Monthly Archives: January 2014

Disney Vintage Vinyl – Cinderella

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IMG_2518Dipping once again into Joseph’s vast collection of Disneyana, today I’ve chosen another album.  This delightful treasure from 1959 is the “Music from the Original Motion Picture Sound Track” for Walt Disney’s Cinderella.  “Featuring members of the original cast including Ilene Woods, Don Barclay, and Verna Felton.  Songs by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston.  Background music by Oliver Wallace and Paul J. Smith”.

Nine songs make up this LP – including my two favorite Cinderella songs:  “The Work Song”  (Jaq and Gus and the Mice) and “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” sung by Verna Felton as Fairy God Mother.

Let’s talk about Verna Felton (July 20, 1890 – December 14, 1966 – yes – that is one day before the date Walt Disney passed away) for a minute.  Mrs. Felton enjoyed a long career (began performing publically at age 10) – first on stage and radio- before moving on to film.  She was well known (and in demand) for her distinctive voice and no-nonsense attitude.

IMG_2519You may have known this already, but I was surprised to find out just how many other Disney roles that Verna Felton also voiced beside Fairy Godmother in 1951:  Dumbo – 1941 (Elephant Matriarch),  Alice in Wonderland – 1951 (Voice of Queen of Hearts.  Sings “Who’s Been Painting My Roses Red”),  Lady and the Tramp – 1955 (Voice of Aunt Sarah.  Sings “Rock-a-Bye Baby”), Sleeping Beauty -1959 (voices of Flora and Queen Leah), and The Jungle Book – released after Mrs. Felton passed away, 1967 (Winifred the Elephant, sings “Colonel Hathi’s March”).

Okay – back to the record.  From the album cover’s reverse side:  “…Walt Disney has brought to life the beautiful Cinderella, her wicked step-mother and sisters plus that very funny and forgetful Good Fairy.  It is with the Good Fairy’s magical words “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”, plus the talented brushes of the Disney artists, that we are able to travel at last into the dream world of Cinderella…”

Song List (Side One, songs 1-5 / Side Two, songs 6-9):

  1. Cinderella
  2. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Ilene Woods)
  3. Oh Sing Sweet Nightingale (Ilene Woods)
  4. The Work Song (Jaq and Gus)
  5. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Mouse Chorus)
  6. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo (Verna Felton)
  7. Cinderella Arrives at the Ball (Orchestra)
  8. So This is Love (Ilene Woods)
  9. Finale (Orchestra and Chorus)

If you just have to have a copy of your very own – try eBay and Etsy.  Prices range from $5-$17.

 

Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends

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IMG_0979When you hear “Epcot”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?  Spaceship Earth?  Soarin’?  Test Track?  The World Showcase, perhaps?  I don’t immediately think of any of those things.  I automatically think about The Seas with Nemo and Friends.  You don’t?  Well maybe it’s time to give it another try.  There’s so much packed under one roof in this (to me) underappreciated area in Epcot’s Future World (West).  I encourage you to take a closer look and give it a bit more consideration.  It’s a whole lot more than just place to escape for a while from the hot Florida sun or an afternoon rain shower…

“Oh, my God, Nemo’s shwimming out to shea!” – Nemo’s classmate, Finding Nemo

The Seas with Nemo and Friends began as The Living Seas in 1986 and was originally IMG_0981sponsored by United Technologies (until 2001).  Hydrolators (pretend under-seas elevators) took guests “down” to Seabase Alpha.  A pre-ride movie explained how the Earth’s oceans were formed before vehicles called Seacabs took visitors on a tour of coral reefs.  In the early 2000’s, the exhibit lost its sponsor and The Living Seas faded in popularity before being reinvigorated and re-named in 2006.

“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do, we swim, swim, swim.” – Dory, Finding Nemo

Today visitors to The Seas with Nemo and Friends will find an exciting, fun, and educational IMG_0980array of exhibits and attractions that offer something for everyone, every age to enjoy.  At the entrance, don’t miss the seagulls that yell “Mine!”  Great photo ops start outside the building’s entrance.

Here are the FIVE best things about The Seas with Nemo and Friends:

“It’s awesome, Jellyman. Little dudes are just eggs, we leave ’em on the beach to hatch, and then — koo-koo ka-choo! — they find their way back to the Big Ol’ Blue.” – Crush, Finding Nemo

IMG_28091.  Turtle Talk with Crush – DUDE!  This fantastically entertaining show provides guests an opportunity to interact with the coolest turtle in the seven seas.  Amazing technology allows Crush to see and talk to individual audience members – he tries to educate people about the lives of sea turtles while also asking people to explain strange and unknown things about humans to him.  Guaranteed laughs.  Amazing technology – No, I don’t want to know how it works…it’s magic!

2.  Manatees!  And other live animal exhibits allow visitors the chance to get up close with the likes of sharks, dolphins, rays, and more.  I particularly love the manatees (second level) – if you’re lucky, you’ll be there at the right time to listen to a Cast Member presentation about these endangered gentle giants.  Feeding time is also a lot of fun!  If you IMG_2776read my post on the Kilimanjaro Safari, then you know what happens when I see live animals.  Yep – I could stay right there and take pictures all day.  I have almost as many manatee pictures as I do of giraffes eating.  Don’t miss Mr. Ray’s Lagoon (first floor) for an up-close view of stingrays.

3.  Clamobiles!  Jump on into your ride vehicle and check out your favorite Finding Nemo characters as Marlin once again searches for his lost son – the show’s characters swim alongside real fish in the aquarium.

Ohhhh, let’s name the zones, the zones, the zones, let’s name the zones of the open sea! – Mr. IMG_2774Ray, Finding Nemo

4.  Bruce!  Our favorite shark in all the seas has his own exhibit next to the Turtle Talk entrance.  Bruce’s Sub House is a adorably crafted play area with many excellent photo ops – including posing as Bruce’s lunch!  Anchor and Chum are there, too, in this great place to learn and explore.  A great opportunity for little ones to enjoy a break from the confines of a stroller and burn off a little energy!

“I am a nice shark. Not a mindless eatin’ machine. If I am to change this image, I must first IMG_2008change myself. Fish are friends. Not food.” – Bruce, Chum, and Anchor, Finding Nemo 

5.  Coral Reef Restaurant – Enjoying a meal in this restaurant’s multi-level seating area is both a tasty and entertaining experience.  The main focal point for diners is a breathtaking view of The Sea’s aquarium.  While food reviews have been mixed (and disappointing) of late, the menu offers a wide variety of options with and without seafood as a main ingredient.  We have dined here (usually lunch) on several occasions and have never had a bad meal.  Make an informed dining decision with info here from All Ears.Net.  I will add that if you’re on the dining plan, Coral Reef uses one table service credit.

So?  You ready to give it another look?  If you’ve been to The Seas With Nemo and Friends lately, what did you think about it?

 

Do You Have a Disney Lucky Charm?

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IMG_2100Do you have a Disney Lucky Charm?  Whether you’re superstitious or not – I cannot be the only person who has woven a love for Disney into everyday life by occasionally (or everyday) carrying around a “lucky” Disney talisman or favorite Disney item of some sort.

Maybe a pressed penny from the Magic Kingdom has found its way into your pocket.  Perhaps a certain Donald Duck sweatshirt seems to help your team win when you wear it.  Maybe you’ve adorned your ride with a Nemo antenna topper or a Tinker Bell window decal.  Are you keeping time with a Mickey Mouse watch?  Could be you even have a candle that smells just like the Karamelle-Kuch!  Cup o’ morning java in a Goofy mug?  Personally, I’ve been known to tuck a particularly favored Disney pin under the lapel of my suit before making an IMG_2512important presentation at work.

Even though, to the non-Disney people around us, they might seem like common souvenirs – silly even.  These objects are powerful symbols to us!  They represent all the happiness and magic – the wonderful moments we’ve experienced on a Disney vacation.  Perfect memories waiting for us to revisit anytime we like.  For me, they also act as motivation…day-to-day life throws an unexpected challenge?  I can make it!  I’ve been ridiculously happy and I will be again!  I’m going to Disney World!  Why do we have countdown clocks and calendars we start using hundreds of days in advance of our next Disney vacation?

IMG_2511In case of emergency, break plastic.  I have a Donald Duck Pez Dispenser.  Even though I got it as a Fish Extender gift 2-and-a-half years ago, it’s still in the wrapper.  I carry it in my lunch bag everyday, but I hope I never have to open it.  I’m saving it for an emergency.   What kind of emergency?  The kind of dire – I’m-a-woman-on-the-edge – sort of moment.  You know – stressed, tired, sad, frustrated, and angry all at the same time – you’re at your wit’s end and feel like the world will never be right again.  That’s the moment I’m waiting for!  So far, so good – but if you ever see me flipping back Donald’s head and taking a bite of candy – turn around and RUN!

What are your most meaningful Disney objects?  I’d love to see pictures and have the stories and memories that go along with them.  Please share and I’ll post your special Disney lucky charm right here at Living a Disney Life. 

Disney Cruise Line – Dressing for Formal Night

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DSCN3118IMG_0406First Things First:  I love the DisBoards – if you have never been there, go.  Now.  Tips, discussions, trip reports, reviews, debates, ideas, rumors and much more – almost ALL related to Disney!  I’ve been a member since 2006 (GreenAcres is my DisBoards’ name) and I have found the information there invaluable.

People on the cruise boards are always asking questions about dressing for a Disney Cruise – specifically, what families should expect / wear on formal night.  I’ll tell you – the full-blown formal attire, dressed to the nines – is going out of style on Disney Cruises.  If you wear long dresses or tuxedos, you will certainly be among the minority.  That being said, we still do it – Dress for Formal Night.  Raymond and Joseph DSCN1644have owned their own tuxedos for years (WAY less expensive than renting, I promise) and Megan and I have always purchased our dresses strategically to ensure uber-bargain prices.  I know what you’re thinking – I’m on vacation and I do NOT want to go to all that trouble…I’ll be uncomfortable…I only want to wear shorts and tee shirts – and you’d have a point.  Still – I think everyone ought to be free to choose what makes their vacation special.

Why do we dress up?  I’ll give you the top fives reasons:

IMG_03801.  You get the opportunity to go all out – spit and polish, together as a family – and let your children show off all those good manners you’ve been drilling into them year after year.

2.  Gives children the opportunity to shine – to truly feel like the prince or princess you tell them they are.  If you have a need to feel royal as well – this will allow you a grand chance to embrace your inner monarch.

3.  Great practice for proms and weddings or if your children ever need to attend a red carpet IMG_1820event – they’ll be ready!  Don’t laugh – both of my dear offspring have expressed a time or two how happy (grateful even) they are to feel comfortable when faced with formal occasions.

4.  Family pictures!  I like the professional pictures we’ve had taken on the ship, but I love the candid shots we took ourselves even better.

IMG_03795.  Memories – making them as well as recalling the past.  For me, dressing up triggers memories of one of the happiest days of my life.  When I see Raymond in his tuxedo – I can perfectly recall the excitement of our wedding day (when my Disney life began!).

Need to know where to shop?  Want to know what to pack for a cruise?  Questions and comments are always welcome.

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