Everyone has a different and unique approach to planning their own trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Some plan around their desire to do different attractions or attend special events at various times throughout the year. Others just go with the flow at just naturally let it happen. While everybody's approach is certainly respectable, over our years of travelling to Disney World, my family has discovered the best way to plan a Disney vacation is to plan around where you will be dining each night. Given, this strategy is contingent on whether or not you have the Disney Dining Plan or even if you simply plan to eat at a table-service meal each night or not. However, just as every attraction and show has a special magical memory just waiting to be unlocked, every restaurant at Disney World can provide some special memories as well.
Let me first start off by saying that I implore you to always get the Disney Dining Plan. There are various options for what type of plan you can get, but the plan that my family always goes with is the the basic plan which includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, and one snack per day per person. Some vacation planners have this idea that the Disney Dining Plan is more expensive than it actually is, but here's one of the main reasons why I say to plan around your dining: everybody's got to eat. No matter how many people are travelling with you in your party and no matter the budget, food is a necessity. Therefore, because everyone has to refuel everyday, why not enjoy the phenomenal dining Disney has to offer? You're going to have to pay money anywhere you go to get food, so just go ahead, get the Dining Plan, and enjoy Disney's culinary cuisine. Just as The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are so exclusively Disney, the Disney restaurants are exclusively Disney too. You'll never dine better than when you dine at Disney World. That's why it's so beneficial to plan around your dining because if you take that approach, one major factor is checked off before you even begin your trip.
Another reason why planning around your dining can truly help you in the planning process is because you will quickly find out that once you know where you're eating, the rest of the day almost plans itself. For example, if you're at the Magic Kingdom, and you know that you have a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table at 5:30, you know not to schedule a Fastpass or mentally schedule seeing a particular show from about five until seven. That reduces your stress because now, there's less options and therefore the planning becomes less overwhelming as well.
With that being said, I will also highly recommend you make reservations if you do in fact desire to eat at a Disney table-service restaurant. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen from people on a vacation to Disney is going into a restaurant expecting to walk right in and get a table. While that surely happens sometimes, it is a rare occurrence. Making reservations, once again, helps you out in the planning process. With Disney, you can reserve a table for their table-service restaurants 180 days in advance of your vacation start day, which means that nearly six months in advance, you've already done a majority of your planning, allowing you to enjoy the buildup to your vacation and the trip itself.
Now, here are some good tips to keep in mind when planning your trip around your dining.
Take advantage of unique Disney dining experiences like character dining.
Nowhere else in the world can you eat with Mickey Mouse himself than at Disney World. Disney's character dining is absolutely superb and amazingly fun. Plus, the food served at these restaurants is exquisite. Restaurants like Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort and 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort are two of the most premium restaurants in the country, and while eating this delicious food, you can meet, take pictures with, and get autographs from characters like Goofy, Donald Duck, and Cinderella. Your trip to Disney should be special, and having a character dining experience, regardless of your age, is so worth it.
Plan around which park you're going to be at each day.
If you're staying on Disney property, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which is when each day, one of the four parks is opened earlier or later than the original opening or closing time, which means more of a chance to experience everything Disney World has to offer during your trip. When Disney releases the operating hours for the week you're visiting (usually about six or seven months in advance), look at the days each park has EMH and plan to visit that park on that day. Once you establish that, look at the restaurants in and around that park. For example, if you know you're going to be in Epcot one day, don't plan to eat at the Magic Kingdom that night because that's going to end up being a huge chunk of time taken out of your day. If you're going to be at Epcot, dine at one of the many wonderful options at Epcot in order to maximize your time in the parks each day.
Look at the menus beforehand.
As you can tell from everything I've said, choosing your dining destinations requires some attention and research. One of the big tasks to complete before really doing anything is to look at the menus for each restaurant. For example, if you know that you're not a fan of Southern cuisine, odds are that you won't enjoy Primetime 50's Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You always have to be looking for ways to maximize your Disney experience, and eating at restaurants that cater to your preferences and menu options is one key way that accomplished that goal.
Just writing this, I am slowly getting really hungry because I'm thinking about all the delectable meals I have had over the years at Disney World. Now, understandably, everybody has their own method to planning a Disney vacation; this is just my own personal preference. I will tell you, though, that I've never had a disappointing Disney trip by following this approach. There's just something extra magical about eating with royalty or dining on food that you can never get anywhere else. I look forward to many things about my trip to Disney every single time, but perhaps number one on the list is allowing Disney to do the cooking.
-Cody Fleenor
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Five Friday Favorites: Disney Songs
One of the main reasons why Disney movies are remembered so admirably throughout the years and through numerous generations is because everyone has their own personal favorite Disney song. Ever since the beginning of animation, Disney has brought music to the forefront of their films to astronomical success. When someone leaves the theater or turns off the television after watching a Disney film, odds are that they will be humming to or dancing to one of that film's songs. It is no accident that the movies that are widely considered the best of Disney are generally defined by its music.
To compile a list of just five songs from seventy plus years of Disney music is an impossibility, so I will start by giving out some honorable mentions to help ease this process. Now, I could name a few songs from just one movie; to make life simpler, though, I will only mention one song from each film. Also, I could make mention of some of the fantastic songs written exclusively for the Disney Parks, but for this list, I'll stick with movies. I'll start with the one that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and "Heigh-Ho." This is such a simple song, and that is why I think it works so well for this film. The dwarfs are instantly lovable from the minute they appear on screen, and with this musical number, they get to come front and center and captivate all of us. This song is one of those numbers that people from ages six to sixty can sing along with and finish it exponentially happier than they were just a few minutes ago. Also, when you throw in the animation that is done during this song (remember the dwarfs' shadows appearing on the side of the mountain? Maybe even the seven of them walking across the fallen tree? Perfection.), you get one irresistible Disney classic.
Next, a list like this would not be complete without mentioning a song from Cinderella, and in my case, I nominate "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes." It truly pained me to leave this one out of my top five. I mean, how on Earth could I omit a Disney theme song? This song is not only the perfect anthem for Cinderella; it's is the perfect anthem for anybody who loves Disney. It's the epitome of Disney magic in lyrics and music notes. It's inspirational, charming, and pure perfection from an inspirational, charming, and purely perfect film.
Speaking of Disney theme songs, I must also mention "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" from Peter Pan. If you haven't intently listened to the lyrics to this song in a while, I encourage you to do so because the chorus of this song is exactly what Disney does to us all when we watch one of their films or enter into one of their parks. Plus, the animation during this scene with Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, and Tinkerbell flying over the streets of London is breathtakingly beautiful.
Is a list like this complete without mentioning The Little Mermaid? I think not, and that's why I give you "Part of Your World." In the 1990s, one of the defining characteristics of the main protagonists in any Disney movie was the effective way that Disney used a song to express the character's inward thoughts and desires (think "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast or "Go the Distance" from Hercules). That trend all began with "Part of Your World." With Ariel surrounded by her gadgets and gizmos a plenty, we begin the process of truly caring for this little mermaid greatly, a feat not easily accomplished, and it was all accomplished by the melodious voice of Jodi Benson and the wonderful words of Alan Menken.
Moving forward to one of the more recent songs, "I See the Light" from Tangled is also an incredible number. Once again, the animation during this scene is absolutely stunning. With the countless floating lanterns lighting up the sky while Rapunzel and Flynn have their breakthrough moment to the music and lyrics of the mastermind Alan Menken, Disney magic is in its finest form.
Let the top five commence!
5. "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins
The highlight of not only Walt Disney's own personal life, but also the highlight of the studio as a whole was and is Mary Poppins. Many, including myself, consider this film to be flawless. Now, just for a moment, imagine Mary Poppins without music? It's downright impossible to do! It's also difficult to pick just one to make this list, but I must go with the number that was Walt's favorite. The perfect anthem for the entire film, "Feed the Birds" is Richard and Robert Sherman doing what they do best: displaying emotion through song. It also doesn't hurt in one iota that these words are being sung by the incomparable Julie Andrews. She won an Oscar for this role, and I would definitively say that this was her award-winning scene. Listen, listen, she's calling to you.
4. "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio
In my opinion, this is the quintessential Disney song. It is everything Disney stands for wrapped up into one perfect number. Sung by the soothing voice of Cliff Edwards, no song has ever inspired a fandom more. Whether you're watching a Disney movie or taking in the sights of the Magic Kingdom, the essence of Disney owes an immense amount of gratitude to that night when Jiminy Cricket first wished upon a star. The thought is so simple and yet so profound: "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." If Disney had a mission statement, that would be it, a fitting testament to everything magical about Disney.
3. "Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast
Whoever was the brilliant one who first suggested that Angela Lansbury sing the title song to my favorite Disney animated movie is a personal hero of mine. She brings so much powerful emotion while also adding a certain amount of necessary restraint to the climactic moment of the film. We listen to the words and get chills at the music, but at the same time, we're just as transfixed by the unfolding scene as we are of the song itself. The ballroom scene with Belle and the Beast dancing together is an all-time favorite scene in movie history of mine, and the song just adds so many layers to an already beautiful moment.
2. "Circle of Life" from The Lion King
It takes a special kind of song to completely captivate an audience within just two minutes or so. That's exactly what "Circle of Life" does as The Lion King bursts onto the screen. From that iconic sunrise to the presentation of Simba by Rafiki, this powerful and inspiring number not only sets the tone for the rest of the film, but it defines a genre by emphatically reiterating that animation can in fact go beyond just entertaining kids. The best part of all, though, is being able to totally relate to the lyrics of this song. Everybody wants to find our place in the great circle of life. It just took an Elton John-written song for a movie about lions for us to realize it.
1. "A Whole New World" from Aladdin
The peak in romantic Disney songs takes place on a magic carpet in Agrabah. When Princess Jasmine reluctantly agrees to fly on the magic carpet with Aladdin, audiences are transported into a literal whole new world of Disney animation. The flying sequencing coupled with the sights the couple in encounter throughout their journey is stunning from start to finish. On top of that, the lyrics and music for this song are some of the best Disney has ever produced. The duet is beautiful and the orchestra playing in the background provide an excellent backdrop to the pinnacle of Disney songwriting and performing. A perfect song for a perfect movie.
What would Disney movies be without their songs? I sure would hate to find out. So here's to more and more magic through the art of song for years and years to come from the studio that always takes us to a whole new world!
-Cody Fleenor
To compile a list of just five songs from seventy plus years of Disney music is an impossibility, so I will start by giving out some honorable mentions to help ease this process. Now, I could name a few songs from just one movie; to make life simpler, though, I will only mention one song from each film. Also, I could make mention of some of the fantastic songs written exclusively for the Disney Parks, but for this list, I'll stick with movies. I'll start with the one that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and "Heigh-Ho." This is such a simple song, and that is why I think it works so well for this film. The dwarfs are instantly lovable from the minute they appear on screen, and with this musical number, they get to come front and center and captivate all of us. This song is one of those numbers that people from ages six to sixty can sing along with and finish it exponentially happier than they were just a few minutes ago. Also, when you throw in the animation that is done during this song (remember the dwarfs' shadows appearing on the side of the mountain? Maybe even the seven of them walking across the fallen tree? Perfection.), you get one irresistible Disney classic.
Next, a list like this would not be complete without mentioning a song from Cinderella, and in my case, I nominate "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes." It truly pained me to leave this one out of my top five. I mean, how on Earth could I omit a Disney theme song? This song is not only the perfect anthem for Cinderella; it's is the perfect anthem for anybody who loves Disney. It's the epitome of Disney magic in lyrics and music notes. It's inspirational, charming, and pure perfection from an inspirational, charming, and purely perfect film.
Speaking of Disney theme songs, I must also mention "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" from Peter Pan. If you haven't intently listened to the lyrics to this song in a while, I encourage you to do so because the chorus of this song is exactly what Disney does to us all when we watch one of their films or enter into one of their parks. Plus, the animation during this scene with Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, and Tinkerbell flying over the streets of London is breathtakingly beautiful.
Is a list like this complete without mentioning The Little Mermaid? I think not, and that's why I give you "Part of Your World." In the 1990s, one of the defining characteristics of the main protagonists in any Disney movie was the effective way that Disney used a song to express the character's inward thoughts and desires (think "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast or "Go the Distance" from Hercules). That trend all began with "Part of Your World." With Ariel surrounded by her gadgets and gizmos a plenty, we begin the process of truly caring for this little mermaid greatly, a feat not easily accomplished, and it was all accomplished by the melodious voice of Jodi Benson and the wonderful words of Alan Menken.
Moving forward to one of the more recent songs, "I See the Light" from Tangled is also an incredible number. Once again, the animation during this scene is absolutely stunning. With the countless floating lanterns lighting up the sky while Rapunzel and Flynn have their breakthrough moment to the music and lyrics of the mastermind Alan Menken, Disney magic is in its finest form.
Let the top five commence!
5. "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins
The highlight of not only Walt Disney's own personal life, but also the highlight of the studio as a whole was and is Mary Poppins. Many, including myself, consider this film to be flawless. Now, just for a moment, imagine Mary Poppins without music? It's downright impossible to do! It's also difficult to pick just one to make this list, but I must go with the number that was Walt's favorite. The perfect anthem for the entire film, "Feed the Birds" is Richard and Robert Sherman doing what they do best: displaying emotion through song. It also doesn't hurt in one iota that these words are being sung by the incomparable Julie Andrews. She won an Oscar for this role, and I would definitively say that this was her award-winning scene. Listen, listen, she's calling to you.
4. "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio
In my opinion, this is the quintessential Disney song. It is everything Disney stands for wrapped up into one perfect number. Sung by the soothing voice of Cliff Edwards, no song has ever inspired a fandom more. Whether you're watching a Disney movie or taking in the sights of the Magic Kingdom, the essence of Disney owes an immense amount of gratitude to that night when Jiminy Cricket first wished upon a star. The thought is so simple and yet so profound: "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." If Disney had a mission statement, that would be it, a fitting testament to everything magical about Disney.
3. "Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast
Whoever was the brilliant one who first suggested that Angela Lansbury sing the title song to my favorite Disney animated movie is a personal hero of mine. She brings so much powerful emotion while also adding a certain amount of necessary restraint to the climactic moment of the film. We listen to the words and get chills at the music, but at the same time, we're just as transfixed by the unfolding scene as we are of the song itself. The ballroom scene with Belle and the Beast dancing together is an all-time favorite scene in movie history of mine, and the song just adds so many layers to an already beautiful moment.
2. "Circle of Life" from The Lion King
It takes a special kind of song to completely captivate an audience within just two minutes or so. That's exactly what "Circle of Life" does as The Lion King bursts onto the screen. From that iconic sunrise to the presentation of Simba by Rafiki, this powerful and inspiring number not only sets the tone for the rest of the film, but it defines a genre by emphatically reiterating that animation can in fact go beyond just entertaining kids. The best part of all, though, is being able to totally relate to the lyrics of this song. Everybody wants to find our place in the great circle of life. It just took an Elton John-written song for a movie about lions for us to realize it.
1. "A Whole New World" from Aladdin
The peak in romantic Disney songs takes place on a magic carpet in Agrabah. When Princess Jasmine reluctantly agrees to fly on the magic carpet with Aladdin, audiences are transported into a literal whole new world of Disney animation. The flying sequencing coupled with the sights the couple in encounter throughout their journey is stunning from start to finish. On top of that, the lyrics and music for this song are some of the best Disney has ever produced. The duet is beautiful and the orchestra playing in the background provide an excellent backdrop to the pinnacle of Disney songwriting and performing. A perfect song for a perfect movie.
What would Disney movies be without their songs? I sure would hate to find out. So here's to more and more magic through the art of song for years and years to come from the studio that always takes us to a whole new world!
-Cody Fleenor
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
The State of Disney Animation
Since 2009, Disney animation has been on an upward tick in creativity and commercial success with recent classics like Tangled and Frozen. The question, however, is what is the current state of Disney animation? Has Disney recaptured the classical glory from the days of Walt or even returned to from like in the 90s? Is Disney starting a brand new revolution in animation nowadays?
In order to properly answer these questions, we must first trace back the history of Disney animation as a whole and see the progression of the studio. These different ages are defined by myself in accordance to the history of Disney animated films. It all started, of course, back in 1937 with the release of the first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This signaled the beginning of the First Golden Age of Disney which would last up until 1967 with the combination of the death of Walt Disney and the release of The Jungle Book. In this time period, such genre-defining films like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty were released to go along with Pinocchio, Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, and many more. Release after release, Disney continually produced classics, thus signifying a golden age for the studio. Throw in the fact that Disney was also having outrageous success with its live action films like Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Swiss Family Robinson as well as the creation of Disneyland and there's no doubt the company had reached unrivaled heights.
However, once Walt Disney passed away in December 1966, Disney's First Golden Age ended after the release of The Jungle Book (Walt had overseen about half of the film so I include it in the First Golden Age). After Walt's death, Disney animation enters into a time that I refer to as the Lost Age. Without their leader, the studio was not quite sure what their identity was and the films released during this period reflect that lost feeling. It wasn't necessarily that they were producing bad films; in fact, some of the films released from 1967 to 1988 are quite good, such as The AristoCats, The Fox and the Hound, and Robin Hood. What is lacking, however, is classic Disney. Odds are that most Disney fans would not put Robin Hood up against Bambi or Aladdin in the conversation for best Disney film ever. Without Walt, the studio was left searching for a formula that could work.
They searched for years to find that formula, but in 1989, they finally realized that Walt's own original formula was never broken and didn't need to be updated. In 1989, Disney released The Little Mermaid and therefore enters into the Second Golden Age of Disney. This age is reminiscent of the days when Walt was still alive with the studio constantly releasing classic after classic with the likes of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. Some of the most beloved animated films of all-time were released during this fantastic decade for the company. This age would last until 1999 with the release of Tarzan and the rise of Pixar came about.
At the turn of the millennium, computer animation was all the rage thanks to Pixar Animation Studios and their recent hits like Toy Story and A Bug's Life. Consequently, Disney began to once again attempt to reinvent their winning formula. The thought process for the studio coming out of the 90s was that they needed to appeal greater to boys and young men after primarily focusing on girls and young women with the bevy of princess movies from the 90s. As a result, you see such releases as Lilo & Stitch and The Emperor's New Groove being released. While such films certainly have a relatively cult following (I'm a proud member of the Lilo & Stitch fandom), these films have yet to reach classic Disney status like films like Mulan and Hercules have reached. Factor into the equation that Pixar has just released the commercial and critical success Toy Story 2 and would subsequently release classics Finding Nemo and The Incredibles in the following years, and Disney is suddenly playing second fiddle in the animation business in the Pixar Age.
The Pixar Age is still going on to this day as evidenced by the tremendous success of this past summer's hit, Inside Out. The question, though, is what is the state of animation on the Disney side? Can Disney and Pixar coexist at the top of the animation business? Some would surely argue that the magic of the years of Walt or even the 90s can never again be reached by Disney. I, however, would counter that argument by proposing that Disney is actually currently in the infancy stage of their Third Golden Age. It all started with the hand drawn underrated Disney classic, The Princess and the Frog in 2009. This upward trend would continue in 2010 with Tangled, followed by Wreck-It Ralph in 2012, Frozen in 2013, and Big Hero 6 in 2014. Those five are five soon-to-be Disney classics. I would actually say that Tangled and Frozen have actually already reached classic status. The quality of these five films are far and away of higher quality than anything produced by the studio from 2003 to 2008 with the release of the likes of Chicken Little and Bolt highlighted the studio's slate or even superior than a majority of the films released in the Lost Age like Oliver & Company and The Great Mouse Detective.
Disney animation is reaching a place they haven't been to since the late 90s, and as a Disney fan, that's something to get excited for. Next year will be a big test to whether Disney is in fact in this Third Golden Age or not. In March 2016, Disney will release Zootopia and will then release their next princess movie in November 2016 with Moana. Both have consistently received solid positive early buzz, and if Disney can finish 2016 with two additional classics on their hands, it is totally acceptable to declare the studio to be in the midst of yet another golden age.
One thing is for sure: Disney animation has been impacted lives of people all around the globe since 1937, and in 2137, we'll still be talking about these remarkable films. So go and watch Lady and the Tramp or The Hunchback of Notre Dame and recapture the magic all over again and get excited for this potential Third Golden Age of Disney.
-Cody Fleenor
In order to properly answer these questions, we must first trace back the history of Disney animation as a whole and see the progression of the studio. These different ages are defined by myself in accordance to the history of Disney animated films. It all started, of course, back in 1937 with the release of the first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This signaled the beginning of the First Golden Age of Disney which would last up until 1967 with the combination of the death of Walt Disney and the release of The Jungle Book. In this time period, such genre-defining films like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty were released to go along with Pinocchio, Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, and many more. Release after release, Disney continually produced classics, thus signifying a golden age for the studio. Throw in the fact that Disney was also having outrageous success with its live action films like Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Swiss Family Robinson as well as the creation of Disneyland and there's no doubt the company had reached unrivaled heights.
However, once Walt Disney passed away in December 1966, Disney's First Golden Age ended after the release of The Jungle Book (Walt had overseen about half of the film so I include it in the First Golden Age). After Walt's death, Disney animation enters into a time that I refer to as the Lost Age. Without their leader, the studio was not quite sure what their identity was and the films released during this period reflect that lost feeling. It wasn't necessarily that they were producing bad films; in fact, some of the films released from 1967 to 1988 are quite good, such as The AristoCats, The Fox and the Hound, and Robin Hood. What is lacking, however, is classic Disney. Odds are that most Disney fans would not put Robin Hood up against Bambi or Aladdin in the conversation for best Disney film ever. Without Walt, the studio was left searching for a formula that could work.
They searched for years to find that formula, but in 1989, they finally realized that Walt's own original formula was never broken and didn't need to be updated. In 1989, Disney released The Little Mermaid and therefore enters into the Second Golden Age of Disney. This age is reminiscent of the days when Walt was still alive with the studio constantly releasing classic after classic with the likes of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. Some of the most beloved animated films of all-time were released during this fantastic decade for the company. This age would last until 1999 with the release of Tarzan and the rise of Pixar came about.
At the turn of the millennium, computer animation was all the rage thanks to Pixar Animation Studios and their recent hits like Toy Story and A Bug's Life. Consequently, Disney began to once again attempt to reinvent their winning formula. The thought process for the studio coming out of the 90s was that they needed to appeal greater to boys and young men after primarily focusing on girls and young women with the bevy of princess movies from the 90s. As a result, you see such releases as Lilo & Stitch and The Emperor's New Groove being released. While such films certainly have a relatively cult following (I'm a proud member of the Lilo & Stitch fandom), these films have yet to reach classic Disney status like films like Mulan and Hercules have reached. Factor into the equation that Pixar has just released the commercial and critical success Toy Story 2 and would subsequently release classics Finding Nemo and The Incredibles in the following years, and Disney is suddenly playing second fiddle in the animation business in the Pixar Age.
The Pixar Age is still going on to this day as evidenced by the tremendous success of this past summer's hit, Inside Out. The question, though, is what is the state of animation on the Disney side? Can Disney and Pixar coexist at the top of the animation business? Some would surely argue that the magic of the years of Walt or even the 90s can never again be reached by Disney. I, however, would counter that argument by proposing that Disney is actually currently in the infancy stage of their Third Golden Age. It all started with the hand drawn underrated Disney classic, The Princess and the Frog in 2009. This upward trend would continue in 2010 with Tangled, followed by Wreck-It Ralph in 2012, Frozen in 2013, and Big Hero 6 in 2014. Those five are five soon-to-be Disney classics. I would actually say that Tangled and Frozen have actually already reached classic status. The quality of these five films are far and away of higher quality than anything produced by the studio from 2003 to 2008 with the release of the likes of Chicken Little and Bolt highlighted the studio's slate or even superior than a majority of the films released in the Lost Age like Oliver & Company and The Great Mouse Detective.
Disney animation is reaching a place they haven't been to since the late 90s, and as a Disney fan, that's something to get excited for. Next year will be a big test to whether Disney is in fact in this Third Golden Age or not. In March 2016, Disney will release Zootopia and will then release their next princess movie in November 2016 with Moana. Both have consistently received solid positive early buzz, and if Disney can finish 2016 with two additional classics on their hands, it is totally acceptable to declare the studio to be in the midst of yet another golden age.
One thing is for sure: Disney animation has been impacted lives of people all around the globe since 1937, and in 2137, we'll still be talking about these remarkable films. So go and watch Lady and the Tramp or The Hunchback of Notre Dame and recapture the magic all over again and get excited for this potential Third Golden Age of Disney.
-Cody Fleenor
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Five Friday Favorites: Magic Kingdom Attractions
It is a nearly impossible task to simply select five attractions from the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort as your personal favorites. I challenge you to do so; I guarantee it will be a lot harder than you initially anticipated. This park started it all in Central Florida, and ever since 1971, the Magic Kingdom has been a consistent haven of escape and fantasy for generations of people from around the globe. I, like so many countless others, get emotional the minute I enter the park and get even more emotional as the day is coming to a close. The Magic Kingdom is just that: it's pure magic.
The Magic Kingdom is filled with wonderful attractions all across the seven themed lands of the park, so I would be remiss if I didn't include some honorable mentions to this list of the attractions that just missed my top five. I'll start over in Adventureland and mention Jungle Cruise. From the history behind the attraction as it is related to Walt himself to the hilarious skippers and the beautiful sights and sounds, Jungle Cruise has always been a personal highlight of any trip to the Magic Kingdom. The trip is never quite complete without experiencing the eighth wonder of the world: the backside of water!
Next, I'll head over to Frontierland and nominate Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Towering high above Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain has been entertaining guests for years, and the entertainment level for the attraction is just as high now for me as it was the very first time I experienced it. Riding Big Thunder at night is also a completely different experience and I cannot recommend that high enough. The sharp turns at high speeds with the echoing screams of your fellow train companions make this truly the wildest ride in the wilderness.
Fantasyland is the pinnacle of everything that makes Disney so magical, and Peter Pan's Flight is the perfect example of that Disney magic at its finest. It would have been enough if we were simply allowed to once again visit Neverland and witness the story of Peter Pan, but as is the case most of the time with Disney, they step it up a notch. In Peter Pan's Flight, we can now experience what it really feels like to fly with Peter Pan aboard our very own pirate ship. Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave the world behind and ride Peter Pan's Flight.
My final honorable mention at the Magic Kingdom is located in New Fantasyland: Enchanted Tales with Belle. On last week's list, I revealed that Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney animated film of all-time, so naturally, this attraction is something I absolutely cannot get enough of. The retelling of the tale is old as time never gets old, and when you see children (and sometimes adults, as I have been the Suits of Armor on two different occasions now) having the time of their life as Lumiere narrates the story while Belle herself makes an appearance to soak it all in. It's truly an experience unlike anything else.
Without further ado, onward to my top five attractions at the Magic Kingdom!
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The Magic Kingdom is filled with wonderful attractions all across the seven themed lands of the park, so I would be remiss if I didn't include some honorable mentions to this list of the attractions that just missed my top five. I'll start over in Adventureland and mention Jungle Cruise. From the history behind the attraction as it is related to Walt himself to the hilarious skippers and the beautiful sights and sounds, Jungle Cruise has always been a personal highlight of any trip to the Magic Kingdom. The trip is never quite complete without experiencing the eighth wonder of the world: the backside of water!
Next, I'll head over to Frontierland and nominate Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Towering high above Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain has been entertaining guests for years, and the entertainment level for the attraction is just as high now for me as it was the very first time I experienced it. Riding Big Thunder at night is also a completely different experience and I cannot recommend that high enough. The sharp turns at high speeds with the echoing screams of your fellow train companions make this truly the wildest ride in the wilderness.
Fantasyland is the pinnacle of everything that makes Disney so magical, and Peter Pan's Flight is the perfect example of that Disney magic at its finest. It would have been enough if we were simply allowed to once again visit Neverland and witness the story of Peter Pan, but as is the case most of the time with Disney, they step it up a notch. In Peter Pan's Flight, we can now experience what it really feels like to fly with Peter Pan aboard our very own pirate ship. Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave the world behind and ride Peter Pan's Flight.
My final honorable mention at the Magic Kingdom is located in New Fantasyland: Enchanted Tales with Belle. On last week's list, I revealed that Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney animated film of all-time, so naturally, this attraction is something I absolutely cannot get enough of. The retelling of the tale is old as time never gets old, and when you see children (and sometimes adults, as I have been the Suits of Armor on two different occasions now) having the time of their life as Lumiere narrates the story while Belle herself makes an appearance to soak it all in. It's truly an experience unlike anything else.
Without further ado, onward to my top five attractions at the Magic Kingdom!
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
When this attraction was first announced, I quite literally could not wait to experience it for myself. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has always been a favorite of mine (you can check out last week's list for proof) and the dwarfs themselves are just too great. My expectations were sky high for this new roller coaster in New Fantasyland, and when I first rode it, those expectations were vastly exceeded. The queue in and of itself is worth the wait as we can play interactive games with the dwarfs while being surrounded by the landscape of Snow White's Cottage and the mine itself. Then, once on the ride, the swinging sensation produced by the ride vehicle provides just an extra level of thrill that was totally unexpected at first and so awesome once finally experienced. The highlight of this ride, for me, is when we are ascending the final hill and we can all look to our right and to our left and see silhouettes of the dwarfs as they serenade us with "Heigh-Ho." This attraction is pure fun and pure Disney magic.
4. Splash Mountain
Chick-A-Pin Hill (also known as "the drop") gets the deserved hype and praise for what makes Splash Mountain so fantastic, and while that final climatic drop is certainly thrilling, it is only a small reason why Splash Mountain makes my list. Of course, we all go on Splash Mountain to get soaked going down the hill, but an equal reason to why I always thoroughly look forward to riding Splash Mountain is what takes place before and after the steep drop. The story of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear is unfortunately unfamiliar to a ton of folks today, and it is truly a story that needs to be told, and that's exactly what Splash Mountain does. Accomplishing great storytelling through an attraction is a Disney staple, and in my opinion, Splash Mountain is the best in the entire resort at doing just that. We ride originally for the drop, but we keep coming back for the story. And who could forget the celebration going on at the end of the ride with the entire crew singing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"? Classical.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
Whether we're talking about the original version of this attraction or the updated one with Captain Jack Sparrow, one element remains consistent: Pirates of the Caribbean is phenomenal. With, in my opinion, the best song ever written for a Disney attraction, I am pretty positive that nobody exits POTC without a smile on their face. It is just sheer entertainment from start to finish. From even the queue to the final iconic scene with the prisoners imploring the dog to give them the keys to the gate, classic Disney storytelling is being experienced and enjoyed by generations upon generations. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!
2. Haunted Mansion
It does not matter if you experience this classic Disney attraction in peak Halloween season or in the middle of spring; the Haunted Mansion will make anyone scream while also enjoying their stay amongst the 999 happy haunts. Although created in the early 1970s, the special effects and audio animatronic work done in Haunted Mansion continues to impress the life out of me and perplex even the most critical of thinkers on how did Disney do it. On top of that, Haunted Mansion is a scary fun time from the time we meet the master in his library to the time we are told to hurry baaaaack and make sure we bring our death certificates. These grim-grinning ghosts come out to socialize and to leave me continually wanting more.
1. Space Mountain
An idea so simple and yet so innovative: a roller coaster set exclusively in the dark. That's Space Mountain, and that's why it occupies the number one spot on my list. I have had the distinct honor of riding both sides of the Space Mountain on many, many occasions, and every time I think I have finally correctly anticipated where the ride is going to take us next, Space Mountain proves me wrong. Its unpredictability is what makes this an attraction that must be experienced by anybody travelling to the Magic Kingdom. The long walk to the track just builds the anticipation to astronomical heights and once you finally sit down in your rocket and go down the famous tunnel of flashing blue lights to start the ride, there is literally no place you would rather want to be.
Walt's brother, Roy Disney, said this on October 1, 1971, as on the opening day of the park, he dedicated this little piece of heaven: "May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place." Every time I step foot onto Main Street USA with Cinderella Castle awaiting me at the end of the street, it all becomes surreal all over again. That's something only Disney can conjure up even in the strongest of hearts, and that's why the Magic Kingdom will always be the place where dreams come true.
-Cody Fleenor
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Let It Go?
Nothing elicits a more passionate response among hardcore and casual Disney fans alike than the topic of Frozen in the Disney Parks. In November 2013 when the world was first introduced to Arendelle and its Queen, Elsa, and its Princess, Anna, no one had any idea how gigantic this phenomenon would become. From runaway hit songs to hilarious sidekicks and, of course, the Disney royalty, Frozen continues to hit unprecedented heights in popularity and fame.
However, with that acclaim, Disney has recently decided to expand Frozen's presence throughout the Disney Parks. At Disney World in Florida, a new attraction is coming in May 2016 to the totally redesigned Norway Pavilion of World Showcase at Epcot where guests will have the opportunity to travel to Arendelle and meet Anna and Elsa themselves. Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can experience For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along where everyone is invited to sing along with the entire gang to the songs from the movie. At the Magic Kingdom, guests can currently meet Anna and Elsa at Storybook Hall in Fantasyland and during the Christmas season, guests can witness A Frozen Holiday Wish as Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a winter spectacle every night. At Disneyland in California, it was recently announced that a Frozen stage show would soon be replacing the existing Aladdin stage show, and with this announcement, the final straw for Disney fans had seemingly been found.
What is unique about the opinions that exist is that everyone has an extremely strong opinion no matter what side you take. Some people, probably a vast majority in fact, believe that Disney has gone too far in its efforts to freeze the Disney Parks. However, on the flip side, some folks, in an admitted minority, think that what Disney is doing with this sensation has been great from the start.
While this opinion may be extremely unpopular, I must say that I am fairly excited about Frozen being in the Disney Parks.
I will talk primarily about Frozen at Disney World as I have unfortunately never been to Disneyland. When I think about the impact of this film on Disney World, on one note, I'm not sure I can see what all of the uproar is about. At the end of the day, whenever the Epcot section is complete, Anna and Elsa will have one meet and greet (assuming Anna and Elsa quit meeting at Magic Kingdom once they start meeting at Epcot), an attraction, and two shows (one seasonal at that, by the way). That's it. Ariel and Belle have those same conditions throughout the parks and yet I hear nobody complaining about having too much The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast in the parks. Ariel has a meet and greet location at the Magic Kingdom along with an attraction inside Eric's castle in New Fantasyland and up until Hollywood Studios began its reinvention, she also had her own show. Belle has her own castle as well where guests can dine inside at the popular Be Our Guest Restaurant. This castle is located right next to Enchanted Tales with Belle, a popular new attraction at New Fantasyland, and if you head over to Hollywood Studios, you can watch Beauty and the Beast live on stage as well as going on over to Epcot to meet Belle herself in the France Pavilion of World Showcase.
All of that is to say that what Disney is doing with Frozen isn't necessarily unprecedented. It's just been a long time since Disney has had such a popular brand on their hands that they understandably want to maximize. Disney has to adapt to the times we live in to make sure that this generation and beyond continue to find reasons to come back, and putting Frozen in the parks is one significant way of doing just that. Just because something is new doesn't mean that it is doomed to be terrible as well. Think about some of the latest attraction additions to Disney World. At the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the aforementioned Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid are all magnificent attractions that continue to impress guests enormously every day of the week. Disney is on a roll with new attractions in terms of quality and entertainment value.
Who is to say that the new Frozen attraction at Epcot is going to break that trend?
I know that a majority of people groan at the thought of Frozen invading the parks, but here's one thing we must all keep in mind: it is coming whether we like it or not. So my plea to you is to give Disney a chance with Frozen. Don't rush to a quick judgment before you even see the finished product. For now, in my opinion, Disney is well within their bounds in expanding the presence of Frozen. Now I understand that a number of people will wholeheartedly disagree, but from my vantage point, I am thoroughly looking forward to experiencing the new Frozen additions sooner than later. Then, once we all experience it, we can make our critiques for the better or for the worse.
But for now, just let it go and let Disney be Disney.
-Cody Fleenor
However, with that acclaim, Disney has recently decided to expand Frozen's presence throughout the Disney Parks. At Disney World in Florida, a new attraction is coming in May 2016 to the totally redesigned Norway Pavilion of World Showcase at Epcot where guests will have the opportunity to travel to Arendelle and meet Anna and Elsa themselves. Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can experience For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along where everyone is invited to sing along with the entire gang to the songs from the movie. At the Magic Kingdom, guests can currently meet Anna and Elsa at Storybook Hall in Fantasyland and during the Christmas season, guests can witness A Frozen Holiday Wish as Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a winter spectacle every night. At Disneyland in California, it was recently announced that a Frozen stage show would soon be replacing the existing Aladdin stage show, and with this announcement, the final straw for Disney fans had seemingly been found.
What is unique about the opinions that exist is that everyone has an extremely strong opinion no matter what side you take. Some people, probably a vast majority in fact, believe that Disney has gone too far in its efforts to freeze the Disney Parks. However, on the flip side, some folks, in an admitted minority, think that what Disney is doing with this sensation has been great from the start.
While this opinion may be extremely unpopular, I must say that I am fairly excited about Frozen being in the Disney Parks.
I will talk primarily about Frozen at Disney World as I have unfortunately never been to Disneyland. When I think about the impact of this film on Disney World, on one note, I'm not sure I can see what all of the uproar is about. At the end of the day, whenever the Epcot section is complete, Anna and Elsa will have one meet and greet (assuming Anna and Elsa quit meeting at Magic Kingdom once they start meeting at Epcot), an attraction, and two shows (one seasonal at that, by the way). That's it. Ariel and Belle have those same conditions throughout the parks and yet I hear nobody complaining about having too much The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast in the parks. Ariel has a meet and greet location at the Magic Kingdom along with an attraction inside Eric's castle in New Fantasyland and up until Hollywood Studios began its reinvention, she also had her own show. Belle has her own castle as well where guests can dine inside at the popular Be Our Guest Restaurant. This castle is located right next to Enchanted Tales with Belle, a popular new attraction at New Fantasyland, and if you head over to Hollywood Studios, you can watch Beauty and the Beast live on stage as well as going on over to Epcot to meet Belle herself in the France Pavilion of World Showcase.
All of that is to say that what Disney is doing with Frozen isn't necessarily unprecedented. It's just been a long time since Disney has had such a popular brand on their hands that they understandably want to maximize. Disney has to adapt to the times we live in to make sure that this generation and beyond continue to find reasons to come back, and putting Frozen in the parks is one significant way of doing just that. Just because something is new doesn't mean that it is doomed to be terrible as well. Think about some of the latest attraction additions to Disney World. At the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the aforementioned Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid are all magnificent attractions that continue to impress guests enormously every day of the week. Disney is on a roll with new attractions in terms of quality and entertainment value.
Who is to say that the new Frozen attraction at Epcot is going to break that trend?
I know that a majority of people groan at the thought of Frozen invading the parks, but here's one thing we must all keep in mind: it is coming whether we like it or not. So my plea to you is to give Disney a chance with Frozen. Don't rush to a quick judgment before you even see the finished product. For now, in my opinion, Disney is well within their bounds in expanding the presence of Frozen. Now I understand that a number of people will wholeheartedly disagree, but from my vantage point, I am thoroughly looking forward to experiencing the new Frozen additions sooner than later. Then, once we all experience it, we can make our critiques for the better or for the worse.
But for now, just let it go and let Disney be Disney.
-Cody Fleenor
Friday, September 11, 2015
Five Friday Favorites: Disney Animated Movies
I love making lists and picking favorites almost as much as I love Disney. On second thought, I might not go quite that far, but I do enjoy doing such a thing very much. So I decided that every Friday from henceforth, I will give you a glimpse into my mind. Don't be frightened; such power can be a terrifying thing, but every week I will reveal some of my Disney favorites, whether it be in regard to movies, songs, theme park attractions, or anything Disney related. I truly hope that you enjoy these lists and I welcome you to share your own thoughts. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and everyone has a different opinion about everything, and Disney topics are no different.
For today's first Friday Favorites, I will reveal my top five Disney animated films of all-time. This list is a difficult one to create because of all the classic Disney animated movies, how could one possibly narrow it down to five? To make this list a little simpler to compile, Pixar is not included. That's a list for another Friday. This list is exclusively for Walt Disney Animation films.
Let's start with a few honorable mentions that I absolutely love but just couldn't crack the top five. I'll start with a trio of Walt's own classics. First up, the one that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Not only did this movie start it all, but every movie on this list and every animated movie every produced by anyone owes a certain debt of gratitude to the innovation of Snow White. There's nothing really not to like about this one. The songs are wonderful ("Heigh-Ho" is an all-time favorite of mine), the animation is gorgeous (when Snow White first travels into the Enchanted Forest is breathtaking), and the characters are all well developed. The Evil Queen set the bar beautifully for all the other succeeding Disney villains, a testament to the greatness of Walt Disney.
Secondly, who could possibly create a favorite Disney animated movies list without mentioning Cinderella? I am fairly confident that if you were to look up 'classic' in the dictionary, a picture of this film's movie poster would appear right next to it (don't hold me to that though). The story is so simple and yet it has rightfully endured to stand the test of time. One of my all-time favorite scenes is when Cinderella is transformed by the Fairy Godmother from maiden to princess. Not only is the animation inspiring, but that is arguably the defining moment of Disney animation. The songs are magnificent, the characters are so memorable, and the story is just timeless.
Also, I must make mention of Peter Pan. This is one of the many Disney films that have grown on me exponentially the older I get. As a child (and even to this day), I thoroughly enjoyed the songs and the characters, but as I grew older, I began to really appreciate the messages and themes of this movie as much as I did singing along to "You Can Fly!" Once again, an all-time favorite scene of mine takes place in this movie and Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, and John with the help of faith, trust, and pixie dust majestically fly over the streets of London. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
Some other movies that are worth mentioning: Sleeping Beauty is amazing, thanks largely in part to Maleficent and her villainous ways as well as the beautifully animated "Once Upon a Dream" sequence. Mulan and Hercules are two of the most underrated Disney movies of all-time in my opinion. Both are just uproariously funny while also wonderfully portraying their intended messages. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the rare Disney movies that I went from being completely indifferent about when I was younger to absolutely in love with as I have grown up. "God Help the Outcast" is just an incredibly powerful song. Finally, the inclusion of this one little gem might bring me the most uproar, but I must mention Frozen. You have a right to disagree, but the songs are glorious, Olaf is hilarious, the animation is stunning, and I think everyone is just too afraid to admit how much they really love this movie. I'm not though. It just misses the cut of my top five.
Now, my top five Disney animated movies are...
5. Tangled
For today's first Friday Favorites, I will reveal my top five Disney animated films of all-time. This list is a difficult one to create because of all the classic Disney animated movies, how could one possibly narrow it down to five? To make this list a little simpler to compile, Pixar is not included. That's a list for another Friday. This list is exclusively for Walt Disney Animation films.
Let's start with a few honorable mentions that I absolutely love but just couldn't crack the top five. I'll start with a trio of Walt's own classics. First up, the one that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Not only did this movie start it all, but every movie on this list and every animated movie every produced by anyone owes a certain debt of gratitude to the innovation of Snow White. There's nothing really not to like about this one. The songs are wonderful ("Heigh-Ho" is an all-time favorite of mine), the animation is gorgeous (when Snow White first travels into the Enchanted Forest is breathtaking), and the characters are all well developed. The Evil Queen set the bar beautifully for all the other succeeding Disney villains, a testament to the greatness of Walt Disney.
Secondly, who could possibly create a favorite Disney animated movies list without mentioning Cinderella? I am fairly confident that if you were to look up 'classic' in the dictionary, a picture of this film's movie poster would appear right next to it (don't hold me to that though). The story is so simple and yet it has rightfully endured to stand the test of time. One of my all-time favorite scenes is when Cinderella is transformed by the Fairy Godmother from maiden to princess. Not only is the animation inspiring, but that is arguably the defining moment of Disney animation. The songs are magnificent, the characters are so memorable, and the story is just timeless.
Also, I must make mention of Peter Pan. This is one of the many Disney films that have grown on me exponentially the older I get. As a child (and even to this day), I thoroughly enjoyed the songs and the characters, but as I grew older, I began to really appreciate the messages and themes of this movie as much as I did singing along to "You Can Fly!" Once again, an all-time favorite scene of mine takes place in this movie and Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, and John with the help of faith, trust, and pixie dust majestically fly over the streets of London. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.
Some other movies that are worth mentioning: Sleeping Beauty is amazing, thanks largely in part to Maleficent and her villainous ways as well as the beautifully animated "Once Upon a Dream" sequence. Mulan and Hercules are two of the most underrated Disney movies of all-time in my opinion. Both are just uproariously funny while also wonderfully portraying their intended messages. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the rare Disney movies that I went from being completely indifferent about when I was younger to absolutely in love with as I have grown up. "God Help the Outcast" is just an incredibly powerful song. Finally, the inclusion of this one little gem might bring me the most uproar, but I must mention Frozen. You have a right to disagree, but the songs are glorious, Olaf is hilarious, the animation is stunning, and I think everyone is just too afraid to admit how much they really love this movie. I'm not though. It just misses the cut of my top five.
Now, my top five Disney animated movies are...
5. Tangled
Disney was taking a fairly significant gamble when they decided to make Tangled. Coming off the moderate success of The Princess and the Frog, people were still questioning whether or not Disney princesses possessed a viable market in today's society. To further up the ante, Disney decided to follow up a princess movie with yet another princess movie, and this time, she would become the first computer-animated Disney princess in the studio's history, which meant that more money was being gambled. However, I can proudly proclaim that the gamble paid off masterfully. Tangled is a genuine Disney classic. As if straight out of the early 90s, the maestro Alan Menken beautifully conducts some of the best Disney songs to ever be written and performed, highlighted by Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore impeccably nailing one of the most romantic scenes of all-time when Rapunzel and Flynn (or Eugene) sing "I See the Light" with thousands of floating lanterns lighting up the night sky. The story, as is the case with Disney more often than not, is simple yet profound. The emotional payoff at the end is so satisfying and the hilarity that precedes the payoff is unrivaled. Tangled captivates the very best of Disney and puts it all together like never before.
4. The Little Mermaid
The fact that I am able to create such a list in 2015 about Disney movies is due in large part to the success of The Little Mermaid. Coming out of a stretch of about twenty five years after Walt Disney passed away, the studio went in desperate search of a smash hit critically and commercially. Unfortunately, that hit seemingly always alluded them until 1989 when a mermaid longed to be a part of the human world and Disney finally and rightfully had their hit. Introducing the aforementioned master Alan Menken to the world was a stroke of genius that would continue to catapult Disney to brand new highs, and his songs for this movie are some of the best Disney has ever produced. "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea" are genuine classics. The characters are hilarious and emotionally, a testament to the wizardry of the storytellers and animators. The sea witch Ursula is terrifying from the start, perfectly setting the tone for the movie and putting herself squarely in the conversation for greatest Disney villain ever. Ariel is beautifully animated and well-developed, and who in their right mind doesn't have a smile on their face as her and Eric sail off into the sunset together?
3. Aladdin
This movie holds an extra special place in my heart as this movie blessed me with my first ever encounter with the late great Robin Williams. He went on to become, and continues to be, one of my favorite actors ever, and Aladdin was a perfect showcase of what made him so great. In my opinion, Genie is the greatest animated character ever created. Maybe that's my heart getting in the way of my head, but that's what I'm declaring and sticking to. Beyond the hilarity of Genie, Aladdin is just a perfect film in my eyes. The animation is stunningly beautiful, highlighted by Aladdin and Jasmine's magic carpet ride as they sing one of the greatest Disney songs ever "A Whole New World." Aladdin is one of the most relatable characters ever created by Disney as he is just simply like one of us. Jafar is menacing out of the gate and that provides a whole new level to this movie that is so incredible. Aladdin has laughs galore, classic songs and characters, and an emotional payoff. What else could one possibly want in a movie?
2. The Lion King
Never have I loved a movie so much after just the first five minutes than with The Lion King. If the film would have ended after "The Circle of Life" opening, it would have still probably made this list. I kid you not, every time I watch that scene and this entire movie, I get chills. If 'perfect' were to be defined by a movie scene, it would be when Rafiki triumphantly raises Simba over Pride Rock for the kingdom to behold. On top of that spectacle, the movie that follows features some of the best Disney songs every written by the incomparable Elton John and Tim Rice. "Hakuna Matata" is an anthem for a generation and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" will make anyone with a heart smile. The characters are so real and authentic even though they are, obviously, not human. Scar is one of my personal favorite Disney villains mainly because in addition to him being absolutely sinister, he is also hilarious and, dare I say it, relatable. I mean, we all have had those moments where we want to be in the spotlight and steal the show, and therein lies the beauty of The Lion King. I'm sympathizing with the villain! If that's not proof of a classic, I'm not sure what is.
1. Beauty and the Beast
It's a tale as old as time for a reason. Beauty and the Beast is the pinnacle of Disney animation. This one could have been made by Walt himself and it would have fit right in. One cannot discuss the awesomeness of this movie without mentioning the songs, written by who else than Alan Menken. Every single song, from the opening number "Belle" to the show stopping "Be Our Guest" to the majestic "Beauty and the Beast," is a absolute mastery of lyrics and instrumentals. The characters are all so richly unique and the cast beautifully portrays every single one of them. You've heard me mention a few of my favorite Disney scenes already on this list, but my absolute favorite Disney scene of all-time is the ballroom scene in this film. As Belle and the Beast slow dance to the melodious tones of the legendary Angela Lansbury serenading us with the film's theme song, the camera swoops down from the ceiling and the audience witnesses a lesson in how filmmaking should be done. Beauty and the Beast brings to the table what makes Disney so magical and so Disney.
There you have it, folks! Thank you for allowing me to share my Disney thoughts with you on this first edition of Five Friday Favorites!
-Cody Fleenor
Sunday, September 6, 2015
The Royal Guests
Near the top of the list of what makes a visit to the Disney Parks so special and memorable is the great atmosphere created by the Cast Members themselves, and with tomorrow being Labor Day in the US, I felt like it was appropriate for us Disney fanatics to take some time and appreciate the Disney Cast Members and the hard work they put in to making all of our trips to Disney World or Disneyland so magical.
For anyone not familiar with the term "Cast Member," that is how Disney refers to their employees. Instead of constantly reminding someone that they are at work, Disney wants their employees to feel as if they are on stage whenever they are on the clock. Therefore, the title of Cast Member is bestowed on every Disney worker from Guest Relations to the janitorial staff. Oftentimes, I feel as if we as guests take what the Cast Members provide for us for granted. It's taxing for sure to always have a smile on your face and treat everyone in the parks with the same amount of excitement and zeal. Yet, the Disney Cast Members across the board do just that everyday of the week.
I remember the first time I had the opportunity to travel to Disney World when I could wear the 'Happy Birthday' button. I had heard about the Cast Members wishing everyone a 'Happy Birthday' when their button is on, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't believe that everyone would actually do just that. That was before I stepped foot in a park, however. From the front gates to every restaurant to every attraction queue, I was happily being wished a 'Happy Birthday.' Now, this may sound simple, but to me, it made that trip a truly memorable one, and it was thanks in large part to the Cast Members. That's the mark of an excellent Cast Member, in my opinion, and what sets Disney apart even more so. The attention to the little things really do matter in business and in the world in general. The Cast Members take pride in the details, and as a guest, it's noticable and highly appreciated.
The Cast Members also do a splendid job making every guest, whether they are six or sixty, feel as if they are a king or a queen. The crazy thing is that even when the guest is acting like the court jester instead of the king, the Cast Member is still doing their job to perfection. The hype around Disney often revolves around the treatment of children and making them feel like princesses and pirates. While that is enitrely true and deserved of the attention, as I have grown up, I have quickly realized that just because you may be older doesn't mean that the Cast Members have a different protocol for you. They still have one goal in mind, and that is to make your trip to a Disney Park magical.
Understandly, not everyone's encounter with a Cast Member is a pleasant one. In fact, I've had my fair share of negative encounters too, but that's just a part of life. For the most part, I leave an encounter with a Cast Member with a smile on my face and a memory to be made. I'm sure that if you have been to a Disney Park once or one hundred times, you can think of a time or two when a Cast Member just made your day. Sure, we go to the Disney Parks to meet characters, eat tremendous food, enjoy incredible rides, and so forth, but without the dedication of the Disney Cast Members, none of those things would even be possible.
So this Labor Day, as we take some time to appreciate the hard work that has gone into making America great, let's take a minute to appreciate the hard work the Cast Members put into making every Disney guest feel welcomed to those happy places.
To the Disney Cast Members, thansk for the continued memories.
-Cody Fleenor
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Why the Magic is Magical
As an unashamed lifelong Disney fan, one question people commonly ask me is, "Why do you love Disney so much?" For the everyday Disney obsessed person, the answer to this question seems so blatantly obvious. It's Disney, for crying out loud! However, it wasn't until recently that I actually stopped and thought about why it is that Disney holds such a near and dear place in my heart. For as long as I can remember, Disney has been an integral part of my life. From singing along to all of the songs with my family to watching every movie and television show imaginable to even venturing to a whole new world at the Disney parks, my life wouldn't look the same without Disney. That may sound cliché, and that may sound strange coming from a current twenty year old college student, but that's the truth. That's the beauty about telling your story too: it's your story. No one can take that away from you.
So why do I love Disney so much? Of the countless reasons that immediately flooded my mind whenever I was first thinking about what my answer would be, I somehow managed to narrow my list of reasons down to three key reasons that encompass a wide variety of reasons. I love Disney because of the entertainment, the escape, and the inspiration.
First of all, and probably the main reason a majority of people love Disney, the entertainment value with Disney is truly unparalleled. Everyone, including myself, can remember the first time they watched a Disney movie and beheld its majesty. For me, I vividly remember to this day watching The Little Mermaid with my grandfather who watched it with me almost every single time I went over to his house, which was quite often. There's just something about Disney that reminds you that life is meant to be enjoyed even if only for that hour and a half you're watching a Disney movie.
Some of the greatest songs ever to be written and recorded have come from Disney as well. I was born in 1995, the year Toy Story was released, so as a child, my first encounter with Disney music was the magnificent "You've Got a Friend in Me" performed by the incomparable Randy Newman. From the very first note to the final fade out of that song, life couldn't be better, as is the case with most of Disney's music. I have yet to meet a person who refuses to acknowledge that their day is not vastly improved upon after listening to such songs as "Be Our Guest" or "Hakuna Matata." I have also yet to meet someone who doesn't feel some sort of emotion upon hearing "A Whole New World" or "You'll Be In My Heart." If you are one of those people who disagree with those statements, I question the presence of your soul.
All in all, though, the entertainment value is unrivaled when it comes to visiting a Disney park. Whenever my family discusses destinations for a possible vacation, we always throw out a variety of ideas, but we always end at the Walt Disney World Resort. Why is that? I believe that it is because once you go once, nothing else truly compares. You can never be entertained by Disney enough. We can all recall the first time we were daring enough to ride one of Disney's more thrilling attractions, like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Space Mountain, and we can all remember disembarking those rides anxiously awaiting the next opportunity to do it again. Plus, we all have our personal favorite attractions that will forever be special to us not only for their sentimental value, but for their entertainment value as well. For me, I can ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean two hundred straight times, and then, I'll get right back in line for ride two hundred and one.
At the core of all that Disney does, entertainment shines. In reality, that was the original vision of the master himself, Walt Disney. He wanted to entertain the world, which he very successfully did, and now today, we still applaud the entertainment of Disney.
In addition to entertainment, the prospect of escaping into someone else's imagination (or for that matter, your own imagination) for a period of time is something Disney alone has been able to master. Think back to the most recent time you watched a Disney movie. For me, it was this little film you may or may not have heard of called Frozen. If you haven't heard of it, it's a pretty big deal so you might want to check it out sometime. Now with whatever movie you thought of in mind, think about how you felt while watching that movie. Distractions are a given and various other thoughts are unavoidable, but in large part, you were more than likely completely immersed in whatever was transpiring on the screen. For me, I never wanted to punch an animated character in the face as hard as I wanted to punch Hans! That's the power and beauty of Disney. As long as Disney is around, we all have the incredible opportunity to escape the world for a brief amount of time and get caught up exclusively in the lives of characters we grow to love and claim as our own.
If you've ever traveled to the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, picture this along with me if you will. You get off the classical monorail and instantly, you're surrounded with familiar sights, sounds, and smells. You proceed to the front gate of the Magic Kingdom and are welcomed by an always-smiling Cast Member. You behold the legendary Main Street Railroad Station and the beautiful site of multi-colored flowers. You walk through the gates, pick up your guide map and times guide, and finally, you are immersed in Main Street USA. Smells of the Main Street Bakery and Confectionery starve you from the beginning while sounds of the Dapper Dans illuminate your walk down the street. Then, one of the most magical moments of life is about to take place: you place your eyes on Cinderella Castle, and you know without a shadow of a doubt that this day is going to be magical. I don't know about you, but I'm getting chills just thinking about it. That's something only Disney can do. No mater how your life is before your vacation or before you watch a movie, for the amount of time Disney is in charge, everything else just fades away and your biggest concern is how do I get a Fastpass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Finally, every day, Disney absolutely inspires me. To be specific, the man behind the magic, Walt Disney, has inspired me beyond my wildest dreams. If you study the life of Walt, and I highly recommend that you do, you'll discover that Walt wasn't anybody special. He had his own unique gifts and blessings for sure, but at his core, he was just a man from Missouri who simply had an incredible dream. Once I came to that realization, his adage, "If you can dream it, you can do it," came alive to me like never before. Suddenly, I understood where Walt was coming and why he could say such a thing, and that's because he lived by that mantra every day he woke up, and that influence carried over to his films and theme parks. At the core of most Disney movies, you have a character with an insane dream that society tells them not to pursue. Then, you have a character who refuses to give up on their dreams no matter what the world may tell them to do. In a world nowadays that seems to constantly squander someone's dreams, what a radical statement Walt proclaimed over fifty years ago! Another one of my favorite quotes from Walt (in fact I have a shirt with the quote on it) is, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Dreams are often seen as impossibilities, but here's what I wonder though: what's so wrong with having dreams? Will having a dream prevent me from being a better person when I get older? In fact, I propose that dreams actually help us along that journey to become better people because as Princess Tiana tells us in The Princess and the Frog, "Fairytales can come true. You got to make them happen, it all depends on you." That's a revolutionary thought and an inspiring idea. That will get me through the highest points of life as well as the days that I hit rock bottom. It all depends on me.
I know I'm not alone in my love for Disney. In fact, it hasn't been until recently that I realized just how common us Disney fanatics really are, but one thing I think we all can agree on is that Disney has been, is, and always will be special to us all in some way, shape, or form. Whether you love Disney for the entertainment, the escape, the inspiration, or for a variety of other reasons, one thing is clear: we love Disney, and that's why the magic is magical.
-Cody Fleenor
So why do I love Disney so much? Of the countless reasons that immediately flooded my mind whenever I was first thinking about what my answer would be, I somehow managed to narrow my list of reasons down to three key reasons that encompass a wide variety of reasons. I love Disney because of the entertainment, the escape, and the inspiration.
First of all, and probably the main reason a majority of people love Disney, the entertainment value with Disney is truly unparalleled. Everyone, including myself, can remember the first time they watched a Disney movie and beheld its majesty. For me, I vividly remember to this day watching The Little Mermaid with my grandfather who watched it with me almost every single time I went over to his house, which was quite often. There's just something about Disney that reminds you that life is meant to be enjoyed even if only for that hour and a half you're watching a Disney movie.
Some of the greatest songs ever to be written and recorded have come from Disney as well. I was born in 1995, the year Toy Story was released, so as a child, my first encounter with Disney music was the magnificent "You've Got a Friend in Me" performed by the incomparable Randy Newman. From the very first note to the final fade out of that song, life couldn't be better, as is the case with most of Disney's music. I have yet to meet a person who refuses to acknowledge that their day is not vastly improved upon after listening to such songs as "Be Our Guest" or "Hakuna Matata." I have also yet to meet someone who doesn't feel some sort of emotion upon hearing "A Whole New World" or "You'll Be In My Heart." If you are one of those people who disagree with those statements, I question the presence of your soul.
All in all, though, the entertainment value is unrivaled when it comes to visiting a Disney park. Whenever my family discusses destinations for a possible vacation, we always throw out a variety of ideas, but we always end at the Walt Disney World Resort. Why is that? I believe that it is because once you go once, nothing else truly compares. You can never be entertained by Disney enough. We can all recall the first time we were daring enough to ride one of Disney's more thrilling attractions, like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Space Mountain, and we can all remember disembarking those rides anxiously awaiting the next opportunity to do it again. Plus, we all have our personal favorite attractions that will forever be special to us not only for their sentimental value, but for their entertainment value as well. For me, I can ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean two hundred straight times, and then, I'll get right back in line for ride two hundred and one.
At the core of all that Disney does, entertainment shines. In reality, that was the original vision of the master himself, Walt Disney. He wanted to entertain the world, which he very successfully did, and now today, we still applaud the entertainment of Disney.
In addition to entertainment, the prospect of escaping into someone else's imagination (or for that matter, your own imagination) for a period of time is something Disney alone has been able to master. Think back to the most recent time you watched a Disney movie. For me, it was this little film you may or may not have heard of called Frozen. If you haven't heard of it, it's a pretty big deal so you might want to check it out sometime. Now with whatever movie you thought of in mind, think about how you felt while watching that movie. Distractions are a given and various other thoughts are unavoidable, but in large part, you were more than likely completely immersed in whatever was transpiring on the screen. For me, I never wanted to punch an animated character in the face as hard as I wanted to punch Hans! That's the power and beauty of Disney. As long as Disney is around, we all have the incredible opportunity to escape the world for a brief amount of time and get caught up exclusively in the lives of characters we grow to love and claim as our own.
If you've ever traveled to the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, picture this along with me if you will. You get off the classical monorail and instantly, you're surrounded with familiar sights, sounds, and smells. You proceed to the front gate of the Magic Kingdom and are welcomed by an always-smiling Cast Member. You behold the legendary Main Street Railroad Station and the beautiful site of multi-colored flowers. You walk through the gates, pick up your guide map and times guide, and finally, you are immersed in Main Street USA. Smells of the Main Street Bakery and Confectionery starve you from the beginning while sounds of the Dapper Dans illuminate your walk down the street. Then, one of the most magical moments of life is about to take place: you place your eyes on Cinderella Castle, and you know without a shadow of a doubt that this day is going to be magical. I don't know about you, but I'm getting chills just thinking about it. That's something only Disney can do. No mater how your life is before your vacation or before you watch a movie, for the amount of time Disney is in charge, everything else just fades away and your biggest concern is how do I get a Fastpass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Finally, every day, Disney absolutely inspires me. To be specific, the man behind the magic, Walt Disney, has inspired me beyond my wildest dreams. If you study the life of Walt, and I highly recommend that you do, you'll discover that Walt wasn't anybody special. He had his own unique gifts and blessings for sure, but at his core, he was just a man from Missouri who simply had an incredible dream. Once I came to that realization, his adage, "If you can dream it, you can do it," came alive to me like never before. Suddenly, I understood where Walt was coming and why he could say such a thing, and that's because he lived by that mantra every day he woke up, and that influence carried over to his films and theme parks. At the core of most Disney movies, you have a character with an insane dream that society tells them not to pursue. Then, you have a character who refuses to give up on their dreams no matter what the world may tell them to do. In a world nowadays that seems to constantly squander someone's dreams, what a radical statement Walt proclaimed over fifty years ago! Another one of my favorite quotes from Walt (in fact I have a shirt with the quote on it) is, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Dreams are often seen as impossibilities, but here's what I wonder though: what's so wrong with having dreams? Will having a dream prevent me from being a better person when I get older? In fact, I propose that dreams actually help us along that journey to become better people because as Princess Tiana tells us in The Princess and the Frog, "Fairytales can come true. You got to make them happen, it all depends on you." That's a revolutionary thought and an inspiring idea. That will get me through the highest points of life as well as the days that I hit rock bottom. It all depends on me.
I know I'm not alone in my love for Disney. In fact, it hasn't been until recently that I realized just how common us Disney fanatics really are, but one thing I think we all can agree on is that Disney has been, is, and always will be special to us all in some way, shape, or form. Whether you love Disney for the entertainment, the escape, the inspiration, or for a variety of other reasons, one thing is clear: we love Disney, and that's why the magic is magical.
-Cody Fleenor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)