show choir, in a quartet rehearsal for chamber, or performing other humanly functions required in a days time, I do not have time to hang with friends. If I were late to class I'd get a detention so that's incorrect and stupid, and it was not appreciated. Lunch is stressful and filled with homework because I don't want to do it when I get home, so it's basically the exact opposite of everything the movie was. Plus the food is gross and looks regurgitated.

       I do love Kennedy, and the high school experience, but Disney may need to do a little bit more research next time they are doing a movie based on high school, because as far as I'm concerned, its filled with minimal sleep, lack of food, cramming, a wee bit of fun, and a lot of memories good and bad. High school rocks, but get your facts straight Disney!

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Remembering Your Roots

       I think that for too often people become too much of what they say they will never be, or of their hobbies and lifestyle, instead of staying connected to things that ground you and make you, you. For me, Disney has always been apart of my life, these movies, shows and concepts that Disney is revolved around have in some ways shaped who I am today. Although some of Disney's ideals are outdated, and unrealistic, I've learned to take away the good from these messages and learn from the bad.
       A common theme throughout the majority of Disney movies occurs when the main character becomes confident, or cocky, and starts to show off, and distance him/her/itself from their roots, or their backstory. An example would be like Troy Bolton in High School Musical 2, when he starts to get recruited from a basketball group, and gets a great promotion in his summer job, he starts to blow off his friends, forgets about dates with his girlfriend, and overall becomes an arrogant jerk leaving him single and friendless.
       To me this is a very important lesson to learn in life because you need to stay humble and remember where you came from to make the journey life takes you on more extraordinary. If you get handed everything in life without having to work for it, you don't appreciate things, you know no value because you've never had to earn anything. Disney has an approachable way of coming back to reality and remembering what's important in life.
       So many days even I get to stressed about my job, or show choir, and school, and I forget that life really isn't about this. I have to remind myself that I am doing a good job, or maybe I need to be a little kinder, and just take a minute to look at how I've grown as a person, and be proud yet humble. After all, growing up is a humbling experience, and I think that whatever path you may choose, we all tend to get a little sucked into whatever is consuming your life, and when this happens, just remember where you came from along with how far you've come. Remember the little fish that said, "...just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming ,swimming, swimming...", although she couldn't decipher between "Fabio and Nemo", she could always remember who she was; she knew her TRUE self.

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

      

Realistic Ideals

       When you think of Disney, you think of mystical magical fairy tales that ALWAYS have a happy ending(with the exception of Frozen) between and boy and girl. You think of a long, beautiful romance story with tragedy and huge obstacles that had to be overcome to end a beautiful love story, when in reality that's not at all how life works. With the exception of Disney's most recent princess movie, Frozen, every Disney story has had an unrealistic ideal of how you should meet your "true love" and live "happily ever after." 

       Up until recent years I didn't find anything wrong with this until you think about all of the things that could possibly get in the way of a perfect love story. Aside from the fact that to me there isn't really ever a perfect love story because everyone's love story is different, making it perfect in its own way. 

My first issue with Disney's ideal love story:

•Love at first sight

My problem with this is that I(grantedI've only been alive for 16 years)have never seen or heard of anyone saying, "Yeah, I saw my husband mowing his lawn once, and from the moment our eyes met, we were in love."

•Ariel(love her) was very young, as were most of the other Princess'

Nowadays is very much frowned upon to be married at a young age because older generations like to tell us that we have no idea what love is this young blah blah blah, yet they are the ones who were married SOOO young! For example, Ariel, she was sixteen when she was in love with Eric, traded voices to make him fall even more in love with him, and then, you guessed it, they got married. Now don't get me wrong, love is love, whatever way you look at it, but I think that it's a bit of a stretch for someone, take me for example to get married based on little to no prior information about the person!

•True love can only be found in a spouse

I agree with the statement to a certain degree, but having 4 older sisters, a niece, the best mom, and working at a daycare, I'd say that any Real love, can be found in lots of different people, or places. True love is found when you would go out of your way to make these people happy, and to care for them, most importantly to show how much you care, and to me that doesn't only have to be your spouse. 

"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

       

LILO and Stitch

             I know I have a total bias opinion because I don't see anything bad when watching Disney movies because I refuse to even believe such a thing exists. Something that my mind has been reminded of about Disney movies is just how stinkin' funny they are. Have you ever seen Lilo and Stitch? If you haven't then you are missing out. I mean it's not like a total Adam Sandler comedy movie but many parts in it are HILARIOUS. I dare you to go rent that movie and not laugh! If you say you didn't, well, you are lying.
        So I wouldn't say I really have a point in emphasizing the funniness of Lilo & Stitch, I just happened to run across it this weekend and I just had the best thought, "HEY! I smell a gooooooood blog a cookin'!" Not really, but now thinking about it that would be a pretty cool thing. That is thinking about a homework assignment during the weekend. ANYWAY, I just am really promoting this movie because I think it was really over-looked when it came out, like people just thought it looked stupid so they didn't even bother with it. The "people" being the parents of these innocent kids who were robbed of a HUGE part of their childhood. Alright, so it is really not that big, but I am sure those kids would have enjoyed life even a little more if they saw this great movie!
      I am not going to take the time and tell you about this movie because that would just ruin the surprise and I am not about that life. What I can do though, is tell all the girls out there with older or younger sisters, this movie could pretty much explain your life with your sister! I am telling you, I have four older sisters, and let me tell you, the relationship between Lilo and her older sister honestly sums up mine and my sisters relationship a lot of times.
       This movie also appeals to whole families in the sense that Lilo doesn't really have much of one. It could really bring a family together in realizing what they have. I think all Disney movies do that in some sense because they all have a little message that hits you in an emotional way. They are very family oriented, and I promise will do nothing but good for families. So just take a hour and a half away from your hectic life and sit down to watch Lilo & Stitch with your family, and in the end tell them all you love them. OHANA.

"...it all started because of a mouse."  -Walt Disney

Disney Music

     If you are a die hard Disney lover like I am or used to be, you will know that every Disney movie has the greatest music and songs in them! Everytime I ever watch one of the movies I sing every single word to it! They put me in the best mood ever and they are just fun to sing to! I want everyone to hear all the Disney songs. They do not even have to watch the movie it is from. JUST LISTEN TO THE SONGS!! I know that most people will remember a large number of them if they ever watched the classics as a kid.
     For guys, they may not be as interested because I think for the most part it is girls who keep in touch with their little kid side for awhile longer and more in depth than guys do, but I would like boys to at least give it a try. Go to YouTube and type in 'Disney Classic Songs' and I guarantee you that the songs you used to love as a kid will come on and you will fall in love all over again!
     A little off topic, but, if you are one of those people who say they know a song and like mumble the words like you know it, well don't. No one likes those kind of people and if I am around you and you do it do one of my jams (a Disney song) you best believe I will call you out and embarrass you for disgracing the Disney name! Like who do you think you are? What did Disney ever do to you to mess something up like that? I get that it isn't really THAT big of a deal, but, if you are going to sing a Disney song, sing it right please. :)
     If I were to recommend a movie to watch with great songs it would most definitely have to be The Little Mermaid or The Lion King. Those songs are seriously so much fun and some of the most popular! Everyone has to love them and if you don't well then you are just crazy! So do us, or well me, a favor and please please please, at LEAST go watch those two movies or listen to the songs because you will LOVE them! And if you do not, well then you suck. You're welcome.


"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney

Ariel and I

       I believe that throughout the entirety of Disney movies there's a message that gets looked over because it's a "kids" film, but I believe in the Disney movies, because your never to old to learn something you never knew. This film may be over looked by a five or six year old, but as you grow older and learn from reality, come back and revisit, because as a 16 year old, I still let things such as appearances and physical boundaries hold me back from something I hold near to my heart. Ariel pushes the envelope and believes in herself, which is more than most people can say. Ariel has and always will be someone important to me, because she showed me how to be myself and to go as far as you need to (within reason, after all she was a mermaid gone human) to reach your goals.
         For most of my life, or any young child's life for that matter, I've always identified with some sort of character, may it be fiction or a real person. I grew up feeling a relation with Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid, I think since we both had red hair, and because of that being so rare I just idolized everything about her. Her long hair and free spirit inspired me everyday to go out and not be afraid to be myself and prove others wrong, and most importantly to never let a physical flaw separate me from something or someone that I care about.
       Sometimes I think the simple things in life are missed, a good movie, a cool swim on a hot day, or an inspiring message that keeps you going. Disney brings you back, allows you to get away and find yourself again, and reminisce on your childhood hero.



Whenever I think of Ariel, I think of this image, because she looks happy, and like she has no worries. To me she embodies self love, confidence and inner beauty; a difficult characteristic to poses. So being or wishing to be like Ariel doesn't make me childish or immature, it makes me have expectations of myself, and set goals, and most importantly, makes me read between the lines, and never forget where it all started.




"...it all started because of a mouse." -Walt Disney